Old garage doors and garage door openers can be unattractive and difficult to use, especially if they haven’t had regular maintenance performed. Fortunately, you can do many things to improve your garage door's functionality and appearance. If you've put off maintenance on your garage door for the last several years, these tips can improve the appearance and operation of your garage door.
Improve Insulation and Weatherproofing
Many older garage doors lack insulation, but lack of insulation is something you can fix. Garage door insulation can keep your garage door as much as
25 degrees
cooler in summer and up to 12 degrees warmer in the cooler months.
Use weatherproofing techniques to improve comfort in your garage as well. Install rubber strips around the outside of your door to keep out drafts. Check the rubber gasket on the underside of your door for cracks. This rubber gasket forms a seal between your garage door and the concrete below. If the gasket is cracked, replace it by sliding it out one side or the other, then slide the new one into place.
Get a Tune-Up
Over time, garage doors become more likely to break. Parts wear down and springs become loose or saggy. Now that your garage door is older, it may be louder, slower and less predictable than it used to be.
One of the ways to combat the effects of aging is to get a tune-up from a professional garage door repair person. Your repair person will check the wires and connections, lubricate the moving parts, and inspect the most critical components of your garage door. If your garage door needs more extensive repairs, your contractor will make recommendations.
Wash the Door
White is the most popular garage door color. If your garage door is white, then it probably shows dirt easily. You can make your garage door much more attractive just by washing the door. Avoid using a power washer, however. Power washers can strip away paint and may also force water into the cracks between the door and its frame.
To get your door clean and to protect the finish, use a gentle spray of water from a hose to hose down your garage door. Once the door is fully wet, use a sponge and mild detergent to gently wash the dirt away. Rinse when you're done.
Get Panels Repaired
Cracks and dents can make your garage door look its age. Talk to your garage door repair technician about options for repairing any damage to your garage door. Some dents may be popped out, but cracks and major dents may warrant a panel replacement. Your garage door contractor can talk to you about the most affordable options.
Once your garage door panels are repaired, a new coat of paint may be appropriate. Don't paint your door until it is fully repaired. Not all garage doors should be painted (vinyl, for example). If you're not sure whether your garage door can be painted, talk to your garage door contractor when they come to do the repairs.
Know When to Replace Your Garage Door
If your garage door is old enough, it may be beyond repair. If this is the case, it may be more appropriate to install a new garage door. Your garage door repair person can help you decide if this is the case.
For example, if multiple panels on your garage door are damaged, replacing two or more panels could be more expensive than just replacing the entire door. Your garage door contractor can give you a quote for repair and a separate quote for replacement, so you can compare the two.
At Edgemont Garage Doors, we help homeowners like you keep their doors in good repair.
Contact us today
to make an appointment for a consultation.
