When potential home buyers look for a new home, many desire a good, functional garage more than finished basements or attics. Generally, if you have a garage in your home, it will be worth more than other comparable homes. You can further improve the value, energy efficiency and safety of your home by updating your garage door. While your garage door should last you several decades, you may want to update your garage door to:
Increase your home’s resale value
Reduce maintenance
Save energy
Make your home more safe and secure
How Do I Know If I Need a New Garage Door? A garage door should last many years before needing to be replaced. Inspect your garage door at least once a year to make sure it’s functioning properly. When you conduct your inspection, you should check the following factors to determine if you need to replace or repair your garage door:
Opening and closing speed: You know your garage door is outdated if you have to wait a long time for the door to open or close. If you have a manual door, you should upgrade to an automatic garage door opener to increase its opening and closing speed.
Noise level: An outdated garage door will make creaky, scratchy noises as it moves along its rollers. Updated garage doors are supposed to run smoothly and quietly. If your garage door is making noticeably loud noises, you should replace your garage door and its hardware.
Safety and security: A new garage door can protect your valuable possessions. If you are worried your luxury car or tools are prone to theft, you should upgrade your garage door to provide more security for your home. You also need a door with safety features to protect your children, pets and neighbors from potential harm. A new garage door would include an automated reverse system that will stop the door if an object, animal or person is in the way.
Appearance: Inspect your garage for sagging, peeling or dents. Your garage door is one of the most eye-catching parts of your home, so you should make sure it’s in the best shape. If you notice your door has irreparable rot or stains, you should replace your door.
Technology: Modern garage doors have the technology to make your home safe, secure and insulated. If you need to open your garage door manually, or if your garage door is missing some safety features, you should buy a new one.
Functionality: Your old garage door will lose its functionality as a result of poor maintenance, overuse and weather damages. Replace your garage door if it doesn’t open and close properly.
Energy efficiency: Your garage door is supposed to insulate your garage, providing a comfortable temperature for your home. If you notice your energy bills start to increase over time, your garage door may be to blame. Modern garage doors have energy-efficient material and insulation built into them to help lower your monthly energy bills.
Improve Home’s Resale Value Replacing your garage door can boost the resale value of your home. Studies show that investing in a garage door will have have the highest return on investment, even more so than any other renovation, including adding a master suite. In particular, in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, you will typically have a 90.2 percent return on investment for your new garage door. Potential home buyers will be attracted to your new garage door. They will appreciate the unified look of your home and the safety and storage your garage provides for them. By spending a few thousand dollars to update your garage door, you will receive thousands more back during the selling of your home. Your garage door will also improve your home’s curb appeal. If you design a garage door that complements the rest of your home, you will create a cohesive look and an overall theme to your house. You can choose any color, material or design for your garage door. You can update your garage to enhance your home’s curb appeal by following these tips:
Use visual elements: When you replace your garage door, you can add unique features — including barn door cross beams, horizontal beams, vertical lines or windowpanes — to give your garage door a new look.
Pick an appealing color: The color of your garage door will also attract potential buyers. You can stick with an organic palette — such as natural wood or vinyl white — or you can paint your garage door a vibrant color that will stand out on your block. Try to use bold colors that will blend in with your neighbors’ homes.
Be creative with your accessories: To create a more visually pleasing garage, you can add accessories like trim, shrubbery or lighting to accent your garage door.
Complement your exterior door: To improve your home’s resale value, make your exterior door look the same as your garage door. Having a similar garage door to your exterior door will make your home’s appearance more cohesive.
Whether you want to increase your home’s resale value to put it on the market or update your garage door for your family to enjoy, replacing or updating your garage door is a wise investment. Reduce Maintenance An older garage door will cost time and money to repair. Your old wood garage door will need proper maintenance to avoid mold buildup. Aluminum or steel garage doors could have dents and rust stains from weather damage. Any wear and tear on your garage door can affect its functionality. If you replace your garage door, you will have less work to do to maintain and repair it. Modern garage doors are made with eco-friendly, sustainable material that requires less maintenance but still has a classic look. You can easily clean and paint your garage door to keep it fresh. Old garage doors were often prone to paint chipping that required constant care. Modern garage doors have long-lasting finishes and stains on them to keep up your door’s sophisticated appearance. A new garage door should last you several decades before you need to make any repairs. You should still follow routine maintenance checks, but you’ll have fewer emergencies if you replace your garage door now. You’ll also have new technology for your garage door, such as a new garage door opener and an automatic remote garage door opener. To prolong the life of your garage door, you can take the following preventative maintenance steps each year:
Inspect the hardware: Tighten any loose bolts and check the rollers and lift cables for wear and tear.
Clean chains, springs and seals: Lubricate the spring, chain and screws. If necessary, replace the weather seal if the material has been compromised.
Test your door: Once a year, check the balance of your garage door by disengaging the automatic garage door setting and manually opening and closing your door. You should also check the functionality of your auto-reverse feature.
Replace or repair the weatherstripping: In the winter, a draft could leak into your home without secure weatherstripping. If you notice your garage door is colder than the rest of the home, consider resealing your weatherstripping.
Clean your garage door: Depending on your door’s material, you may need to check your garage door for any dents, stains or chips in the paint. You should also clean your garage door regularly with an appropriate cleaner.
If you need help maintaining your garage door, you can contact your local garage door professional for information. A professional can inspect, repair or install a new garage door. Our estimates for new garage doors are always free. We can measure your opening and help you find the best garage door for your home and budget.
Integrity Garage Door Services.... A name you can trust! 832-641-0402
