When choosing a garage door, consider the primary uses for your home. A well-chosen door can accent and amplify the first impression your property makes, as well as improve its value.
Sectional JCTZ Garage Doors run on vertical tracks above the garage opening. They swing open and closed on hinges at the end of each panel section.
There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of a garage door. For example, the type of door can impact maintenance costs. While a standard short panel model is inexpensive, upgrades like windows, high-end metal hardware and raised panels will add to the price. The type of material used will also affect the cost. Steel doors are generally the least expensive, while all-wood doors provide more curb appeal but require regular refinishing and offer little insulation.
A garage door is an integral part of your home, so it’s important to maintain its appearance and function. A worn or damaged garage door can lower your home’s resale value, so it’s important to repair it as soon as possible. The average cost to fix a broken garage door is around $150, but can vary depending on the type of repairs needed.
If your garage door is dented or rusting, it’s important to hire a professional. A garage door pro can hammer out dents and repaint panels to restore their original condition. They can also install new tracks, counterbalances and motorized openers, as well as reseal the edges of the door to prevent air infiltration. The cost of these services varies, but a basic steel or aluminum door will cost $250 to $2,000.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies include garage doors as part of the home coverage. Depending on the policy, homeowners can expect to pay up to $10,000 for replacement and repair of their garage doors. This is often enough to cover the full replacement cost.
The most common types of garage doors are sectional and roll-up. A sectional door consists of horizontal hinged sections that are rolled up and back along a track in the garage ceiling. It usually requires a motorized opener and may have built-in weatherstripping. Its insulating value is R-1.2 to R-8, and it’s usually available in wood or steel.
A roll-up door is typically made of steel or aluminum and rolls up into a cassette above the garage floor. It can be operated manually or with an electric opener, and it’s a good option for tight spaces. It’s a less insulated than a sectional door and can be noisy. It’s also more likely to need frequent maintenance because of its complex engineering.
Durability
A garage door is the primary barrier between your home and potential intruders, but it also plays a role in the aesthetics of your property. This makes it an important investment, as the design of your garage door can increase the value of your home. While multiple factors can influence how long a garage door lasts, it is generally advisable to invest in high-quality products that are well-maintained.
Steel garage doors are renowned for their resilience against adverse weather conditions. They can withstand rot, warping and cracking, making them an excellent option for homeowners who live in areas with severe climates. However, they may be susceptible to dents, especially if subjected to significant impact. Additionally, metal garage doors conduct heat, which can affect how well your air conditioning system regulates the temperature inside your garage.
Aluminum garage doors are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their affordability and durability. They are not as durable as steel, however, and they can be prone to rust if not properly maintained. In addition, aluminum is not as resistant to corrosive elements like salt and seawater carried by the wind.
Wood garage doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they require more maintenance than other types of materials. They need to be sanded down and repainted every couple of years to maintain their durability. This process removes stains, dirt and grime from the surface of your door and creates a smooth, even surface for new paint or stain to adhere to. Additionally, if wood is not protected with a waterproof sealant, it can be susceptible to water damage that can lead to bowing or splintering.
When a garage door is not balanced correctly, it will exert excessive pressure on the track and rollers, causing them to wear out faster. To prevent this, it is advisable to periodically inspect and lubricate the tracks. You can use a silicone-based lubricant that is resistant to extreme temperatures and will not promote rust. Also, make sure to test the photo-eye sensors regularly to ensure they are not obstructed or ajar.
Energy Efficiency
Garage doors play an important role in home energy conservation. Choosing an energy efficient model reduces utility bills and improves comfort by limiting heat loss and gain. This is particularly crucial in Southern California, where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between seasons. Energy-efficient garage doors also minimize noise and increase security. These features often come with an initial upfront cost, but the long-term energy savings and environmental benefits offset the investment.
Modern insulated garage doors are designed to meet a wide range of aesthetic and performance requirements. For example, some feature windows that provide a more attractive appearance, while others are available in a variety of sizes to complement other exterior elements. In addition, the insulation materials can be customized to improve energy efficiency. Insulated garage doors have lower thermal transfer rates than non-insulated models, which help to maintain a comfortable temperature in the attached living space.
In terms of maintenance, insulated garage doors are easy to keep clean and free from debris. In addition, they require less frequent repairs, making them a more economical option in the long run. However, it is important to check for any signs of wear and tear regularly. This will allow you to address any issues promptly and avoid further damage. It is advisable to schedule regular inspections with a professional Burlington garage door service.
Another way to ensure that your garage door is energy-efficient is by ensuring that it has true thermal breaks. These are located at the ends and between the sections of your garage door. These breakers prevent heat from transferring through the doors and into the living spaces attached to them.
In addition to the insulation properties of garage doors, many manufacturers offer a variety of other features that contribute to their energy efficiency. Some of these include photosensors that prevent the door from closing when something obstructs it, and smart technology that allows homeowners to monitor the status of their garage doors remotely. Additionally, some garage doors are designed to be more resistant to intruders and offer greater safety.
A well-maintained garage door is critical to energy efficiency, especially during the winter when outside temperatures drop significantly. It is a good idea to adjust the weather stripping in your garage periodically during the colder months.
Maintenance
Garages often become a home for tools, equipment, gym items and other things that accumulate dust and dirt. Over time, this dirt can settle on garage door mechanisms and cause everyday wear-and-tear, as well as electrical malfunctions. Cleaning and lubricating the system on a regular basis helps to minimize this problem.
A garage door is a large moving part that requires a substantial amount of force to operate. As such, it is prone to damage and deterioration over time, especially from harsh weather conditions. To protect your investment, you should perform regular maintenance to keep it looking new and functioning well.
Start by washing the exterior of your garage door. Mix mild detergent and warm water in a bucket, and scrub the surface with a sponge or soft brush to remove dirt and grime. Rinse with a clean hose to remove any remaining residue. Afterward, inspect the surface for cracks or chips and repair as needed. You should also address any scrapes or dents right away to prevent them from getting worse over time.
During this inspection, you should also check the hinges and tracks for rust or dirt buildup that can hinder smooth movement. If necessary, wash the hinges and tracks with a hose or power washer to remove buildup. You can also lubricate the hinges and tracks with a three-in-one lubricant to prevent friction between moving parts. Avoid using WD-40, which may attract dirt and dust buildup, and use a product designed specifically for garage doors.
Finally, you should inspect the cables and pulleys for rips or dents that could compromise the door’s ability to open and close. Because these components are under extreme tension, you should only complete this step if you are a savvy do-it-yourselfer or have the help of a professional.
The emergency cord that allows you to bypass the opener during a power outage should be checked for dents or gaps as well. If the cord is damaged, you should contact a technician to replace it. Also, make sure that the backup battery in your opener is in good condition and hasn’t been depleted.