We often take our garage doors for granted, assuming they’ll reliably open and close at our command. But over time, negligence plus wear and tear from the weather conditions here in Fort Worth, TX, take their toll. This causes the garage doors on our homes to become slower, noisier, and potentially compromised for security.

If you’ve noticed a decline in your garage door’s functionality or want to be proactive in preserving its longevity, read on to discover why scheduling regular garage door maintenance in Fort Worth can save you from unexpected headaches and costly repairs. And learn ways you can ensure that your garage door continues to perform at its best throughout the year.  

The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance in Forth Worth

Fort Worth, TX, has a humid subtropical climate with summer heatwaves, cold winters, and frequent storms that may bring rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

These varying weather conditions can significantly impact the functioning of your garage doors. The intense heat can cause the metal components of the door to expand and contract, leading to misalignment and difficulties in opening or closing the doors smoothly. And the humidity can cause rust and corrosion, further affecting the performance and longevity of your garage doors.

Seasonal maintenance, at least twice a year, including once before the scorching summer heat and once before the colder winter months, can help address minor issues before they become significant problems. This proactive approach can save you from the inconvenience and potential costs of unexpected malfunctions and prolong the lifespan of your garage doors.  

Top Reasons for Regular Garage Door Maintenance

Adding garage door maintenance to your seasonal to-do list may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s worth your consistent attention. Investing your time and effort in seasonal garage door maintenance allows you to avoid these potential consequences and gain the following long-term benefits.

Steer Clear from a Potential Safety Hazard

A poorly maintained garage door can pose a safety risk. Worn-out components such as springs or cables may break, causing the door to become imbalanced or suddenly malfunction and fall unexpectedly, resulting in injury or damage to property.

Prevent Expensive Repairs

Detect and address minor issues before they become bigger, more costly problems. By conducting routine inspections and promptly addressing any issues, you’ll save money in the long run and significantly delay the need for a complete door replacement.

Ensure Smooth Operation

Lubrication of hinges and moving parts helps to reduce friction, preventing unnecessary wear and tear. Additionally, adjusting springs regularly helps to maintain proper tension and balance, preventing excess strain on the door mechanism and ensuring efficient operation.

Enhance Energy Efficiency from Weatherproofing

Regular inspections of seals and weather stripping protects your garage and everything inside it from harsh weather conditions. When you identify gaps or damage that could let in water, wind, or cold air, you’ll cut heating and cooling costs by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.

Prevent Security Breaches

By scheduling regular inspections and maintenance checks that look for potential security vulnerabilities, such as faulty locks or weakened hinges, and rectifying them promptly you’ll

maintain your home’s overall safety and security. By ensuring your garage door remains in optimal condition, you can minimize the chances of unauthorized access or entry.

Help Noise Reduction

No one likes hearing a rattling garage door. Performing regular maintenance makes your living experience more enjoyable by eliminating the noisy operation of your garage door. Regularly tightening loose hardware and replacing worn-out parts can give your ears and everyone within a hearing range a welcome rest.

Enjoy Peace of Mind

Knowing that you have taken steps to ensure your garage door functions seamlessly and reliably allows you to focus on your day-to-day activities without having an unexpected malfunction disrupt your routine. With a properly maintained garage door, you can trust that your home and belongings are safe and secure.  

What seasonal maintenance does your garage door need?

By following these steps and seasonal maintenance tips, homeowners can minimize wear and tear and reduce the chances of making repairs or replacing the entire unit.

1. Regularly Inspect the Garage Door

To ensure proper functioning and safety, check the following components for signs of damage or malfunction during your inspection.

• Look for frayed cables or rusted hardware
• Examine the door for loose hardware or damaged parts, potentially affecting its performance and increasing the risk of accidents.
• Assess the weather stripping to ensure there are no cracks or gaps that could allow drafts, pests, or moisture to enter the garage
• Check the door’s balance and functionality by opening and closing it multiple times and listening for any unusual noises or signs of strain
• Test the safety features, such as the auto-reverse mechanism, to ensure they function properly
• Look for any dents, cracks, or other damage to the panels of the garage door

2. Apply Lubrication to Moving Parts

Lubrication reduces friction, prevents damage, and extends the lifespan of the garage door’s hinges, rollers, and tracks to ensure smooth and quiet operation. Be sure to use a lubricant that’s specifically designed for garage doors, and avoid using excessive lubrication.

3. Clean and Protect the Garage Door

Remove any dirt or debris from the tracks and rollers of the garage door to prevent them from becoming clogged or interfering with proper operation. Also, apply a protective coating to the door to shield it from extreme weather conditions such as rain, sun exposure, or ice.

Hire OGD® Garage Door Maintenance Services in Fort Worth

Protect the longevity and optimal functionality of your garage door. If you live in Fort Worth, TX, hire the professionals at OGD® to help you maintain and keep your garage door functioning at its best. Our highly skilled team has the expertise and experience to ensure your garage door’s constant smooth and efficient operation. Contact OGD® today and enjoy a properly maintained garage door that enhances your Fort Worth home’s security, convenience, and aesthetics.

Depending on the point of failure, you may be facing a simple repair or a full replacement. Continue reading to learn about garage door basic requirements, essential parts, and modern upgrades. If any of these are acting up or absent from your garage setup, consider it a sign that you do need a new garage door.

Legal Requirements

It may or may not surprise you that there are laws governing garage doors and garage door openers that are sold in the United States. Such safety standards are made to protect consumers and their loved ones, so if your garage door system is older than any of these basic requirements, you should absolutely look into replacing it.

Inherent Reverse

Federal law requires that all residential garage doors sold in the United States must have an inherent reverse mechanism built into the opener. An inherent reverse mechanism, also known as an automatic reverse mechanism, is the means by which a garage door opener can stop closing the door and lift it up again immediately when instructed to do so. It must be paired with an entrapment-sensing device such as an electric eye, which will tell the door when to engage the mechanism.

Inherent reverse capabilities are important to prevent the heavy garage door from trapping and crushing anything beneath it. This not only protects your car and personal property but also your loved ones. Children and pets who may not understand the danger are especially at risk of serious injury or death around a garage door unable to automatically stop and reverse.

30-Second Clock

In addition to the inherent reverse mechanism, the law also requires that garage door openers come with a device called the 30-second clock. The 30 seconds refers to the amount of time a garage door opener is allowed to fully close the garage door. Should it fail to close the door within this time, the opener must lift the door up again.

The idea behind the 30-second clock is that a garage door unable to fully close within 30 seconds is likely being obstructed somehow. This obstruction could well be a person or animal caught under the door, so the best course of action is to reopen the door.

Of course, a perfectly functional inherent reverse system would render the 30-second clock obsolete. However, there are cases where this secondary safety system could prevent a disaster. For instance, a simple entrapment sensor may only sense obstructions within a few inches of the ground. Obstructions above that height, such as oversized cargo in the back of a car or two people carrying a piece of furniture between them, will not trigger the automatic reversal. For that reason, this secondary safety feature is not an option but a necessity.

Emergency Manual Release

Finally, all garage door systems are legally required to contain an emergency manual release switch. This switch allows a human operator to immediately disconnect the garage door opener from the door itself, and it typically appears as a red handle hanging beneath the garage door opener.

Like the previous two requirements, the emergency manual release switch is intended to minimize the danger of entrapment by garage doors. Modern garage doors usually do not need a physical lock or latch because modern garage door openers put up such a powerful resistance to external efforts to lift the door. Unfortunately, in the case of entrapment, this convenient feature can easily become problematic, preventing rescuers from lifting the door to free the victim. The ability to quickly disengage the opener is therefore extremely important.

Wear and Tear

Garage door systems are heavy-duty machines that will experience wear and tear with usage and age. In some cases, a faulty component is an easy individual fix. In other cases, it may be the writing on the wall for the entire system. Continue reading to learn how essential components may fail, and how that affects the system as a whole. If several essential components are breaking down at the same time, it is time for you to consider replacing the whole thing.

Safety System

In the previous section, we covered the importance of having an automatic reverse mechanism and entrapment sensor built into your garage door. This importance extends to the need to regularly test and maintain this safety system.

Under no circumstances should you test your safety systems with an object of value. Take a spare piece of lumber or plastic and wave it in front of the electric eye. This should trigger the inherent reverse mechanism. Next, you can test the stopping mechanism and 30-second clock by obstructing the edge of the descending door above the sensing range.

A great variety of electronic and mechanical issues can cause the safety systems to malfunction. If your garage door fails any of these tests, it needs to be seen by a professional as soon as possible. Depending on the damage, you could be facing a quick and easy fix or a lengthy and expensive repair process. In the latter case, you may want to consider the costs and benefits of fixing versus replacing your garage door opener.

Springs

Another component of garage door systems that inevitably wears over time is the spring(s). Garage doors are extremely heavy. For a small motor to lift such a heavy door, the key is a powerful torsion spring.

Springs are simple machines that store mechanical energy thanks to their coiled structure and material properties. Torsion springs store this energy when one end is twisted. When a garage door is lowered, its weight applies torque to wind up a torsion spring. When the door reopens, this stored energy is slowly released to help the garage door opener manage the heavy weight. This repeated exercise will wear down and eventually break the spring given enough time.

If your garage door has closed and refuses to open again, the problem may be with the torsion spring. It is usually located near the ends of the tracks, perpendicular to the direction of motion. If the torsion spring appears to be fine, the problem may be with one or two extension springs, commonly located near the upper corners of the closed door. These are also load-bearing components that help to counterbalance the weight of the door.

Should any spring be broken, it will need to be replaced by a professional. Both torsion spring and extension spring installation are very dangerous, not unlike setting a giant mousetrap, because of the energy stored in the spring. The risk of serious injury and death is very real and must be respected. As the owner, you should stand back and weigh the cost of replacing the broken spring against the cost of a full system replacement, based on the age and condition of the remaining components.

Cables and Pulleys

If there are no broken springs, the next thing to check would be suspension cables and associated pulleys. The cables can usually be found connecting the garage door to the spring(s). Should one of them have failed, the door may open inefficiently or unevenly, perhaps tilting to the point that it becomes stuck on the tracks. Should both of them have failed, the full weight of the door will fall on the small motor in the garage door opener, which is simply not strong enough to lift several hundred pounds by itself.

Moving and load-bearing components such as springs, cables, pulleys, tracks, and fasteners are all prone to mechanical wear and tear. It is not uncommon for these components to reach the ends of their respective working lives at approximately the same time, in which case it would be safer and more cost-effective for you to replace the entire system and start anew.

Motor

This one may be the most obvious, but motors do not last forever. The motors in most garage door openers have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. Sometimes a certain component of the motor will give out before its time, which is a relatively simple fix for a garage door professional. Passively waiting for the whole unit to die is likely to result in a trapped car, right when you are already late for work. If your door opener is living on borrowed time, the best way to appreciate it is with a planned retirement and a graceful transition to a new garage system.

Improvements and Upgrades

Of course, you can want a new garage door for reasons unrelated to its essential function. Your garage door opener might be overly noisy, your garage door might be superficially damaged, or you might want to improve your home security with modern technological upgrades. If you have the budget for it, the garage is an excellent place to invest in home improvement.

Reduced Noise

Classic garage doors operate with a chain drive, similar to the chain on a bicycle. Chain and sprocket systems are strong and effective, but they can be extremely noisy. This may not matter for detached garages, but owners of attached garages have much to benefit from an upgraded drive system, especially if the garage is located underneath or next to a bedroom.

More modern drive systems include screwdriver (screw) drives and belt drives. Belt drives are the quieter of the two, but both are significantly quieter than the classic chain drive, without sacrificing strength or durability. Your family member(s) who sleep lightly or like to sleep in will thank you for the upgrade.

Structure and Aesthetics

Sometimes it takes more than a fresh coat of paint to revive an old garage door. Being constantly exposed to the elements means a garage door will be weathered over time. Glass may be broken, and wooden panels may warp and crack. Such is life.

That said, cracks and holes in your garage door not only expose your belongings to the cruelty of nature but also invite potentially unwelcome visitors like mice, rats, snakes, and bugs into the sanctity of your home. To maintain the barrier between the indoors and the outdoors, you will need to repair the door. Depending on the extent of the damage, though, it may be easier and cheaper to just buy and install a new door.

Home Security

In addition to keeping Mother Nature out of your garage, a new and improved garage door system can help you keep unwanted human visitors from entering your home. Older garage door openers respond to a fixed code, making them easy for intruders to hack. Newer models use a rolling code system, which is much harder to take advantage of.

Other security tips include but are not limited to the following:

• Install a lock on the garage door. Not the one for cars, but the one for people, which leads into the house.
• Install motion sensor lights and/or a camera.
• Cover any windows that look into the garage.

Common sense says to be aware of your surroundings. If your neighbors are improving or upgrading their garage doors, consider following suit.

A well-functioning garage is an invaluable addition to your home, but a faulty or outdated garage can imprison your vehicle and endanger your family. After reading this article, you are fully equipped to identify inadequate, damaged, and outdated garage components. With this knowledge, you can decide with confidence whether or not your garage is in need of repair or replacement, ideally before an incident occurs.

If you are in the market for a new garage door system, you may wish to continue reading about The Benefits Of Investing In Your Garage Door, or reach out to our garage door experts.

However, if your garage door needs to be repaired, it’s best to go with a professional repair company to avoid future issues. Now, you might ask yourself: should I hire a professional garage door repair service? You’re in luck if you’re wondering about the top reasons why you should turn to a professional for your garage door repairs. This article covers why a trained and certified professional should handle your garage door repairs.

Your Insurance Company Might Require Professional Repairs

While you might think that repairing your garage door by yourself is easier and cheaper than professional services, this isn’t necessarily the case. Many insurance companies require you to hire professionals for any garage door maintenance or repairs. Additionally, manufacturer warranties can require professional repairs at no extra cost to you.

An insurance company might only pay for garage door damages if you hire a garage door repair firm. DIY repairs are considered a liability for many insurance companies, so if you lack the credentials to repair your garage door, you likely won’t receive any insurance payout.

DIY Repairs are a Safety Risk

DIY garage door repairs are incredibly unsafe if not completed by a professional. Hiring a professional will protect you from danger or injuries when repairing a garage door without the necessary tools. Garage door injuries are far from uncommon, and if something goes wrong with the springs on your garage door, you can face severe injuries and incur medical expenses.

Professional garage door repairs will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that your garage is safe and secure. Because professionals have the right equipment for garage door repairs, you can rest assured that you and your family won’t face bodily harm from the repairs.

You Might Not Have the Right Tools

Without the proper tools for garage door repairs, you are likely to create further damage and higher repair costs. Many of the tools you’ll need for a garage door repair are difficult to find in your average toolbox, and lacking these tools means you can’t fully repair your door. Even minor issues in your garage door can snowball into more significant problems that require massive repairs if you attempt a DIY repair without the necessary tools.

Professional services will have all of the necessary equipment to repair your garage door in a timely and cost-effective manner. If you are not a professional, you can’t be sure that you’re fixing the correct issues with your garage door or identifying everything that needs repairs. To ensure that your garage door is completely fixed, you need to hire a professional with all the tools and equipment to get the job done right.

You Can Protect Against Thieves

Garage doors are crucial for keeping your home protected against thieves and break-ins. If you repair your garage door by yourself instead of hiring a professional, you risk misdiagnosing the issue and leaving vulnerabilities that thieves can take advantage of, causing massive damage.

Homeowners often require a functioning garage door to protect cars, tools, and valuables from theft. Hiring a professional repair service ensures that experts will fix your garage door to prevent burglaries. Hiring a repair service is doubly important if your garage is connected to your main house, as many thieves will see a faulty garage door as an easy entry point to your home.

You’ll Save Time and Money in the Long Run

Some people are reluctant to have their garage doors fixed by professionals because they worry about costly repairs. If you are worried about how much your garage door repairs will cost, remember that hiring professionals will save you time and money in the long run. DIY garage. Door repairs will take two to three times longer than repairs completed by a professional would.

If you choose to fix your garage door independently instead of hiring a professional service, you might incur more issues that lead to additional costs. Fixing your garage door by yourself will ultimately result in costlier, more frequent repairs, wasting your time and money.

You Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Garage Door

Repairing your garage door on your own could shorten the lifespan and quality of the garage door, meaning that you will have to pay for a total replacement sooner than you might expect. Many repair services offer limited lifetime warranties when repairing or replacing your garage door. Additionally, a professional service will fix your door and give it a longer lifespan with high-quality performance and protection.

Many issues with garage doors lead to long-term problems if not addressed and repaired by a professional service. A professional garage door repair service will fix your door system and extend the life of your garage door.

You Won’t Be Responsible for Lingering Issues

If there are lingering issues with your garage door that repair services overlooked, you will not be responsible for any damages to your door incurred during the repair process. Professional garage door repair services take full responsibility for anything that happens to your door during the repair period.

Additionally, professional services offer a warranty to protect you against any potential damages you encounter during the warranty period. You will have to pay future repair costs out of pocket when you repair your garage door independently. If you hire a professional service and notice problems during the warranty period, you can get repairs at no extra cost.

Professional Repairs are More Convenient

Hiring a professional garage repair service will be more convenient for you in the long run for numerous reasons. Professional assistance saves you time and money on frequent repairs and eliminates the need to seek out advanced, hard-to-find tools that you’ll need to repair your door correctly.

Instead of jumping through hoops to repair your garage door by yourself, you can quickly call a local repair company to get the door back to functioning conditions. Doing this lets you focus on other tasks and plan your day as usual.

Limiting Your Liability

Hiring a professional garage repair service will limit your liability in the future. Suppose you sell your home down the line, and the new homeowner gets injuries from the faulty garage door. In that case, they can file an insurance claim and potentially leave you liable if they discover that you repaired the door without professional services. This event means you will have to pay for any injuries sustained from the garage door and leave yourself vulnerable to insurance claims and lawsuits.

Boost Your Home Value

DIY garage door repairs can lower the value of your home if not done correctly. If you want to sell your property in the future, you will struggle to get your asking price if the garage door doesn’t work correctly. Hiring a professional repair service maintains or boosts the value of your home depending on your door’s current condition, making it easier to sell your property quickly and at a reasonable price.

High-Quality Work

Even if you successfully solve some of the issues with your garage door on your own, you can’t guarantee quality work unless you hire a professional repair service. A temporary fix won’t improve the overall quality of your garage door. If you want your garage door to operate smoothly, you need to hire professionals that will give your door the high-quality care it needs.

A professional garage door repair company will have the tools and knowledge necessary to solve any issue with your garage door, whether the issue is a broken piece of your door, faulty springs, or a jammed door. Professional repair services have technicians with vast knowledge and expertise in repairing your garage door with high-quality products and name brands that you might not be able to find or afford on your own.

Improve the Appearance of Your Garage Door

No matter how well you fix your home’s garage door, you can’t guarantee that your solutions will help you maintain a pleasant appearance. Even if you aren’t too fussed about how your home looks on the outside, you should consider the overall appearance because it will significantly impact your property value. By hiring a professional service, you guarantee high-quality solutions and an appealing appearance to maintain the value of your home.

Professionals Have Proper Experience for Garage Door Repairs

Ultimately, your garage door repairs will fall flat if you don’t have the right experience and credentials. You can only do DIY repairs properly if you are a professional garage door repair technician. Understanding your garage door’s mechanics requires extensive training and knowledge that you can’t learn overnight.

Garage door repair technicians understand the best ways to calibrate your garage door and diagnose the main issues. By hiring a professional garage door service technician, you can guarantee that all issues with your door are fixed quickly.

You Can Find Emergency, 24/7 Garage Door Repair Services

Garage doors can start malfunctioning without any indication of previous issues. For instance, you might come home one night and realize that something is wrong with your garage door that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Without the right tools and knowledge, you won’t be able to fix your garage door promptly. Even if you start DIY repairs immediately, it will take significantly longer to complete than a professional.

Many garage door repair services can help you solve your garage door problems around the clock. A broken or malfunctioning garage door will cause multiple issues in your daily routine, meaning that you need it repaired quickly. Only professional garage door repair specialists can get to your home quickly and provide proper repairs as soon as you need a solution.

How Do I Know if My Garage Door Needs Repairs?

While you know the benefits of hiring a professional repair service instead of repairing your garage door on your own, the issue of cost and convenience might still be in the back of your mind. You may assume that your garage door is only experiencing minor issues that don’t need any repairs or are simply a sign of age, such as a noisy garage door or a door that shakes when it’s opened and closed. So, how do you know if your garage door needs repairs, and what should you look out for before hiring a professional service?

First, you should keep an eye on how fast or slow your garage door’s response time is whenever it opens or closes. When you press your garage door opener, it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds to start moving. If your garage door takes longer than a few seconds, pauses partway through the opening, or jerks when it opens and closes, you should contact a professional repair service. If the door doesn’t open or close completely, you will need some repairs as soon as possible.

If you notice that your garage door is coming off its tracks, you should hire a repair service immediately. Garage doors slipping off their tracks can cause severe injuries and damage. Also, call a repair service if you notice strange noises coming from your garage door when it opens or closes. While all garage doors make some noise, strange, excessive sounds like grating, squeaking, popping, and rumbling require professional diagnosis and repair.

Repair Your Garage Door Today

If you need immediate garage door repairs, you must enlist professional help as soon as possible. We provide high-quality, nationwide garage door repair services to ensure that your garage is fixed promptly and with no trouble. Our local teams offer same-day services and around-the-clock help to ensure your garage door is safe and secure.

Our team offers services in numerous cities nationwide, making them a practical and high-quality option for anyone concerned about their garage door. If you need garage door repairs now, contact the experts today to solve any problems before they get worse.

Do you have a loud or bent garage door prone to sticking? Is your automatic door opener starting to fail just as we start to get more rain? Rather than sticking it out, it’s time to get a real quote for garage door repair cost from a garage door repair company.  

Read on for a part-by-part breakdown, as well as repair considerations to keep in mind. 

Garage Door Repair Considerations 

When it comes down to pricing out your garage door repair project, you’ll want to consider things like labor, materials used, and where you live. If you’re completing the project yourself, you can save on labor costs– however, this might cost you more money in the long run. 

Labor

Of all of the possible household repair projects, garage doors are some of the least easy parts to repair. If you decide to work with a professional, choose a company with several years of experience. 

Most companies will need to send two technicians to complete the project out of safety. Garage doors are heavy and awkward, so you’ll need to factor in these labor costs when requesting a house call. Expect labor costs for the service call and more if repairs are needed.

Materials

Material costs have increased or are hard to get these days. Even if you are expecting a simple spring repair, remember that you often need much more than just springs to get the garage door working again. New springs, brackets, and hardware can be required for that single project, which can add up depending on the repair work needed.

In addition, remember to consider how many panels or doors you will need to repair when receiving a materials quote. 

Geographic Location

Supply and demand of garage door repair supplies will inform the price of professional services. If you live in a more urban area, you can expect a higher quote just due to the cost of materials and the amount of demand for that kind of service. 

Additionally, if the technician has to travel a long way to get to your home in a rural area, their final fee may reflect the trip. Discuss these factors during your initial consultation to avoid any surprise costs down the road. 

How Much Does a Garage Door Repair Cost?

How much does it cost to fix a broken garage door? Garage door installation can cost more than a thousand dollars, depending on the type of door and the repair. Prepare your budget and add 20% for potential overages or unexpected costs. 

A professional will price a repair based on the amount of labor, the type of door, tracks, and any hardware that needs to be replaced or repaired. Neither design nor material should affect the amount of time it takes for a repair, though certain supplies may be impacted by supply chain shortages. 

Permits for Garage Door Repairs

When you start a garage repair project, a permit is likely the last thing on your mind. Do you need one? Depending on how extensive the repairs will be, you may need a permit for the following projects: 

• Structural changes
• Electrical work
• Adding an addition to the garage
• Replacing windows or garage doors

Though some cities and homeowner’s associations can be strict on the updates you make to your property, the permit for replacing your garage door might not even be necessary. Check in with your city’s residential code to see if your project requires a permit.

This permit should only apply to you if you are completely replacing your garage door– especially if you live in an area where hurricanes or inclement weather can be damaging to the structures on your property. If the repair on your garage is minor and something you can do yourself, you shouldn’t have to worry about this step. Just head to the hardware store and get to work! 

Common Garage Door Problems

Many homeowners can go years without a garage door repair. However, when the time comes, these are the most common issues that arise with garage doors: 

• Broken door springs
• Faulty switches
• Bent tracks
• Off-track or misaligned doors
• Panel damage
• Broken garage door locks
• Rust
• Faulty control box
• Remote issues
• Other electrical issues (with automatic doors only) 

If you aren’t entirely sure what the problem is, give a professional garage repair service a call. They can take a look at how the garage door is opening and closing and determine an efficient fix. 

Garage Door Repair: Individual Parts

The most common repair needs will be for individual parts that aren’t working as well as they used to. If you’re making the repairs yourself and aren’t sure what to expect, take a look at this checklist. 

Garage Door Spring Repair

Most garage door springs run an average of $20 to $100 for one spring. If you need to replace or repair more than one spring, expect to spend anywhere from $40 to $200 for parts alone. Because of the amount of weight and tension involved with spring repair, you should always call a professional for this kind of work. 

The type of spring system can also inform how much you will end up paying for a repair. Types of springs and their associated costs include: 

• Torsion springs ($400-$800) – mounted horizontally over the garage door opening that twist as the door is closing and release energy as the door needs to be re-opened 
• Extension springs ($300-$500) – stretch and compress; the most common type of garage door spring 

A spring replacement is the most common type of repair done on a garage door. This is because they have a limited lifespan (about 10,000 cycles), so constant raising and lowering will guarantee a repair or replacement at some point down the road. 

Garage Door Panel Repair

The panel of the garage door is what you likely think of when you think of door components. It is the solid portion of the garage that makes up the door and is prone to minor cosmetic damage. If panels are dented or cracked from accidents or impact with a vehicle, they may need to be patched or repaired.

Garage door panel repair will cost you from $300 to $800. If a repairman can simply patch the holes and cover cracks, a full replacement shouldn’t be necessary. 

A complete door or panel replacement is going to be one of the more expensive aspects of garage ownership. A full replacement may cost you between $400-$1500 depending on the material and style of the garage door. Remember– if your garage door is older, an exact replacement may not be available. 

Garage Door Door Motor Repair

The motors of an automatic garage door are responsible for opening and closing the door. If a motor is no longer doing the job, it may need to be adjusted, cleaned, or oiled to start working again.

If cleaning or oiling doesn’t work, call a technician for an adjustment. This should cost between $200 to $300. 

Garage Door Lock Bar Repair 

The garage door lock bar is used to secure the garage door when it is closed. This keeps your home and possessions safe. 

Lock bars corrode or wear down over time if they are not cared for. Cleaning, oiling, and lubricant treatments can keep them working smoothly. However, if it is time to replace them, it will cost between $75 and $175 on average for new lock bars.

Standard Lock Repair or Replacement  

Just like if they were coming to work on your house, a locksmith will charge $50-$75 to come onsite, and an additional $90-$325 to replace the locks. They can also add additional locks if you feel like you need to step up the security on your garage. 

Misaligned Sensor

It’s best to have a broken or misaligned sensor repaired as quickly as possible. The problem can range from minor irritation to danger if small kids or pets get in the way of the door. 

Most modern garage doors are equipped with sensors that detect objects or people that might be in the way as it tries to close. If the sensors stop working, the door might continue closing onto the object or person. Sensor issues are usually resolved by rewiring or realigning. 

If your garage door won’t close, the sensor may be obstructed or misaligned. If you cannot realign the sensors on your own, this can be fixed for about $150-$200. 

Garage Door Opener Repair

Garage door opener repairs will usually run from $75 to $300– all depending on the opener type and components. The actual repair will either involve: 

• Opener remote issues – check the batteries in the remote before calling a technician
• Opener wiring – will require the work of a technician to attend to the wiring 

The difference between garage door opener types is how the motor drives the trolley or carriage along the rail. This might involve either a belt-drive system or a chain-drive system. If the repair is due to the type of drive system, call a garage repair service right away. 

If you aren’t happy with the type of garage door opener you currently have, you may consider replacing it entirely. Belt-drive systems tend to have fewer maintenance needs, though basic chain-drive openers are cheaper than direct-drive or jackshaft-drive openers. Chain-drive systems tend to create more noise and vibration than other types, while a belt chain will provide quieter, smoother operation. 

Garage Door Lintel Repair

The garage door lintel is the beam above the opening. It forms part of the frame and supports the weight of the wall. This may need to be repaired if the wood has rotted, or if the metal has corroded over time. 

A repairman can restore a lintel with cleaning, restoration techniques, and additional reinforcement. It should cost $100 to $400 for a repair. 

Track Problem

Your garage door should move along the track cleanly and smoothly when opening and closing the door. The garage door track might need repairing if it is no longer opening or closing properly, or if you notice the wheels are getting stuck or grinding against the track. Try cleaning and lubricating the track first.

If this doesn’t help, bring in a professional to bend the track back into place or to replace it entirely. If the door continues to fall off of the tracks or out of place, request a realignment. The door must be carefully aligned with the repaired tracks in order for the garage door to effectively open and close. 

If you cannot bend the track back into shape, a dented or bent track will cost around $125 to $150 to replace. If the door has come off of its tracks, you can pay to have it put back into place for $170-$290. 

Garage Door Cable Repair 

Cables perform various functions such as keeping a spring in place if it breaks and keeping the counterbalance for your door in the appropriate position. If the garage door is screeching or whining, this is most likely a cable repair problem. 

Cables may fray or break over time. Cables usually cannot just be repaired. Unless a repairman can simply reinforce the cable, it must be replaced entirely.

A broken cable will run you $75 to $200 because of the time and effort it takes for a technician to replace it. To avoid future issues, maintain the garage door by keeping all pulleys, chains, springs, and tracks lubricated to avoid stress on the opener. Keep yourself on a strict schedule to avoid missing necessary maintenance. 

Noisy Door

A noisy door can be extremely inconvenient if your door is attached to your house, or if there are additional living quarters above the garage. Use lubricant or check for debris if your garage door is making noises like: 

• Grinding
• Squealing
• Screeching

If lubricant or a good clean doesn’t help fix the noise, bring out a professional to take a look. There may be a deeper underlying problem with the track or the alignment of the door. 

Broken Glass

We’ve all been there– a stray basketball or rock breaks the glass window in your garage door. Fixing or replacing a glass panel professionally is usually around $75. If you can repair yourself, the glass alone may cost as little as $25.

Bad Circuit Board

If you have an automatic garage door, there may be some electronics repair required. Replacing the circuit board will cost about $100. You will also need to reprogram the remotes used to open and close the garage door in order to use them again. 

Rollers and Hinges

This type of repair shouldn’t run you too much if you are purchasing the materials yourself. It should cost around $10 to $15 to fix each damaged or broken roller. Hinges will run you about $10 apiece. 

Garage Door Frame Repair

The frame on a garage door sits around the outside. This defines the door and also offers additional insulation. A garage door frame is typically made out of wood, which can lead to damaged or rotting frames. 

A garage door frame repair will cost an average of $100 to $400. A garage door frame repair will typically involve patching and additional reinforcement. If enough rot or damage has occurred, a complete replacement may be warranted. 

Garage Door Materials 

The type of garage door material will greatly affect the final cost of your repairs or replacement. Common garage-door material types and their corresponding replacement costs include: 

• Steel – costs $2500 – $5,000
• Wood – costs $6500 – $10,000
• Wood Composite – costs $6,000-$10,000
• Faux Wood – costs $6000 – $10,000
• Aluminum – costs $2500 – $3,000
• Fiberglass – costs $2,200 – $4,000
• Vinyl – costs $2,200- $4,000

These materials tend to range in quality from budget, premade materials to sleek, high-end builds. The most common garage door type is steel, as they are typically maintenance-free, durable, and reasonably priced. 

Cheapest Garage Door Materials

Of the materials in the above list, uninsulated steel and aluminum garage doors tend to be the cheapest types to repair and install. If you’re looking to replace or repair a garage door on a budget or time crunch, these are your best bet. 

Aluminum doors tend to cost $350to $750 to repair. They will usually require dent repair or re-alignment, as aluminum is rust-resistant and good for humid areas. 

Mid-Range Garage Door Materials

Garage door materials like wood, glass, or steel are more expensive than uninsulated steel or aluminum. The good news is that these materials tend to be more customizable, include windows, and can withstand the weather better than cheaper garage door options.  

As far as the repair of these materials, wood is the most expensive material to repair, ranging on average from $350-$750 for one house call before painting costs. This cost may vary due to the type of wood. 

Steel doors are extremely durable but are prone to rust damage. Fixing a steel garage door typically costs around $350-$750.

High-end Garage Door Materials 

100% wood or glass doors are the most expensive type of garage door. These doors are usually completely customizable and very pleasing to the eye. 

Fiberglass is durable in both hot and cold climates and will resist splitting. On average, repairing fiberglass doors costs $350-$750. 

Garage Door Styles

The style of the garage door will certainly impact the cost of repair. Popular garage door styles include: 

• Roll Up – costs $2,200 – $10,000 to replace
• Glass Roll-Up – costs $5,000 – $25,000 to replace
• Standard Panel – costs $850- $2,250 to replace
• Carriage – $1,500 – $20,000
• Carriage Stamp – $1,500-$20,000

Unsure of what type of garage door you have? Check out this quick guide for reference. 

Glass or Standard Roll-Up Garage Door

A roll-up garage door contains horizontal sheets of steel. Instead of running on a horizontal track system, the sheets coil up in a roll on the ceiling of the garage. 

Walk Through or Pedestrian Door

A walk-through garage door contains a door that’s built into the sectional garage door. Rather than walking through a side door into the garage or rolling up the door entirely, a walk-through or pedestrian door allows you to let yourself in through the convenient built-in door. 

Tilt-Up Garage Door 

Tilt-up doors are built in one piece rather than numerous panels. To open, the door is pulled back on a pivot before being lifted onto a track on the ceiling. 

Standard Panel Garage Doors

Panel garage doors are the most common type of door. They are usually fitted with springs so the door can be opened without a manual opener. This allows the door to slide up and into the space in the ceiling of the garage. 

French Garage Door

French garage doors open sideways like doors in your home. They’re on a hinge and are least likely to be seen on a traditional garage. If you are converting your garage into a studio or living space, this might be a great option for you. 

Carriage Doors

Carriage garage doors are a very classic and high-end look for larger homes. Some historic homes may have this type of door if the original architecture has been preserved. As the name suggests, carriage doors swing open wide enough to fit a carriage-sized vehicle. 

Garage Door Maintenance 

Garage door maintenance can be performed on a regular schedule by the average homeowner, though many technicians will offer certain maintenance services for a small fee. On a seasonal basis, make sure you’re inspecting your garage door for these potential problems. 

Note Any Strange Noises 

Listen to the door as it opens and closes. While the material itself might make some noise, it shouldn’t give off scraping or grating sounds.

The door should be reasonably quiet, but you can lubricate with WD-40, if necessary. 

Check All Screws and Hinges

Check for loose screws and tighten right away. The vibration of the everyday operation of your garage door can loosen screws and hardware. Lubricate hinges with a $5 can of WD-40.  

Test Sensors

Test your garage door sensors. To do this, start with an open garage door. Place something on the garage floor that is in the way of the door, and test to see if the door stops closing when it comes close to the object.

Make sure the sensors are aligned by checking that the lights turn on. Replace if the sensors fail your test– new sensors should cost about $150-$200. 

Clean and Inspect Tracks

Clean the garage door tracks. Using a ladder, look up and inside of the tracks to ensure they are free of debris and rust.

If you find dust, use an air compressor to blow out or wipe clean. Use a ladder and take a look inside the tracks. Be sure they are free of debris, and there is no rust. 

Make sure the tracks are level and straight. Using a level, make sure the vertical parts of the garage door are plumb. If necessary, clean the tracks with a $5 bottle of carburetor spray or brake cleaner instead of a lubricant. 

Inspect Rollers

Take a look at the rollers. If they are at all worn, chipped, or cracked, they should be replaced for optimal performance. You can replace all rollers that are not attached to a cable. Usually, the bottom rollers are connected to cables, and those should be replaced by a professional due to the high tension on those wires. Rollers should be replaced every 5–7 years, so make a note of the last time they were replaced on your maintenance schedule.

Check Pulleys and Cables

Check the pulleys and cables on your garage door, but try to avoid working on them yourself. If you see signs of wear like broken strands, it’s time to call a professional. Remember– these are high-tension parts and should only be worked on by a highly-trained technician in order to avoid further damage or additional expenses. 

Tighten Chains and Belts

If you find sagging chains and belts, tighten them up. Make sure you release the door from the opener prior to trying to make adjustments. 

Check Weather Stripping

If the weather stripping is peeling off or flapping in the wind, it’s time to replace it. This part should be tight against the surface of the garage door. 

Complete a Full Visual Inspection

Do a general visual inspection of how the door looks. Keep your eyes open for rust, peeling paint, and any other damage.

If the door needs a new coat of paint, make sure to prepare the surface according to the material. Wood, steel, fiberglass, or aluminum will require different treatments. Remove rust with sandpaper. 

If you don’t need to paint, great! Just clean the door with the right kind of cleaner.  

Check Door Balance

Does the door seem to be off-balance or difficult to open manually? It shouldn’t be extremely difficult to lift or fall down if you leave it halfway up. 

Give this a test by releasing the automatic opener and opening manually. Halfway up to the top, let the door go. It should stay in that position without moving. 

Test Batteries and Lightbulbs

Your automatic door opener should have a light and backup battery. Unplug the garage door opener box to make sure the backup battery is working. Also, be sure to check the batteries in your remote.

Average Garage Door Installation Cost

Hands down, installing a brand-new garage door will be one of the more expensive home improvement projects you’ll perform around the house. If the garage is beyond a simple repair, this might be the best investment for you. Reasons for a new garage door installation include: 

• Home value – replacing your damaged or high-maintenance garage door can significantly impact the value of your home
• Appearance – making updates to the exterior could impact the look of your current door
• Cooling and heating costs – reduce heating and cooling costs with a door that has an R-16 insulation rating
• Safe storage – keep your items insulated and safe from inclement weather with a properly fitted door
• Increased utility – if your current door isn’t insulated enough, you may not want to spend much time in the space
• Improve security – if your current door can’t be secured in an effective way, put your home and belongings at risk
• Personal safety – if you don’t have a photoelectric detector that can sense if someone is coming in and out of the garage, there is a risk of injury if the garage door won’t stop its motion 

If you are interested in a completely new garage door installation, prepare to pay $600+. A typical single-door garage costs  $600+  installed. Popular double-car doors cost $800+ to be installed. 

Labor costs for your new garage doors will likely run you $600-$1500 per unit. Keep this in mind when you receive your quote. 

Custom Garage Doors

Customizing a garage door may cost anywhere from $3,500 to $25,000. Homeowners may decide to do this for additional features or to ensure it matches the aesthetic of their home. Some customization options include: 

• Windows
• New panels and trim
• Shatterproof or frosted glass
• Barn door-style garage doors
• Murals or custom paint jobs

Compared to stock options, a partially custom or completely custom garage door usually provide longer guarantees and a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. Some may include installation, depending on the provider. Do your research before committing to a package. 

Insurance and Garage Doors

Can you use insurance to pay for a garage door repair? 

In the event of certain damage that occurs to your garage door, your insurance company might pay to have it fixed. This isn’t wildly common, however, and any claim you make might increase your monthly premium.

Bring In a Professional 

A garage door is not something to always try and fix yourself. Working with a reputable technician will ensure high-quality work and that it is all completed in a timely fashion. No need to worry about starting a project that won’t be finished in time for your visiting in-laws! 

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. When it’s time to schedule a proper fix, book your garage door repair online for both residential and commercial projects. 

Your garage door springs are why your garage door opens and closes. With proper maintenance, your mighty springs can last for 12 years or more, depending on the type. 

But do you know anything about garage door spring repair? 

When springs have too much tension, they can break and leave you with an unbalanced and potentially dangerous garage door. 

Find out the top reasons why you should replace garage door springs here.  

What Does a Garage Door Spring Do?

Garage door springs do the heavy lifting. They make it easy for garage doors to be lifted by counteracting the force of gravity on the door. Springs also act as safety mechanisms to stop garage doors from suddenly falling. 

Garage door springs fall into two major categories: extension springs and torsion springs. 

Extension Springs

An extension spring system is mounted on either side of the garage door track. They are around two to four feet long. Extension springs store energy by extending when the door is moved. 

There are three types of extension springs: 

1. Open-looped extension spring
2. Double-looped extension spring
3. Clipped-end extension spring 

Extension springs can result in a jerking motion and can move at erratic speeds depending on the level of force used during the opening. 

When an extension spring breaks, it will snap off and hit something or someone at a considerable force. Snapping extension springs have been known to cause severe injury and even death. 

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted on a torsion pole and located parallel to the garage door, directly above its opening. Depending on its size, it can have one to four torsion springs. 

Both torsion and extension springs work similarly. They use weight and gravity to gain and release tension when you open and close your garage door. 

The only difference is that torsion springs twist when the door closes. When the door opens, they release energy by twisting in the other direction. 

Torsion springs are considered the better option as they are sturdier and last longer. Although they are more expensive, torsion springs allow for more controlled motion and less wear on your operator. 

How Do You Know Your Spring Is Broken

The two most common signs of a problem with your garage door spring are balance issues and excessive squeaking. 

Let’s take a look at both. 

Balance Issues 

An unbalanced garage door usually means the springs aren’t providing enough tension to counterbalance the door’s weight. Or the springs are exerting too much tension. 

You can identify an unbalanced door by the following: 

• The garage door is uneven when opening and closing
• The garage door makes strange sounds when opening and closing 
• The garage door takes longer to open and close 
• The garage door won’t open 

An unbalanced door puts extra strain on the opener. If you leave the problem for too long, the opener can fail, or the spring will snap. When the spring breaks, the door can come crashing down. 

Excessive Squeaking 

Excessive squeaking is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong with your springs. While squeaking now and then is normal, excessive squeaking can point to a bigger problem. 

Applying lubricant might solve the problem, but your springs may be worn out or broken if the noise persists. At this point, you will need to replace the springs. 

While replacing a garage door spring yourself is possible, it’s best left to the professionals. Not only do you require knowledge of the type of springs you have, but you must also be aware of the dangers associated. 

Why You Should Replace Garage Door Springs 

Once a garage door spring breaks, it cannot function effectively. You may not be able to use your garage door at all. When your spring is beyond function, it’s time to consider getting a garage door spring replacement. 

Many garage door specialists will recommend that it’s better to replace than repair a garage door spring. Most companies will also recommend replacing both garage door springs to prevent further damage, inconvenience, and additional charges. 

Here are the top reasons why you should replace garage door springs. 

Safety

The number one reason why you should replace garage door springs is safety. While you may not realize it, a broken garage door spring is a serious safety hazard. 

This is especially true if you have extension springs. When an extension spring suddenly fails, it can fly off, break apart, and cause serious damage and injury. When a torsion spring breaks, you may hear a loud bang or pop, but the spring stays put. 

Without the proper safety measures in place, a suddenly broken spring can cause damage to any vehicle inside or any person(s) standing close by. 

A broken spring can also cause the garage door to shut unexpectedly. If you’re standing underneath the door, you know that it isn’t going to end well. The violent slam may also damage your garage door. 

Now, you’re dealing with the costs associated with spring and garage door replacement and possible hospital bills. 

Longer Lifespan and Better Long-Term Investment

Most garage door springs are designed to open and close 10,000 cycles or between 7 to 10 years. This will vary depending on which type of spring system you have and how well they are maintained. 

While it sounds like many cycles, once you consider how many times you go through the garage, it adds up faster than you think. 

If you use your garage door as a front door, which many people do, you might be wise to consider getting high cycle torsion springs.

Torsion springs are rated by cycle life. A 10,000-cycle torsion spring will have, you guessed, around 10,000 cycles. Higher cycle springs, including those that last 25,000 and 50,000 cycles, will triple your spring life from 14 to 20 years. 

Spring repair won’t extend the life of the springs; it will only help them reach their life expectancy. Spring replacement, however, will provide you with a longer lifespan and a better long-term investment. 

Reduces Your Time and Maintenance Costs

When one spring breaks, the chances that the other spring will break increases. Before you know it, you’re back on the phone scheduling another appointment. 

Most companies will replace both springs to avoid inconvenience and reduce call-out fees when the other one breaks. 

As with many things, the newer your garage door springs are, the less time and money you need to invest in them to keep them properly maintained.

While a spring repair will fix the current problem, it’s hard to determine how long this will last. And you never know what problem is waiting around the corner. 

With replacement garage door springs, you’ll spend less time worrying about potential problems and safety hazards and more time enjoying your garage. 

Benefits of Professional Garage Door Spring Repair

Unless you have the skills and experience to repair or replace a garage door spring, your best bet is to leave it to the pros. Fixing garage doors can be extremely dangerous and lead to nasty accidents. 

If that doesn’t sway you, here are five reasons why you should hire a professional garage door repair company. 

1. Saves Time and Money

Many people fail to realize that paying for a professional will actually save you time and money. They have the knowledge and skills to identify the problem and fix any issues quickly and efficiently. By the time you determine the problem, they’ve already packed up and headed onto their next job! 

2. Minimizes Risk of Injury

You should never try to replace or repair a garage door spring if you don’t have the tools or the know-how. Given the pressure these spring systems are under, extreme dangers are involved. A professional garage crew has experience handling garage doors and can reduce the risk of injury. 

3. The Right Tools

Professional garage door specialists have the right tools for the job. Repairing garage door springs isn’t a job for you if your toolkit comprises a hammer and a packet of crisps. 

Without the proper tools, you cannot repair the problem effectively, and it is likely to break again. Professional garage repair companies invest money in quality equipment because it’s what they do for a living.

4. Warranty

Most repair companies offer a warranty for their services or parts used. You cannot get this if you try to do the repairs yourself.

Having a warranty gives you peace of mind in case an issue arises. If it does, they can fix the issue without any extra out-of-pocket expense on your behalf. 

5. Convenience

Have you ever tried to repair something with the help of a semi-helpful YouTube video? By the end of the video, you’re usually more confused than before you hit the play button. 

Hiring a professional repair service will ensure your garage door issues are diagnosed and solved with little involvement from your end. You don’t need to wait for parts to come in the mail or drive to different hardware stores. 

All you need to do is open your door and point to the problem. The rest is history. 

Why Garage Door Springs Break

Have you ever arrived home from a long day at work only to find out your garage door won’t open? You’re left scratching your head, but the problem is most likely due to the spring breaking. 

There are many reasons why springs can break; some are even preventable.

Wear and Tear

The most common reason your garage door springs break is wear and tear. When properly installed, your springs can last approximately 10,000 cycles. One cycle includes both the opening and closing of the door. 

Technically speaking, your springs should last between 7 to 10 years. However, this depends on how often you use your garage door. 

Many people use their garage as a front door. This will shorten that lifespan considerably. 

Rust

When rust forms on the garage door springs, it can cause them to break and shorten their life cycle. While small amounts of rust can be scrubbed off, if your springs have considerable rust to the point of corrosion, you should opt to have them replaced instead. 

To prolong your springs’ life expectancy, ensure you lubricate them around 3 to 4 times per year. 

Improper Maintenance

While you can’t always avoid wear and tear, you can take steps to practice proper maintenance and prolong the spring’s life. As well as regular lubrication, you should check your garage door balance every season. 

Cold weather can cause your garage door springs to become brittle and break easily, especially if used for several years. So, checking it more frequently during the cooler months is recommended. 

Door Jams

Door jams are caused by accumulating dirt and debris in the door track. When it reaches a critical level, it can block the roller and cause the door to jam.

When the door is jammed, the spring is left in limbo. It can’t release its energy, nor can it store more energy.

Left unaddressed, your springs will eventually lose their ability to charge energy. At this point, you may need to have your springs repaired or replaced entirely. 

Need Garage Door Spring Repair? Choose OGD

Springs are a crucial element to the smooth operation of your garage door. Without them, you would just have a visually appealing door. 

When your garage door springs break, they can create a significant safety hazard for the people and property in its vicinity. When this occurs, it’s best to leave the garage door spring repair to the professionals. 

At OGD, we are your garage door repair specialists. We can help repair both torsion and extension spring systems. Our garage door spring repair costs are affordable and completed efficiently and timely. 

To prevent further damage to your springs or operating system, reach out to us as soon as possible. 

If you answered yes to any of the above, it sounds like it’s time to upgrade to a new garage door. 

With so many different types of garage doors and materials, the choice can seem overwhelming. But have you considered fiberglass garage doors? 

While wood garage doors are a popular choice, they don’t match fiberglass garage doors’ energy efficiency, durability, and affordability. 

Find out why you should consider installing a fiberglass door here. 

What Is Fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a reinforced plastic material using glass fiber. It is strong, lightweight, versatile, and is considered a foundation of the composites industry.

The best part about fiberglass is its ability to get molded into various shapes, regardless of complexity. Today, fiberglass is widely used in housing and building insulation, but it can also be used in many other applications. These include: 

• Beverage industry 
• Car washes
• Chemical industry 
• Cooling towers
• Docks and marinas
• Food processing 
• Manufacturing
• Metals and mining
• Power generation
• Pulp and paper industry
• Automotive industry 
• Aerospace and defense 
• Garage doors 

The special evaluations of fiberglass give it many great advantages over other materials. Some of the major benefits include high resistance to bending, non-flammable, and resistance to chemical and biological effects. 

What Is a Fiberglass Garage Door?

Fiberglass garage doors are high quality and low-maintenance. They offer a variety of architectural styles that capture the beauty of natural wood without the maintenance that comes with it. 

Surprisingly, homeowners often overlook fiberglass garage doors when choosing garage door materials. Fiberglass, however, is designed to mimic the defined grain texture of authentic wood.

Unlike wood, fiberglass doesn’t shrink, warp, or crack. Because they can withstand corrosive environments, fiberglass garage doors are best suited for coastal locations and warmer climates. 

Fiberglass garage doors are an affordable and highly customizable material. As a result, customers can select color, glass, and insulation to keep heating and cooling costs down. 

Types of Fibreglass Garage Doors

Fiberglass garage doors are highly versatile, energy-efficient, and are lightweight and economical. There are three different types of fiberglass garage doors: single–layer, double-layer, and triple-layer. 

Single-Layer Fiberglass Garage Doors

Single-layer fiberglass comprises a single fiberglass layer fitted between a steel or aluminum frame. While they offer very little insulation, they are ideal for detached garages or for homeowners looking to protect their vehicles. 

Double-Layer Fiberglass Garage Doors

This type of garage door has a layer of insulation between two layers of fiberglass. The result is a robust, energy-efficient, and noise-reducing garage door. 

Triple-Layer Fiberglass Garage Doors

The triple-layer fiberglass garage door is the gold standard of doors. In this premium door, insulation is added between the fiberglass layers. This option will give you the highest level of strength and energy efficiency. 

Benefits of Fibreglass Garage Doors

One of the most important considerations when choosing the best garage door is material. While many know about wood and steel garage doors, few people know much about fiberglass and its advantages. 

Here are some of the significant benefits of owning a fiberglass garage door. 

Appearance 

Many homeowners like the natural charm and finish of wood garage doors, but not the price. If you like the visual appearance of wood but don’t have extra room in the budget, you might like to try fiberglass. 

Fiberglass garage doors are engineered to have the timeless look of wood minus the cost and maintenance requirements. Wood garage doors must be regularly maintained; otherwise, they tend to change over time due to weather which can cause fading, cracking, and warping. 

Fiberglass garage doors feature a molded wood-grain fiberglass surface that closely resembles the texture and graining of natural wood. These garage doors are some of the closest you’ll get to the look and feel of authentic wood. 

While you can paint garage doors to get a wood-like look and feel, it is more affordable and less time-consuming to install a fiberglass door that mimics wood without touching it with a paintbrush. 

Durability

Garage door durability includes longevity, damage resistance, and the ability to withstand the elements. A sturdy, insulated garage door will ensure that it will last longer and resist extreme weather conditions.

Fiberglass on its own breaks very easily. However, when you have a core of something between it – for example, installation or steel – it becomes solid. Since fiberglass is durable, it is highly resistant to denting and never warps. 

Durability lends itself to security, too. A less durable door decreases home security. But a door that can resist damage may help keep would-be intruders from entering. 

Plus, a door that can withstand the elements will save you money in repairs. 

Rust-Resistance 

While steel is prone to rusting after long bouts of rain, fiberglass is entirely rust-proof. Fiberglass composite is highly resistant to most acids, bases, oxidizing agents, metal salts, and sulfur gases. 

Unlike steel, it won’t rust when exposed to chemicals or harsh weather. For this reason, fiberglass is the best material for garage doors in coastal areas.

Rust is a common problem for seaside homes due to the salt in the air. Salty air can cause corrosion and rust to materials like untreated timber, aluminum, and steel. 

You can clean rust off a garage door with a white vinegar-soaked cloth, depending on the extent of the damage. But you could spend more time on the beach and less time cleaning with a fiberglass garage door. 

Options for Customization 

Fiberglass garage doors can be easily customized to capture the beauty and texture of wood without the arduous maintenance that comes with it. The clean, sleek appearance gives a warm, welcoming look to the facade of any home. 

You can choose your own garage door design. Options include: 

• Vertical raised
• Horizontal raised
• Vertical slat 
• Horizontal groove  

As for color, you choose from a range of aesthetically-pleasing stain finishes. Colors include: 

• White
• Clay 
• Gray 
• Oak
• Red Oak
• Cherry 
• Walnut
• Mahogany 
• Green

The idea behind fiberglass garage doors is that they are designed to suit every home and lifestyle, from traditional to contemporary.  

Lightweight

Fiberglass is lightweight, strong, and less brittle than other garage door materials. While it isn’t as light as aluminum, it is lighter than wood and steel.

Heavier garage doors can create hazards for cars and people walking under them. Plus, they cause more wear and tear on the operating system. Over time, this can reduce its ability to function at 100 percent. 

Due to the lightweight material of fiberglass doors, the operating system will enjoy a longer lifespan as less pressure and tension are put on it.

Fiberglass is your best option if you have an extra-wide garage door and want to avoid putting too much strain on your opener and tracks.  

Energy-Efficiency 

While many homeowners strive to make their homes more energy-efficient, few consider energy-efficient garage doors. An eco-friendly garage door will help maintain a comfortable temperature and lower your energy bills. 

A poorly insulated garage door provides no heat resistance. As a result, it lets your heating and air conditioning escape outdoors. The heat loss will make your HVAC system work harder and push your electricity bills up. 

Triple-layer fiberglass garage doors provide the highest level of energy efficiency. They seal up some of the largest gaps in your home’s thermal envelope.

By keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer, your HVAC system won’t have to work harder to make up for any air loss.  

Low Maintenance

Fiberglass garage doors are ideal for homeowners living in extreme climates as they are highly durable. They do not rust, contract, warp, or rot from weather changes.

On the other hand, wood requires regular maintenance to prevent damage, improve longevity, and enhance appearance. Homeowners will need to constantly look for signs of rot, pests, and paint chips. Because wood can warp and bend over time, you will also need to clean your garage door often. 

Unlike wood, fiberglass won’t expand or contract. This means there are little to no maintenance requirements.

Unless you decide to change the paint color, the only maintenance you will need is to clean your door every once in a while. You can do this with a solution of warm water and vinegar. This will cut through any dirt or grease on the door. 

Affordability

Fiberglass is one of the most affordable garage door materials currently on the market. It typically runs in the same price range as aluminum but provides better insulation. While fiberglass is generally pricier than steel, it’s less expensive than wood. 

Because it is man-made, lighter, and less durable than wood, fiberglass is a popular choice for homeowners with a tight budget and those looking to upgrade the exterior before selling their home. 

In fact, a recent study suggests that garage door replacement has a 94 percent return on investment. With curb appeal valued more than ever, installing a fiberglass garage door might just attract more prospective buyers and lead to higher bids. 

Transparency

Your garage doesn’t have to be a dark hole on the side of your home. Good lighting will make your garage feel like a part of your home, not just a storage space. 

Since fiberglass is semi-transparent, it will allow more natural light into your garage. Natural light creates a space to enjoy, reduces shadowing caused by artificial light, and makes operating power tools safer. 

Furthermore, because the light source is natural, you can help cut energy costs and reduce your utility bills. Natural light also provides many health benefits, including: 

• Boosts vitamin D
• Wards of seasonal depression
• Improves sleep 
• Reduces health risks associated with fluorescent lighting

While a fiberglass garage door won’t solve all your problems, it solves a lot more than wood and steel doors do. 

Insulation Options

Fiberglass garage doors are constructed with layers of insulating material to help improve energy efficiency.

Standard fiberglass doors are poor insulators compared to other materials. In fact, fiberglass has the lowest R-value of any garage door material, but it is also the easiest the insulate. 

Double and triple-layer models have added insulation layers sandwiched between fiberglass layers, making them more energy-efficient than a single-layer garage door. 

The benefits of insulating your garage door are second to none, especially if you live in an extreme climate. Benefits include: 

• Increased energy-efficiency 
• Quieter operation
• Increased door strength 
• Maintains moderate temperatures 
• More outside noise control 
• Enhanced curb appeal 
• Improved durability 

If you plan to put your house on the market within the next ten years, it is wise to invest in an insulated garage door.

Prospective buyers look for insulated spaces where they can reduce annual energy costs, maximize garage usability, and boost overall curb appeal. With an insulated fiberglass garage door, they can enjoy all that.  

Ready to Upgrade Your Garage Door?

With unmatched benefits, installing a fiberglass garage door might just be the best decision you make.  

Replacing your garage door is one investment you can’t put a price on. Not only will you improve the curb appeal of your home, but you will reduce your home’s heating and cooling bills and lower your maintenance costs. 

At OGD, we offer a wide range of fiberglass garage doors that meet the design needs of wood with the strength and durability of steel. In other words, it’s the best of both worlds. 

Our services include Door Repair, Replacement and Installation, Door Spring and Motor Installation, and Door Maintenance. 

Have a question about our fiberglass garage door products? Get in touch with us today.

If you’re not sure what type of garage door to choose for your upgrade, this post is for you. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know everything there is to know about the modern garage door industry.

Before we dig into what types of garage door styles are available, let’s look at the bigger picture. We already know a new garage door can increase your home value, but what are the other benefits and things you should consider?

Safety First

According to Yahoo News, upgrading your current garage door to a modern design increases the safety rating of your home or business. Even just looking more secure can ward off potential intruders.

Depending on where you live in the United States, it’s not just people you’ll want to secure your home from. Having a strong garage door can stop unwanted intruders. Bears are a pretty serious example of a dangerous intruder. But upgrading your garage door isn’t just about what’s outside.

A poorly maintained garage door can pose a serious risk to those living inside your home. Every garage door is heavy and can cause a significant injury if it is not operating correctly.

If your garage door is simply not operating properly, then it is probably a great time to replace it with a new one! However, choosing a contemporary garage door is not the easiest task.

Picking the Right Style for You

When choosing the perfect garage door for your home or business, there are many factors to consider. You can start by asking yourself some easy questions.

Are you doing a full renovation? Are you just focusing on a garage upgrade? Do you need your front door and garage doors to match?

Do you have preferences for openers? How do you want the door to open? These questions and more will inform your final decision.

Your budget should also be part of your decision-making process. However, the return on investment for garage doors is fairly consistent — and good! So even if you don’t want to spend a lot now, just be secure in knowing that you’ll make back almost everything you spend in a future valuation on your home or business.

Commercial

Commercial garage doors come with far more practical questions than aesthetics. The first question for your commercial garage door upgrade is how often you’ll use the door.

Depending on the usage, you can establish the key features you need. If your door faces the street or is easily visible, it needs to look clean, classy, and sturdy. Just the appearance of security is enough to dissuade some thieves from attempting to break in.

If you plan on using the door frequently, something sturdy and easy to use is key. Having a busy entrance and exit can add wear and tear to your garage door.

Another key consideration for commercial buildings is local and state codes. There are specific rules for buildings in your local area. The design, construction, and ongoing maintenance for your building depend on how these codes dictate design, upkeep, and functionality.

Knowing the precise installation requirements for your commercial garage door helps you choose the best option for you. There are also national requirements for commercial buildings, so be sure to get a comprehensive breakdown of your building’s needs.

Fire codes, disability access, and speed of opening and closure are all typically nationally dictated building codes for commercial buildings. You should be able to easily look up the ones that apply to your business.

Again, budget is somewhat important in choosing a commercial door. However, if you buy a cheap door, you’ll end up spending a fortune on maintenance. Save time and money by getting something high-quality!

Residential

Choosing the perfect garage door for your home is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The existing architecture of your home dictates the best range of options for you.

Your garage door replacement could show upwards of a 94 percent return on your investment. The reason for such a high return on your investment is curb appeal.

When compared to other home improvements, a new garage door typically has the highest rate of return. Some kitchen remodels can add an average of 72 percent return. Decks only give a 66 percent return on investment.

A garage door is one of the first things that a prospective buyer sees when touring your home. The exterior aesthetic of your home is your curb appeal. Curb appeal is a term used to describe the general attractiveness of a house.

Other than security, there are fewer codes to abide by when choosing a residential garage door. The most important factors are usability, safety, and aesthetics. Let’s dig into these next!

Residential vs Commercial Garage Doors

When it comes to style, there are so many different types of garage doors available. Modern garage door prices vary significantly from residential to commercial doors. However, with a high return on investment, you shouldn’t worry about spending to stylize your home.

There are so many nuanced details in modern garage doors styles. Depending on what you need, it’s worth having a deep discussion of your options with an expert in the field.

Here are some general garage door styles to consider in the meantime. It’s always good to know what you like before starting your search with a professional!

Carriage

A carriage-style garage door is arguably one of the older designs but is making a real comeback. Rustic, classic, timeless, these are all words used to describe carriage-style garage doors.

Carriage-style garage doors were first introduced to modern society in the 19th century when most people used a horse and carriage as their daily mode of transport. Just like modern garages, people would store their carriage and horse in their homes.

Designed with heavy-duty wood and industrial-sized iron hinges, the door would swing forward to allow the horse and carriage inside.

Now, carriage-style garage doors offer a timeless aesthetic to any home remodel. Carriage doors are customizable to any size of home or business.

Carriage doors no longer have a manual hoist. Almost all carriage garage doors come with a motorized option, opening on their own with a clicker.

Slabs or “Up-and-Overs”

Slab doors are arguably one of the sleekest garage doors available. Designed with an up-and-over mechanism, slab doors offer an overhanging section that offers space for sunbathing when open. They run parallel to the ceiling and are best for homes with driveway space.

Slab doors are versatile, stylish, and made from one solid slab of material. In terms of aesthetics, let your creativity run free with a slab door. Most families go for a minimalist approach.

Slabs often fit perfectly into existing garage door mechanisms. If you’re putting in a whole new system, a slab may be the best choice too.

The cost of slab doors tends to be lower due to the single material used. Slabs have fewer moving parts and are therefore easier to install. If you’re looking for practicality and design simplicity, you can’t go wrong with a slab garage door.

The only downside to slab doors is the potential maintenance. However, so long as you keep up with your door, you shouldn’t have any catastrophic failures.

If you can’t find any other designs you like, customizing a slab garage door is best. You can match a slab door with any other design features in your home or business.

Regional and Historical Influence

Carriage garage doors may have historical influence, but that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself or your home to this one style. Garage door aesthetics are broad. Regional and historical styles are typically timeless.

Timelessness means a greater return on your garage door investment. American and European aesthetic influences can create charm for a cookie-cutter home.

While they look older, regional and historically influenced garage doors work with the same modern mechanisms as any other style of a garage door. Modern garage doors might be “in” right now, but trends circulate quickly.

In design, there’s a general rule that trends come in 20-year cycles. What is fashionable today could easily become outdated by next year. However, it will come around again in 20 years.

If you’re not planning on upgrading your garage door again for 20 years, go with something uber-modern. If you want to maintain your style indefinitely, try a regional or historically influenced style.

Regional styles also work well for businesses that depend on a certain degree of tourism for sales. The quainter and more in-keeping with local aesthetics of your garage door, the greater your curb appeal!

Raised-Panel

Raised-panel garage doors are what most people picture when they think of a garage door. The individual panels are either square or rectangular. Windows typically line the upper panels.

Raised-panel garage doors offer diversity in style. You can pick a color, material, and even the mechanisms to raise the door. The number of panels and windows is also up to you.

The overall chic is fairly standard for the American home. The panels offer texture and depth to the design.

If you’re concerned about windows, they are easily tempered in raised-panel garage doors. Thanks to modern safety features, raised-panel garage doors are heavier and more secure than those made in the last century.

Some homeowners don’t like how busy raised-panel doors appear. However, they add a distinctive vibe to otherwise plain home exteriors. It’s really a personal style choice!

Materials Available for Contemporary Garage Doors

The top-three materials used for contemporary garage doors are aluminum, steel, and wood. Choosing the perfect garage door for your home or business is certainly style-orientated. Material choice is part of that style decision.

Beyond that, the material of your door is highly dependent on your location, the maintenance required, and your budget. Your personal preference is most important when making a decision. But here’s some extra information for you to consider.

Aluminum

Aluminum withstands many, many years of weathering and wear and tear. Aluminum is typically slightly more expensive than other materials, but for good reason. These are the best long-term investments for home and business owners.

Aluminum is naturally resistant to the elements that cause rust and corrosion. It’s the most widely used material used to make aircraft because of its strength. However, aluminum isn’t that heavy!

Did you know that the first aircraft was made of wood? If not properly treated, wood rots. Now, 80 percent of aircraft are made from aluminum because it’s the best material for everything, ever (kind of).

Sure, you’re not planning on flying on your garage door. But don’t you want something lightweight, durable, UV resistant, with minimal upkeep required? Aircraft are one of the most complicated machines we’ve created, why not use some of aerospace’s expertise in your home or business?

The other great thing about aluminum garage doors is their compatibility with many features. Glass paneling and windows are easy to install.

The only downside is that you can dent aluminum garage doors. If you have children at home, they may ride their bikes into your door.

In parts of the United States prone to extreme weather events like hurricanes, you might also have a few random objects flung at your door. Chances are these minor dents and scratches are easy to fix!

Steel

Steel is easily combined with other materials to provide you with a strong and durable garage door for your home or business. In previous blog posts, we’ve described how steel is a great low-maintenance material.

Garage door manufacturers often use steel for garage doors because of the strength offered by this material. It’s highly durable. When coated properly, steel is almost entirely resistant to weathering.

It’s almost impossible to warp steel, and not even fire can break through! So long as you wash your steel garage door a few times a year, you should be good to go.

Another bonus of steel doors is that they’re typically made with a layer of insulation. Insulation protects your belongings from extreme weather temperatures and drafts.

If you want to use your garage as a workshop at home, this insulation can keep you warm in winter and cooler in the summer. Such temperature regulations at home also lower your energy bills!

For a business, a steel garage door is great for all times of the year. If your garage door opens into an operational area, you can keep the area cool in the summer and warm in the winter, too!

Wood

We’ve found that most wooden garage doors use timber from cedar, fir, mahogany, or redwood. As we said in previous articles, most wooden garage doors are manufactured utilizing plies, or “layers of wood.”

Wooden doors come in a range of shapes and sizes and are modifiable to any space. Again, wooden doors tend to be on the sturdy side.

The style aesthetic of the wooden garage door is beautiful. You can easily fit into regional or historical timelessness with the right niche of wooden design.

The curb appeal is huge with a wooden garage door. They’re also incredibly energy efficient, so you’ll save money inside and outside!

However, wooden garage doors tend to come with a big price tag and a lot of upkeep. The price tag is less about the material, but more about the installation process.

Wooden doors are more than usable as a style option for almost any type of modern garage door (see next section). Due to their weight, they can be harder to install and therefore come with a higher price tag.

Wood is also affected by weather more so than most other modern garage door materials. Hot summer months and direct sunlight easily warp the wood.

Rain can lead to serious issues with rot. Regular inspections and refinishing of your wooden garage door are part of the commitment you make by choosing this material.

Such weathering impacts the color of your door. You’ll need regular treatments to maintain the original aesthetic.

Types of Modern Garage Doors

Here at OGD we only work with the best and most reliable garage door brands. We have to ensure that you’re getting superior quality and longevity in your investment.

Picking your future garage door is as much about practical aspects as it is aesthetics. There are endless options of styles, sizes, and colors. What matters next is how the door works.

In the next section, you’ll learn about the types of modern garage doors for sale. Choosing garage doors that fit your lifestyle are key.

You can choose a mid-century modern garage door, but how do you want it to open? Let’s explore your options!

Sectional Overhead Doors

Sectional overhead garage doors are usually one large piece of material that tilts to open. The tilt raises the door parallel to the floor.

Some swing-out. Some don’t. How long is your driveway?

Depending on how much room you have, a sectional overhead door might not always be the best option for you. If you have plenty of room, a sectional overhead garage door is always an option!

Modern sectional doors are designed to seal well, making them highly secure. Finding the right size for your garage shouldn’t be a problem, as sectionals can be designed in almost any way.

The “sectional” aspect of an overhead door typically describes the aesthetic of the door. Most European and American sectional overhead doors are made of a few panels.

It’s the overhead element that you need to pay attention to. Working on a counter-balance system, an overhead door uses a weight to raise and close. The weighted mechanics either work in an extension or a torsion spring system.

An extension spring pulls the door open from the bottom of the frame. These springs stretch when the door is closed, and the tension is released when you raise the door to an overhead position.

In a torsion version, which is arguably more popular, the cables that attach to the door are at the bottom. The counterbalance weight equals the weight of the door, which is how such a heavy piece of kit pulls open.

Single Panel

Single panel doors are what you probably remember from your childhood. If you’ve ever lifted a garage door open by hand, it was probably a single panel door.

Most homeowners prefer single-panel garage doors to sectional doors because they are far simpler to use. Modern single panel garage doors don’t have to be manually operated, so don’t worry about that.

The simplicity of a single panel door is that it works almost exactly the same as a sectional garage door, just with far fewer parts. Single panel doors are easier to hang, too.

Installation of a single panel door is quick and seamless. Funnily enough, the design of single panel doors is usually seamless too!

Limitations of Single Panel and Sectional Overhead doors

The only downsides to single panel doors are safety, repairs, and space limitations. Older single panel doors and sectional overheads can sometimes fail terribly.

The spring and pulley system needs to be constantly maintained to ensure proper use. The last thing you want is for your door to break when you’re trying to open it in the rain.

You also don’t want to risk the overhead collapsing on anything or anyone. If you can ensure good maintenance, then don’t fear these potential limitations.

When it comes to repairs, single panel doors are typically more expensive than sectionals. If you ding or dent a sectional, you can replace that portion. In a single panel, you’ve got to take the whole thing off to get it back up to par.

Single panel doors take up a little more space than sectional, typically. If you’re a truck driver, you probably want to consider some other options if you also have a smaller garage.

Canopy or Up-and-Over Doors

Canopy garage doors are very similar to single panel doors. Like the others, they swing outwards as they open. If you’re working with a small driveway, then a canopy might not be the best option for you.

The other downside to a canopy or up-and-over doors is that the largest sizes are very heavy. The weight of a canopy garage door can put a huge strain on the torsion spring system.

If you’re working with a big space, you probably need to find a different style of door to meet your needs. However, there are fewer moving parts in a canopy, which makes them easier to fix!

They’re also incredibly easy to install. You can work with a single solid slab for the door, meaning any aesthetic is possible!

Roller Shutter Doors

If you’ve ever lived in a city, you know the distinctive sound of a roller shutter garage door opening and closing. The clinking noise is one of the most common sounds to hear early in the morning or late at night.

Roller shutter doors are a true American classic. They are typically made from horizontal strips of materials like insulated aluminum. As they raise, they wrap around a rotating drum.

Business owners and homeowners like roller shutter doors because they don’t swing out, they don’t take up too much space, and they’re more affordable than other types of garage doors. The only downside is the limitation on style.

If you plan on keeping your garage door open most of your business hours, then a roller shutter is probably your best bet. Contemporary roller shutter doors come fully mechanized, so you don’t have to manually open them anymore either!

Side-Hinged Doors

Nostalgia has made side-hinged doors trendy again. Have you ever seen a western movie? Side-hinged doors are just like saloon doors!

Wooden side-hinged doors are sure to add serious curb value. The other great thing about side-hinged doors is that both sides do not have to be the same size.

If you enter your home through the garage, you can have a smaller door on one side. Both sides open outward, so you’ll need some driveway space.

Installation of a side-hinge door is a cinch. They’re pre-hung! They’re also very easy to maintain.

All side-hinge doors are customizable too. While most people choose the side-hinge for the trendy aesthetic of a wooden door, glazing and insulation are customizable.

Side-hinge doors are essentially the original garage door. They might even be the original door style! These designs have lasted the test of time because they’re reliable, fashionable, and easy to use.

Garage Door Features

Contemporary garage doors can feature almost anything you want. You don’t have to pick from a catalog if you don’t want to. Everything from the size and color to the openers and windows are fully customizable.

When most people upgrade their garage door, they already have an idea of how they’d like it to look. Two practical aspects you should always consider are the openers and whether or not you’d like windows.

Openers

Are you still manually opening your garage door? Seriously? What are you doing with your life?

There is literally no reason you should be manually opening and closing your garage door in the modern era. The main reason for mechanical garage doors is safety. You don’t have to leave the safety of your car to open your home.

Manual doors are also easier for thieves to break into. All they have to do is pick a lock and they’re in your home.

Garage doors are now equipped with a rolling code that randomizes every time you open and close the door. Even if you have a key code on your garage door, unless it’s digitized and randomized every time you use it, it’s not secure.

Doors installed before 1993 also don’t have the auto-stop feature. This safety device stops objects (or people) from accidents. Modern doors can sense a blockage and stop before hitting it!

The second reason your garage door opener is important is modernity. You can click your opener from the warmth and safety of your car and smoothly roll into the space without a second thought.

Windows

There are many pros and cons to installing windows on your garage door. Ultimately the decision is yours. Most people like windows for the style and direct sunlight.

Some people think that windows are a risk for thieves. All of these opinions are valid. Having windows on your garage door is totally up to you!

The best thing about having windows on your garage door is how much natural light they allow into your space. Depending on how often you go into your garage, you could see some serious energy savings from using sunlight instead of an overhead light.

Customizing your windows adds an extra design flare to an otherwise sleek contemporary design. You could even have large, mirrored glass windows, so you can see out, but no one can see in!

Want to Know More?

There really are so many options when it comes to contemporary garage doors. The best place to start your upgrading journey is to speak to a specialist.

All you have to do is send us a message or give us a quick call using our contact form! We’ll be able to walk you through all of your design ideas.

With the remaining 37% of U.S. parked vehicles wishing they were part of that 63%. 

There are many benefits to owning a home with a garage, attached or otherwise. You can protect your vehicle, it’s convenient and improves your curb appeal. What’s not to love? 

But to maintain your curb appeal, you must take care of your garage door. How many times have you cleaned your garage door? 

If you can count them all on your right hand, you haven’t done it enough. 

Garage door cleaning is an often overlooked task when it comes to cleaning your home. But garage doors are fodder for dust, dirt, bugs, and more. 

Cleaning your garage door is simple as long as you know how to do it right. Your choice of cleaners and cleaning tools can make or break your door. With spring on the horizon, there’s no better time to get outside and clean your door. 

Find out the best way to clean your garage door here. 

Why Wash Your Garage Door?

If your idea of washing your garage door is a quick hose off once a year, you’re about to get schooled. 

Homeowners should wash their garage door at least twice a year, once in spring and once in the fall. Or, once in summer and once in winter if you’re a risk-taker. 

There are many benefits to washing your garage door. Let’s take a look at the top ones. 

Prolong Your Door’s Finish

Your garage door is exposed to severe weather conditions. Wind, rain, sleet, snow, and sun. All these can take a toll on your door, even some of the highest-quality ones. 

Over time, the finish on your garage door can dull. And, depending on where you live, becomes damaged and eroded. If you don’t clean your door twice a year, dirt and grime can build up and speed up the erosion process. 

Maintain Your Warranty

A garage door under warranty must be maintained per the terms of that warranty. This means cleaning it regularly.

Failure to do so may void your warranty. If something happens to your garage door, you might not be able to claim under the warranty. 

To give yourself peace of mind, it’s simple. Just clean your door. 

Increase Your Curb Appeal

The best way to increase your curb appeal is by taking care of the exterior of your property. This includes your garage door. 

Cleaning all the muck and grime off your door will give it a new life. You might even notice how much better your house exterior looks because of it. 

If you’re selling your home, it might also pay to replace or repair your garage door to complete the look of your home. People often judge a home by its exterior. 

Prevent Rust

To avoid rust damage to your garage door, it’s important to clean it at least twice a year. 

For garage doors with extensive rust, you’ll have to let the rusted area soak in vinegar and baking soda. 

If you live in an area with pollution or by the sea, you might have to wash your garage door more than twice a year. 

Allows You to Inspect the Door

When your garage door is clean, you’re more likely to spot problems with it. Things like dents, rust, and holes. 

And while you’re there, take the time to inspect the entire door. Both inside and out. Take a look at the sensors, the spring, the tracks, and the entire surface. 

When you notice problems sooner, you can fix them before they become a bigger problem. 

What Are the Different Types of Garage Doors?

With so many garage doors on the market, it can feel overwhelming. The front of your home is the first thing people see. The perfect garage door will instantly create a good first impression. 

Choosing the right garage door isn’t a life-or-death decision, but it’s a fun one to make. 

Not sure how to pick the perfect garage door for your home? Let’s take a look at your options. 

Sectional Garage Doors

The creme de la creme! Sectional garage doors are the most popular garage doors in the United States. They’re made up of panel sections connected with hinges.

These doors are usually made from steel and are highly customizable. Choose your color, texture, hardware, and window inserts. You can also choose between an insulated or non-insulated model. 

If you’re after a low-maintenance option, sectional garage doors might be for you. 

Roll-up Garage Doors

Less popular in residential properties, but more so in commercial properties. Roll-up garage doors are a basic, no-frills design built for areas with lower ceilings. 

They can withstand heavy usage but are lightweight and less likely to scrape, nick and dent. Roll-up garage doors can be built without springs.

And can be enclosed to prevent damage caused by the weather. This includes rust, corrosion, and freezing. 

Side to Sliding Garage Doors

A less conventional design, but a garage door nonetheless. Slide sliding garage doors operate just as the name suggests. 

This type of garage door opens horizontally and sits against a wall. This means you have the garage roof free to store items or install lighting fixtures. 

Slide sliding garage doors are the ideal solution for unique spaces. The best part is they have a built-in retractable motor for automated operation. No need to install a ceiling-mounted operator. 

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Side-hinged garage doors are a traditional style of garage door. They are also known as “swing” garage doors. 

As the name suggests, the garage doors have hinges at the sides and open outwards much like a regular door. They are typically made from wood and can also be automated. 

Side-hinged garage doors offer the perfect solution to garages with minimal headroom dimensions. They also suit garages with internal shelving since the doors open outward. 

Tilt-up Canopy Garage Doors

The tilt-up canopy door is built in a single panel. It is reinforced by a steel frame and opens outwards, on a tilt – hence the name.

When they’re fully open, they tend to extend past the front of the house. 

The tilt-up canopy garage door offers several design options, you’ll be spoiled for choice. 

This design is easy to operate, fast to open, and the perfect solution for smaller garages with restricted headroom. 

Tilt-up Retractable Garage Doors

Tilt-up retractable doors are similar to the canopy design. They lift up and into the garage. The only difference is that they do not extend past the house like the canopy design. 

The design also requires a bit more space in your garage to install. They also tend to be harder to operate than other styles. Plus, a tad more expensive. 

Despite this, the retractable design continues to be a popular choice for American homes. 

What You Need to Clean Your Garage Door With

You have your garage door, now it’s time to clean it. But what the heck do you need to clean it?

Lucky for you, cleaning a garage door requires very few supplies. You probably have most or all of them in your home already! 

But let’s make your life easy with a comprehensive list of what you need to clean your door. 

Bucket

Obvious, but necessary. Make sure it’s a large bucket, too. You’ll need your bucket for the soapy water. 

Garden Hose

You most likely have a garden hose around the side or front of your house. Now is the time to use it. If it has a water pressure gun attachment, take it off. 

Mild Detergent

Using a mild detergent is the best way to clean a garage door safely. And don’t forget, affordable. You can use dishwashing detergent or carwash liquid.

Harsh chemical cleaners such as bleach can discolor your door’s finishes and ruin the visual appeal. For the best results, mix one cup of detergent with two gallons of warm (not hot) water. 

Sponge or Cloth

Using materials such as a scourer or scrubbing brush can scratch the finish and damage your garage door. Anything with bristles is a no-no.

Instead, use gentle material such as a soft sponge or a cloth. They will ensure that dirt and grime won’t fling off the brush onto other areas of your property. 

Step Ladder

Unless you’re over six-foot, most people can’t reach the top of their garage doors. If you can, power to you. But for those who can’t, you’re going to need a step ladder. 

This will ensure you have cleaned every inch of your door. Plus, it will give you a good opportunity to inspect the parts of the door you normally don’t look at. 

Wax

Just as you would wax your car, you can also wax your garage door the same way. Applying wax prevents potential corrosion. This is especially important for those living in coastal towns.

The most user-friendly option is a liquid spray wax. If you don’t own liquid spray wax, a silicone car wax will do the job just as well. 

How to Choose the Right Garage Door Cleaner

The easiest and cheapest garage door cleaner is the humble dishwashing detergent. You can find it under your kitchen sink. It’s that easy. 

You can also use several other cleaners, including car wash soap, bathroom and kitchen cleaner, or an all-purpose cleaner. Anything delicate, mild, and gentle on surfaces is considered fine.

The important thing is that you make sure your cleaner is non-abrasive. Abrasive cleaners can do severe damage. They contain high levels of acid which can strip color and irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs. 

How to Clean Your Garage Door

You know what you need, now it’s time to know what to do. Follow these seven foolproof steps to ensure your garage door is the envy of the whole neighborhood. 

1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning your garage door is similar to cleaning your car. And what’s the first thing you do? Gather your cleaning supplies. 

The same goes for cleaning your garage door. Gather your bucket, sponge, dry towels, car wash or dish soap, and liquid spray wax. 

To make life easier, keep your cleaning supplies in one container. If you have room, store them in your garage so they don’t take up room in your home. 

2. Pre-rinse

As you would with your car, you need to pre-rinse your door. Giving your door a pre-rinse with the hose washes off all the loose dirt and dust before you soap it down. 

Skipping this step may end in a dirty, sludgy mess. When you skip this step and go straight to applying soap, you will end up pushing around dirt – making a bigger mess! 

3. Apply Soap Using a Sponge

It’s suds time! Apply your soapy sponge to your garage door and gently make your way across the door. Start at one of the corners and keep going until the entire door is covered. 

Circular motions are the most effective way to clean the door. And don’t scrub too hard, move gently and at your own pace. 

4. Rinse off With a Garden Hose

Use the same garden hose nozzle setting and rinse off the soap. You don’t need to blast off the soap into your neighbor’s garden, you just need enough pressure to get the soap off. 

While you’re rinsing off, check for any stubborn dirt marks that need a little extra attention. 

5. Wax and Dry

Depending on the wax spray you’re using, you might need to wait for your door to dry. In that case, wait. Once it’s dry, use the same process you did when applying soap. 

Start in one corner and work your way across. Spray and wipe until you’ve covered the entire door.

Again, use circular motions with your cloth. This is the best way to leave your door nice and polished. 

6. Clean Your Weather Stripping

It’s a step most people forget to do. Weatherstripping around your garage door helps to keep the outside from coming inside. It also helps keep the air inside your garage comfortable. 

To clean your weather stripping, simply use a general-purpose cleaner (non-abrasive) and wipe it over. Check for cracks or tears while you’re cleaning. When weatherstripping is cracked, it must be fixed or replaced as soon as possible. 

7. Clean the Interior Side of the Door 

It may not be as important as cleaning the exterior part of your garage door, but you should still do it. Indeed, the interior door isn’t exposed to elements, but doing it now and then is important for the upkeep of your garage. 

The best thing is it’s as easy as cleaning the exterior door. First, brush the surface to get rid of dust and debris.

After that, scrub the surface with the same detergent you used on the exterior. Finally, use a wet cloth to wipe away the suds. Then, use a dry cloth to dry the surface. 

Garage Door Cleaning Tips

Washing a garage door is a fairly simple process that shouldn’t take too much time out of your day. But that doesn’t mean you should be careless. If you do it right the first time, you won’t have to do it again… until the fall. 

It doesn’t hurt to know a few tricks of a trade to make your job a whole lot easier.

As you prepare to wash your garage door, keep a few of these useful tips in the back of your mind. 

Avoid Using a Pressure Washer

It’s fine to use your garden hose, but avoid using any type of power washer to clean your garage door. This includes a trigger nozzle attachment. While it sounds easier and quicker to use more force, it will damage the surface of your door. 

Instead, opt for a gentle soak. It will take longer, but it’s worth it. Protecting your garage door will save you money and time in the long run. 

Look For Signs of Rust and Wear

After you clean your door, rust and general wear and tear will be more visible. If you do notice rust spots, chances are they are on the bottom two panels of your garage door. Rust is more likely to form closer to the street and other abrasive elements. 

To remove rust, soak a cloth in white vinegar and wipe all rusted areas. The vinegar reacts with the rust to dissolve it. Rub the rust away and repeat until the surface is clean. 

As for wear and tear, make a visual inspection. If you can, do this once a month. Look at springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys.

If you do notice something odd, don’t attempt to remove it. Call your local repairman to take a look. 

Clean the Other Parts

Your garage door isn’t the only part of the door. While you’re cleaning, don’t overlook other parts. Remember to clean the weatherstripping along the bottom of your door.

Also, it won’t hurt to wipe down the garage door tracks and photo-eye sensors as well. When you look over all aspects of your garage door, you’re keeping them in good working order.

No door can last forever, but you can prolong its demise. 

Avoid Abrasive Detergents and Sponges

Using abrasive detergents and sponges can scratch and damage your door. It will also erode the finish. The point of cleaning your door is to clean it, not make it worse. 

Instead, opt for a soft cloth or a sponge. The same goes for detergent. Never mix cleaning solution and bleach.

A mixture like this can be used for tough stains, but should never be used when soap is still on the door. If you wouldn’t use it on your car, why should you use it on your garage door?

How Often Should I Wash My Garage Door?

On average, homeowners should wash their garage door at least twice a year. 

This does depend on your local climate. For example, homeowners who live near the coast might want to wash four times a year, once for each season. The same goes for regions that experience plenty of snow or extreme year-round weather. 

When you don’t wash your garage door at least twice a year, dirt and debris can eat away at the paint. It might get to the point when you will need to re-paint the entire door. Worse yet, it may affect the working order of your door too.

Twice a year, that’s all it takes!

How to Clean Your Garage Door Windows

If your garage door includes windows, it’s important to clean them also. Just like you would any window in your home. Windows can pick up dirt easily, especially after a windy day. 

As with your garage door, you should only use mild detergent and warm water. Never use abrasive chemical products such as bleach. 

Most windows can be cleaned without removing them. But some are designed to snap in and out of the window frame. For thorough cleaning, you should do this. 

Use a soft cloth to minimize scratches and rinse well with clean water. Do not use abrasive scrubs or brushes on your windows. 

Garage Door Experts You Can Trust 

When you take the time to clean your garage door, you’re extending its lifespan. As long as you follow our tips and clean your garage door twice a year, you should have no problems.

Maintain your garage door now, save money down the track. That money you save could go towards a brand-new door when the time comes for an upgrade. 

And when that time does come, choose our team to help you find and install your new garage door. At OGD, we are the industry-leading overhead garage door experts.

We focus on providing residential and commercial property owners with a variety of door services. They include overhead door repair, replacement, and installation. 

Garage Door Safety

It is always in your best interest to reach out to garage door specialists for any and all garage door repairs, replacements, and installations due to the severe risk of damage and injury. Annually more than 20,000 injuries in direct correlation of garage door repairs are reported with some even resulting in death. Not only do garage door repairs and replacements cause a risk of injury to a DIY-er but they may also cause a variety of other issues to the operating system itself. Repairing or replacing garage doors without the proper knowledge, training, tools, or experience may leave you in a position to question if the job was done correctly. If the repair or replacement is not done correctly you could be facing the risk of damage and injury later on down the road, taking up more time and money than had you worked with a specialist from the beginning. 

Garage Door Parts

Working with garage door specialists provides access to specialty parts that can only be supplied through certified suppliers. In the event that you are able to find and acquire these parts, it is likely you will pay just as much if not more than a garage door company due to the relationship companies build with manufacturers to ensure their customers get the best pricing possible. It is also important to note that garage door companies typically have these components on hand and can often offer a garage door repair on the same day it is requested. Attempting to order these parts without working with a garage door company will result in significant delays waiting for the parts to arrive at your home. Reaching out to a garage door specialist for your repair or replacement will ensure the proper garage door parts are acquired, the repair is done in a timely fashion, and confidence that the repair was properly handled, installed, and tested. 

The Result

DIY garage door repairs take significant investment and energy causing even more inconvenience than just a broken garage door. Often DIY-ers underestimate what is needed to ensure the garage door repair or replacement is done properly and find themselves reaching out to garage door specialists down the road due to improper repairs and replacements done on their own.

At OGD we believe it is important to work with an experienced garage door specialist to ensure your garage door repair, replacement, or installation is done quickly, efficiently, and most importantly safely. Give us a call today and tell us more about how we can help you with any of your garage door needs.

Signs indicating it is time to replace your garage door springs include, gaps between coils, sagging or loose springs, and snapped springs between coils. If you have noticed any of the signs listed above, it is time for a garage door repair or replacement. 

Continuing to utilize a garage door with springs that are no longer in optimal condition puts not only your property at risk of more damage but you and your family due to the extreme tension garage door springs are under. Ignoring symptoms of broken or worn-out garage door springs will only cause further damage to your garage door and opener as it will cause the motor to take on the significant strain and cause the motor to wear out, resulting in a much more expensive repair. 

Replacing garage door springs is an easy task for trained specialists such as those at OGD, however, if you are looking to began researching and asking for quotes it’s important to know what type of garage door springs your garage door operating system currently has. 

While researching you will come across a wide variety of garage door springs, however, the majority of residential garage doors use either torsion or extension springs. 

Torsion or Extension Springs?

The number one identifying factor to discover what type of garage door spring your operating system currently has is simply to locate the springs on the door. If the spring is resting horizontally above the garage door, it is likely to be a torsion spring. 

Torsion springs are under immense tension as they are tightly wound taking weight off the door as it opens and closes. If you’ve recently heard a loud bang, it is highly like your torsion spring has broken and needs immediate tension. 

If you discovered your garage door springs running parallel to the garage door tracks on both sides of your door, it is highly likely your operating system is utilizing extension springs. 

Now that you know what type of garage door springs your garage door is operating with you can reach out to one of the specialists at OGD to request a quote and schedule an appointment to quickly repair or replace your garage door springs, same day.

Working with OGD for a garage door spring repair or replacement includes a 27 point inspection to ensure all major elements of your garage door are working properly and haven’t been damaged by the broken garage door spring.

No need to wait, book an appointment by calling (844) 920-3667 to speak with a garage door specialist at OGD and schedule your garage door repair or replacement same day.