7 Garage Door Makeovers to Inspire a Remodel

Garage doors are usually left alone until they need a fix, but what about giving yours a makeover before that happens? It might be time to enhance your garage door with new aesthetics that will improve your home’s value. A garage door makeover is a big project that requires a lot of work, but the results will be worth the effort. Here are seven garage door remodeling ideas that may make you want to redo your garage.

1. Paint the Exterior of Your Door

Aside from all the components of your garage door, there are surrounding parts that may need attention. The most notable of these is the doorframe. If the frame is a lighter color than the garage, you might want to paint it. Another part of your garage door that may be overlooked is the header. It’s the part that sits on top of the frame. It’s usually made of wood, so it’s not hard to paint. You can paint it in the same color as the door for a seamless look or choose different colors for more variety. Painting these areas first will give you an instant makeover.

The bolder the color, the more you can expect it to get noticed and make an impact. There are many vibrant hues to choose from when painting your garage door. You can use a dark red and add black accents. Or you might prefer a dark blue with white accents. These are just two examples of bold garage doors that make a statement. You can also decide to paint your door a solid color like black, white, red, green, or blue.

2. Update Your Hardware

The hardware on your garage door is what operates the entire thing, so it’s essential to keep it in good condition. If your door has screws, you may want to update them. If your door has bolts, you might want to replace them with new ones that are not stripped or rusted. You can also upgrade your door by updating the springs. If they’re old, you can replace them with compacted ones with a higher breaking rating, or you can simply get springs made of lighter metal. It’ll save you money, and most likely, the latter option will make your garage door quieter.

3. Replace the Whole Door

If you’re bored with your garage door and it’s also in poor condition, you might want to consider replacing it with a whole new one. You can go for a garage door with windows since it’ll allow light to enter your garage. Alternatively, you could choose one with a window just above the main door to add in a security system or an intercom system to let people outside your home easily communicate with you. If you have pets, you might want to choose a door with a window at the bottom so they can see outside. You can also select a new garage door that’s made of a different material that will be longer-lasting and more resistant to damage than the old one. Replacing your door is one of the most significant changes you can make to your garage to give it a new look. At Garage Door Doctor in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN, we can install new garage doors to provide you with that fantastic modern look.

4. Add Panels to Your Door

If you want to give your garage door a new look while preserving the aesthetic of your home’s design, you can add panels. These are usually made from wood and metal, and they can have paintings, riddles, or other designs on them. Wooden panels can be stained in dark or bright colors, while metal panels can have painted designs. You’ll want to choose a style that you like and that complements your house. For example, panels look good with rustic, suburban, and industrial styles. Panels can be welcome additions to a garage door that seems too plain. You can have them made and installed before or after your garage door makeover is finished.

5. Add Lights

Much like panels, lights can improve the aesthetic of your garage door. You can attach lights to the top of your door. You can also attach lights to the sides so that the door will illuminate when opened. Lights at the bottom of your door would be suitable for illuminating any tools or other items that you may occasionally need. Decorative lights can add to the original look of your garage door and make it more appealing for visitors since you can easily see what’s going on inside. You can get lights made from metal and attach them to your door. These lights will be more functional than decorative, but they can still look good.

6. Add an Alarm

Many homeowners want an alarm on their garage door but don’t want to spend too much money on it. This is where a wireless garage door alarm comes in handy. This system is popular among homeowners because they no longer have to deal with cables and wires to their garage door, making it easy to install. This alarm doesn’t require any wiring. Everything you need comes in one package, including brackets that you can use to attach to your door. This alarm will give you an extra layer of security and protect you against thieves.

7. Install a Remote

The remote that you can use to control your garage door is the same type of remote you can use to control a TV or DVD player. They’re all wireless, and they operate at different frequencies. The controller can be placed anywhere inside your home, preferably near the garage door so that you will have easy access to it. The remote can also be placed on a wall in your home where you can access it easily. This type of remote will make it simple to open and close your garage door whenever you need to. The remote can also be programmed with several different codes. This way, you can open and close your door whenever someone rings your doorbell or when you ring the doorbell yourself. The remote is essential for any home with a garage door.

There are many different ways to give your garage door a new look without spending a lot of money on it. These methods will transform your garage door into a beautiful addition to your home. When you update your garage door, you may notice that it’s quieter, stronger, and more durable and that your garage is much more convenient to use. You can also enjoy the benefits of a more secure home when you decide to install a remote that’ll allow you to quickly and easily open and close your door.

At Garage Door Doctor, we offer garage door repairs and maintenance services in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and the surrounding areas of Indiana. We’d love to help you give your door that new look and make it more appealing to use. We also install garage door openers and replace old or damaged garage doors. Contact us now for more information or a free consultation.

The post 7 Garage Door Makeovers to Inspire a Remodel appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

Your garage door company will make the process seamless mostly on your end, but a little family preparation never hurts.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

Previously on our garage door company blog, we’ve discussed in detail how to keep your kids safe around garage doors. But these powerful machines aren’t just a hazard to the children in your household; in the right circumstances, they can pose a safety hazard to anyone, regardless of age.

We’re not saying garage doors are inherently unsafe! Indeed, the industry has made great strides in the last few decades in this respect. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, for example, put a regulation into place in the 1990s that made garage door openers vastly safer to use. That being said, hundreds of pounds of material that opens and shuts via a mechanical system demands respect and care—and Door Power, your Norwood garage door repair specialists, are here to educate. Below, we’ll give you a few practical tips that will help keep your family safe and happy with your garage door installation for years to come.

Practice Preventive Maintenance

We talk a lot about this subject on our garage door company blog, but because it’s the number-one thing you can do to keep your garage door going strong—and your family safe—it bears repeating. The more frequently you keep up with your garage door care and the more you proactively schedule the necessary garage door repair services, the safer your family is. It’s that simple.

Consider garage door cables, for example. These heavy lifters are responsible, alongside your garage door springs, for performing the countless lifts and closes that you demand of your door each year.

While these cables are made of metal and are therefore strong, even they can fray, especially when they are forced to compensate for other facets of your garage door that aren’t working at their prime. Not only will you experience a service interruption if this happens, but the door itself may fall off the tracks, swinging into nearby people or vehicles. Plus, whiplash from a metal rope is dangerous in and of itself.

With regular care and TLC, though, both on your part and that of your garage door pro, you’ll catch any problems long before they get to this point—so there’s no need to worry.

Ensure Everyone Has Access

Of course, this is probably already so on a good day—but what about if you experience an unpredicted service interruption? Being able to get inside your home is as much a safety requirement as getting out of it in an emergency is.

Can everyone get into the garage if they need to? Do the appropriate people know how to manually open the garage door? The questions you’ll need answers to depend on your individual family structure, but the following can help fix any access problems you come across:

Consider Remote Access With Liftmaster

We love Liftmaster, both for its state-of-the-art garage door openers and for its remote access technology! It grants you access to your garage door’s functions with the push of a button, not to mention lets you know when the machine opens or closes otherwise.

While it’s no substitute for the preventive maintenance that prevents service interruptions, it can come in handy in a pinch if, say, you forget to grant someone access to your home while away on vacation, or if you need to let the kids in when they return home from a late playdate with the neighbors.

Don’t Forget the Keys

Garage doors are amazingly reliable machines when properly cared for, but it’s always a great safety measure to make sure yours isn’t the only access point your family has to your home. If, for example, a surprise winter storm freezes the thing shut, there will need to be other ways to get inside, lest someone get caught out in the cold.

Manual keys are still a great option if your family members can keep track of them. While preventive maintenance will ensure a reliable garage door, these can give you peace of mind in a pinch.

Don’t Overlook Strange Noises

Both commercial and residential garage door installations should run quietly—within a spectrum, of course, as some models outperform others. If you hear a noise, there’s definitely something wrong, and that something could very well lead to a safety problem.

Though in many cases squeaking or grumbling can simply mean your garage door needs lubrication, it can sometimes signal something as dire as a bent track or a garage door spring that’s bent out of shape. Perhaps the most telltale sign of all that there’s an issue is a loud bang that’s hard to ignore. This means your garage door spring has broken and that the machine is no longer safe to operate.

Door Power: Norwood Garage Door Repair Pros

For a healthy garage door and a happy family, you know just the company to call. Reach our Norwood office today at 952-467-3199.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

 Spring cleaning is underway in and around the home again. Windows are sparkling, cobwebs are disappearing and the lawn is getting prepped for another summer. In the midst of all the sweeping and shampooing, cleaning the garage door often gets overlooked. We get it, there’s a lot going on. Between work and focusing on your family, washing down the garage door is last on the list. We want to encourage you to make time for this important chore.

 

Check out why…

 

When maintenance and proper care are observed, your garage door should have a life span of about 20 years. Washing it on a regular basis, (twice a year is recommended) helps protect your investment and extend its life.

 

Your door is exposed to all kinds of elements-sun, rain, snow, wind-after a while, they can take a toll on your door and affect the finish. Washing on a regular basis helps to protect the finish from erosion and rust. If you have a wooden door, you should also be refinishing the surface every so often, besides keeping it clean. Keep your door from going dull and maintain its outer look.

 

Is your home for sale? A good wash is essential for curb appeal! If your lawn is beautiful and your homes exterior on point, you don’t want that marred by a dull looking garage door. Keep that door sparkling and the overall look seamless.

 

We live in an area that, come winter, gets treated with salt fairly regularly. Keep rust and erosion, (and possible repair bills), at bay by keeping your door clean.

 

A clean door lets you see any damage more clearly. As you wash the exterior, take a moment to inspect the interior. Look over the track, springs and motion sensors. Check for dings or scrapes on the door that could get worse. When you notice problems sooner, they can be addressed in a timely manner.

 

Time to Wash!

 

A mild cleaning solution is best for most finishes. Dish or car wash soap will do well to get off the dirt and grime. Mix 1 cup soap with 2 gallons of water. NEVER add bleach, as that could ruin a doors finish.

Choose non-abrasive sponges or a soft cloth. Opt out of using rags or used clothing as they may already have grease or other cleaning products on them. Have some clean cloths on hand for drying as well.

You may need a small step ladder to reach the top of the garage. Make sure it’s sturdy!

Start from top and work your way down. Don’t be afraid to put some elbow grease into it. Make sure to really concentrate on the lower portion that gets exposed to most of the grime.

Hose the surface gently to remove all that dirt. Don’t be tempted to use a pressure washer, you could really damage the finish that way.

 

Enjoy your spotless door and let our staff know if it’s time for a routine maintenance appointment. 

 

 

This post first appeared on https://www.abedoors.com

Garage door installations can stand up to nearly anything with the right weather care and attention from a garage door repair pro.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

Did you know that garage doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home? Though they might look sturdy, they still have to be lightweight enough to raise and lower. This can lead to issues when your home encounters intense storms. If you want to avoid major damage to your home, you need to make sure your garage door has the right wind rating.

The Average Strength of a Garage Door

The typical garage door is usually strong enough to resist winds of at least 20 miles per hour. This means that they usually won’t get damaged by the typical thunderstorm or snowstorm. However, most garage doors won’t rip off the second the wind goes over 20 mph. Instead, they just start to weaken at this point. Extended exposure to wind over 20 mph is enough to cause problems with your garage door.

Typically, 20 mph wind resistance is the bare minimum for garage doors. It is very common for doors to be able to resist higher amounts of wind. Many doors marketed as “wind-resistant” can withstand winds over 100 mph. These doors can usually withstand up to 50 pounds per square inch of pressure from the wind. There are even specially designed impact doors that can resist winds of up to 200 mph.

How Do You Find Your Garage’s Wind Rating?

Indiana’s building codes aren’t extremely strict about wind ratings for garage doors, so there’s no guarantee that your door can withstand a certain amount of wind. To be prepared for any extreme weather, you need to take the time to check your door.

Look along the inside of your garage door for a label. This is often an orange, white, or yellow sticker somewhere along the side of the door. If you do not see a label, try looking up your door’s model number online. You can often find a user manual with details about the door’s wind resistance. Once you locate the label, you can look for the part of the label that says something like “design wind speed.” This will tell you the maximum speed of wind the door can handle.

Your garage door label will actually have a lot more information beyond just the maximum wind speed the door can handle. As you look at the label, you’ll find a spot that says “PSF” with a low number and a high number. The PSF rating will tell you the number of pounds per square foot of force that the door can handle. This helps you get a better idea of how the door handles pressure as the wind pushes against it.

There is a positive and a negative PSF number because wind can hit your door from multiple directions. The positive number refers to how much pressure your garage door can handle when the wind blows against it. The negative number refers to how well your garage door can handle wind pressure sucking the door out of the frame.

Understanding What the Different WindCode Ratings Mean

If you’re concerned about your garage door’s ability to stand up to wind, it might be helpful to learn a little about WindCode ratings. WindCode is a standard rating system developed by Clopay. It takes into account things like the garage door’s size, its maximum wind speed, and its position on the building. This rating has levels ranging from W-1 to W-9, with higher ratings meaning the door can resist higher wind speeds.

Some garage doors may mention their WindCode on them, or you can use Clopay’s WindCode calculator to find your garage door’s code. Once you have the WindCode for your door, you can see if it’s appropriate for your exposure level. The exposure rating refers to how exposed your house is to the wind. Homes surrounded by forests or other homes get less battered by wind, while homes on open plains or by oceans get intense wind forces. It is important to find a door with a WindCode rating that gives you enough coverage.

What Will Happen If Your Garage Door Encounters Extreme Wind Speeds?

If your garage encounters winds it cannot resist, it is likely to either buckle inwards or get pulled outwards. The end result is a lot of damage to your garage door. Some issues can be repaired, but it’s more common for homeowners to need to buy a brand new door. If the high winds are accompanied by other extreme weather, you can also end up with a lot of water inside your garage. This can damage any stored items or cause flooding.

A door that is pushed in or ripped off by wind does more than just expose your garage to the elements. It is also a big structural danger for the rest of the home. Modern houses are designed to work as a single cohesive unit. If a large hole appears in any of the walls, you can get uneven pressure zones throughout the home. Wind can funnel into your garage and end up knocking over walls or pushing your roof off. Ultimately, even a tiny bit of damage to your garage door can weaken your home’s structural integrity.

How to Choose the Right Wind Load Rating for Your Needs

Now that you know about all the dangers of a weak garage door, you might be rethinking your current situation. If you are in the market for a new garage door, you need to carefully consider the door’s wind resistance. Many homeowners want a wind-rated door that can withstand at least 50 mph winds. This gives you coverage from most issues like storms, tornados, and blizzards. If you live in an area with a lot of wind, you might want to select an even stronger door.

Though safety should be your priority, it’s also important to consider your budget. Typically, a higher wind rating comes with a higher cost. If you need an affordable garage door, you might want to avoid getting an unnecessarily strong door. However, keep in mind that a higher wind resistance can be good even if you don’t encounter storms. Many insurance companies will give you a discount on your premium if your garage door meets certain safety standards. Check with your insurance company to see if they adjust premiums based on garage door type. In some cases, the higher cost for a door might be offset by lower insurance.

Can You Improve Your Door’s Wind Rating?

If you aren’t happy with your door’s wind rating but don’t want a brand-new door, you do have the option of installing a bracing kit. A wind bracing kit won’t improve your door’s ability to withstand wind-flung objects. However, it does keep the individual panels from buckling when a strong wind hits. This retrofit kit is quite affordable and can help your door withstand wind speeds of over 100 mph.

Are you worried about your garage’s ability to withstand wind? Garage Door Doctor is here to help. Since 2009, we have been helping the people of Indianapolis with their garage doors. Our team is comfortable working with both residential and commercial doors, and we provide a variety of installation and repair services. To schedule a free consultation about your garage door, give us a call today.

The post How Much Wind Can Your Garage Door Handle? appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

From lubricating your garage door tracks to assessing your garage door cables, lots needs doing this season—and this garage door company is here to help.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

Some turn their noses up at wooden garage door installations, but when you partner with us, they give steel a run for its money.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

ndiana is fortunate to enjoy a mild and temperate climate and pleasant weather for most of the year. But the Hoosier State is certainly no stranger to seasonal weather extremes, and those are the times when it’s really nice to have a garage in your home. You’re on your own when you get out on the roads, but you’ll never have to worry about bringing in groceries in the rain or spending all morning chiseling ice off your windshield! Here’s a look at how you can ensure that your garage doors remain fully functional all year long, no matter what Mother Nature might have in store for you.

Indiana Weather Conditions at a Glance

Indiana is located between USDA hardiness zones 5b and 6a, with the northern part of the state located in zone 5b and the southern part of the state located in 6a. Indiana’s temperate climate means that we get hot and muggy summers and cold winters with frequent snowfall. We do get more seasonal average rainfall than the rest of the United States, but our winter storms are comparatively milder than they are a little further north.

You won’t normally have to make any extraordinary preparations to deal with Indiana’s weather extremes, aside from running your heating and air conditioning as needed and dressing appropriately. You might need to make additional home preparations for cold conditions in certain areas of the state and will need to take certain precautions if you live near a body of water or in a floodplain area.

Preparations for the Fall and Winter

Before the cold season hits, the first thing that you want to do is to check the batteries on your garage door opener remote. It’s a pretty simple (and often overlooked) way to ensure your garage door will open each and every time that you need it. Be sure to also check the integrity of your weather stripping. Your garage door is your first line of defense against the elements, and it can help you lower your home energy costs. Even if your garage isn’t fully finished out and insulated, keeping your garage door closed can make a big impact. If you still have older garage doors without built-in insulation, you can insert foam panels for additional weatherproofing to tide you over until you’re ready to make an upgrade.

Your garage door also prevents excess humidity from entering your garage and hastening the growth of rust and oxidation. The other part of keeping rust away is properly lubricating metal parts. Garage door opener maintenance isn’t a DIY project, and you can void your manufacturer’s warranty if you attempt to perform any unauthorized repairs on your own. Fortunately, you don’t need any special training or technical skills to use a can of WD-40!

You’ll want to be sure to lubricate the track and all of your metal components such as the rollers, springs, hinges at least a couple of times a year. Lubricate these parts more frequently if you hear squeaking sounds. If you hear grinding sounds, that often means that you have a bigger problem. Your springs and your track can be particularly vulnerable to cracking and damage during the winter months, and you might need to have a part replaced or have some other professional service performed. Garage door springs are an inexpensive part to replace, but if you wait too long to get them repaired then minor issues can quickly develop into major issues.

Be sure to know where all of your snow and ice removal equipment and supplies are located and keep them convenient. If you have a snowblower, this is a great time to start it up and make sure that it will be ready when you need it. Be sure to keep your eye on the weather conditions at all times and be ready to spring into action at any time!

Preparations for the Spring and Summer

After you’ve made it through the winter months, it’s time to assess the damage. The first thing you’ll need to do is clean up all the accumulated debris from the garage door and floor. A dirty garage door will usually work just as effectively as a clean one, but you’ll want to keep the track and sensors clear at all times. You also need to be on the lookout for rust and water damage. Be sure to visually inspect the garage doors for damage.

Cleaning your track doesn’t require any special tools or equipment, but even small debris can affect its operation. Lubricating the metal parts of your garage door opener reduces routine wear and tear and delays the spread of rust.

Annual Maintenance

If you’ve ever had a car stuck in a garage before, you were probably prepared to pay almost anything to get the garage door open. You definitely need to make a call when your garage door gets stuck or when your garage door opener is completely inoperable. However, an annual maintenance call is often the “stitch in time” that you need to prevent a crisis situation in the future. Your garage doors and your garage door openers function best when you do your part, but they’re not a DIY project. Even if you’re a skilled home handyman, you owe it to yourself to schedule annual professional maintenance.

During your annual garage door maintenance visit, we’ll begin by assessing the integrity of your garage door seals and we’ll inspect your garage door opener and track. The most common problems that we encounter are damaged springs and routine wear and tear. Bolts can get loose and your track can get out of alignment when metal parts expand and contract in response to hot and cold conditions. We’ll make sure that the track and sensors are all properly aligned, and we’ll tighten everything up and lubricate all of the components.

Should I Replace My Garage Door?

It might seem a little difficult to justify the cost of a new garage door if your garage door isn’t damaged, but you’d be surprised to learn how affordable it can be to make an upgrade! A newer and more modern garage door is a great way to improve your curb appeal and lower your energy costs! If your existing garage door is malfunctioning or if you’re just interested in a new look for your home, we’re a phone call away!

Garage Door Doctor has been proud to serve The Hoosier State since 2009, and we believe in providing a customer service encounter that’s second to none! We’re always a phone call or a mouse click away when you’re ready to schedule a free no-obligation estimate, and we guarantee transparent up-front pricing with no hidden fees! We’re proud members of the International Door Association, and we have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau!

Contact Garage Door Doctor today to schedule residential, commercial, and industrial garage door services in the Bloomington or Indianapolis metropolitan areas! We provide same-day service and appointments and 24/7 emergency service when disaster strikes!

The post How to Prepare Your Garage Doors for Indiana Weather appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

Whether you’re considering undergoing a drastic renovation or just decorating your home, new custom garage doors are an excellent way to improve curb appeal. They can give your home a completely different look and put it at the top of the list for buyers in the area if you’re planning to sell, or provide a great looking backdrop as you welcome friends and family into your home at holiday time.

The Benefits of Custom Garage Doors

Garage doors must be safe and functional, but they can also be beautiful. Not only is it a valuable asset that can increase the value of your home, it is also a means of creating an attractive entryway that can be a joy to return to after a long day. In addition to protecting your car, the custom garage doors we source from trusted companies are built to last. A custom garage door can add value and beauty to your home for the long term. Unlike builder-grade doors which are usually done as cheaply as possible, custom garage doors can be made specifically to bring a new dimension of beauty and style to your home.

Choosing the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home

Garage doors come in many different styles and materials so there is sure to be one that would suit the style of your home perfectly. The main considerations are the material, style, and color.

Garage Door Materials

There are many custom garage door materials available, including steel, aluminum, wood, etc. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Garage Door Styles

Having the perfect garage door is not your only choice when it comes to being able to improve curb appeal and add a trendy look to your home. You can always go with a standard modern steel garage door, a beautiful wooden door, or a full-view glass door.

Garage Door Colors

The garage doors that you choose should be complementary to the other features on the home, There are many color schemes to choose from when it comes to garage doors. If you want your garage door to blend seamlessly with the style of your home and seem as if they were an addition and not a standalone component, than it’s best to pick a neutral color such as white or beige. But many of our popular custom garage doors are a contrast to the home, including wood grains, darker colors, and even straight black.

For a better idea of how different garage door colors and styles look on homes, visit our garage door gallery. These projects have photos along with the description of the new garage door(s), such as make, model, material, color, and style.

Finishing Touches

There are several options to consider to add character and fine-tune the look of your garage door. One example is decorative hardware, with handles and hinges that give the door a more functional appearance.

Garage doors can often be made to match or complement the look of existing doors, columns, and eaves on the property. This brings out the features that add character and charm to your project, while at the same time giving it all a unified feel.

Windows, which are typically placed on the top panel or to one side, are an appealing way of breaking up and adding character to otherwise plain surfaces. The natural light introduced to the garage or living area helps to brighten the space and make it more inviting.

Custom Garage Doors in Utah

Custom garage doors may be exactly what your home needs to make it feel like a home. Custom garage doors and their customization options and variety will give you the opportunity to find the perfect features that appeal to your needs, vision, and style. Garage doors can be built to meet just about any need. You can choose the style, materials, size, and color for your home.

Our team at A Plus Garage Doors provides free quotes in Utah (check our service areas) and help to decide the perfect garage door for you. We offer a wide array of services to better serve your needs.

The post Enhance Curb Appeal with Custom Garage Doors first appeared on A Plus Garage Doors. This post first appeared on https://utahgaragedoors.net