Your garage is the part of your house where you keep your car, but also the place where you can spend hours or weekend afternoons working on a home improvement project or engaging in a relaxing hobby. Lots of great things can happen in a garage. Remember that Apple launched in a garage! So you want it to be as comfortable as possible. For this, one of the key elements is the garage door.
Here are some key things to check before deciding to upgrade or replace. These include type, material, maintenance, and safety.
What is the best type of door for your garage?
It can consist of one or several panels, depending on its type, size and material. They can be roll-up, sectional, swing or swing doors. Roll-up doors are better for smaller garages, as they roll over the door and don’t require extra space to open like swing doors do. Sectional doors are made up of several panels, which rise vertically, sliding towards the top of the garage. Swing doors resemble car doors, which is why they are also called car garage doors. They can be composed of two panels, which open automatically. Hinged or tilting doors open upwards, but their disadvantage is that they take up more space than sectional or roll-up doors.
Which door material is right for you?
Initially most were made of wood, but modern automated ones are usually made of metal and fiberglass. If you prefer metal to more protection, you can choose between steel or aluminum. They can also be insulated to increase energy efficiency.
Is your gate easy to maintain?
Maintaining your gate is critical if you want to operate it safely and prolong its life. Because the garage door is a complex piece of machinery, it is advisable to have it checked periodically by professionals. In this way you ensure that it is in good condition and can be used without risk of injury or damage.
Of all the components in a garage door, the springs are perhaps the most susceptible to failure because they counteract the entire weight of the door. Garage door springs have an estimated life cycle. This tells you how many times you can safely open and close your door before you need to replace the springs. Of course, you won’t be able to count how many times you raise and lower your garage door, but you can get an estimate by noting the installation date on your calendar and multiplying the number of days and daily use. Under normal conditions, the springs should last several years, but at some point they will break and you will have to install new ones.
How secure is your garage door?
The safety of yours is vital. It is better to buy doors from established manufacturers because this way you can be sure that your product meets the safety and security standards of the industry. Steel doors are considered the most secure garage doors. If they are insulated, it is even better because they are more energy efficient.
Keeping these key aspects in mind will make it easier for you to make a purchasing decision that meets your needs and requirements.