Let’s be honest: replacing your garage door isn’t the most exciting of home projects. However, no part of your home is going to function indefinitely, so it’s probably a job that you’ll have to tackle at some point. With this is mind, it makes sense to be prepared!
Some garage doors are quite small and relatively easy to replace, while others will definitely require some help. You could probably manage something simple like garage door spring repair on your own, but dealing with large doors, electronics and major faults is best left to the professionals.
Tips for replacing your garage door
If you need to replace your garage door, here are some tips for making the process as simple as possible so you can get it right first time.
Don’t ignore the problem
The first mistake to avoid is putting off dealing with a faulty garage door. If there’s anything wrong with it, don’t hesitate to fix the problem. A broken door not only makes everyday access more challenging, but it also creates a safety risk.
Consider functionality carefully
If you need to completely replace your garage door, you have a great opportunity to upgrade to a more useful product.
Thinking about how you use your garage is a good place to begin. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- Do you need to open the main door on a regular basis?
- What’s the most sensible way for the doors to open – one large up and over door, or two doors that swing out?
- Would it be helpful if you could operate it remotely and avoid getting out of your car?
- Is security a priority, or another element, such as design?
- Would a lightweight door be easier for you to operate?
- Is a low-maintenance material a good option for you, or are you happy with regular coats of paint or preservative?
Answering these questions will help you to create a wish list for your door that is tailored to your specific needs. Do this before you start looking at products.
Smart garage doors
You’d be forgiven for thinking there isn’t much tech you can add to a garage door. But smart garage doors are definitely a thing, and if you have the budget available they can certainly make life easier.
Remote operation is the most common feature of smart garage doors. The remote control allows you to operate the door from a distance, saving you time and effort.
Some smart garage doors also notify you when you leave them open, which is fantastic from a security point of view. You can even find products that allow you to setup automatic opening and closing via sensors – clever!
Think about kerb appeal
In addition to improving functionality, buying a new garage door allows you to improve your home’s kerb appeal.
Due to it’s size, a garage door is a prominent element of your home’s exterior. As such, it can have a big impact on the impression your property makes on visitors – and potential buyers. An attractive garage door can even add value to your home.
When choosing a door design, aim to complement the style of your home. For example, minimalist metal designs suit modern properties, while natural wood and small glass panels work well with more traditional and period homes. Obviously, your personal preferences are important here too.
Set your budget
As with any home project, it’s important to set a budget for replacing your garage door. It’s easy to get carried away once you start looking at products, so having a figure in mind before you begin is a good way to stay in control.
You may well have to compromise on the number of features, or materials used – another good reason to work out which elements are most important at the beginning of the project.
If you’re saving up for a new garage door, keeping your car in good condition is a good way to avoid unnecessary expenditure. Maintaining a basic car service regime will also help you avoid unexpected breakdowns on the road.
Garage door maintenance
So you’ve installed your brand new garage door, now it’s time to take care of it.
A new garage door should need very little maintenance, but it’s a good idea to perform a few basic jobs on a regular basis. These include oiling the mechanisms, wiping down tracks to ensure smooth opening, and tightening any fixings that may have worked loose.
If you’ve chosen a wooden door, make sure you apply preservative or paint regularly to protect the wood and extend the life of the door.
It’s also worth keeping a close eye on the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door, this is an area where wear and tear can easily occur. Keeping it in good condition will protect the contents of your garage, and also keep your door looking smart.
Spend a few minutes on this simple garage door maintenance each month, and you’ll help to avoid faults and keep your door in tip-top condition.
Hopefully these tips for replacing your garage door will make the process easier, and help you find the perfect product for your home. And if you’ve replaced a garage door and have a tip to add I’d love to hear it!
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