It’s getting cooler outside, and you know that that means (or at least what we’re going to say!)… it’s time to check your garage door and make sure it’s ready for the weather ahead. This season, we’ve kept the list simple, but what’s on the list is important. Trust us, you don’t want to deal with a garage door repair during the busy holiday season or when it’s bitter cold outside.

Take a look at the list below to ensure garage door is ready for winter.

Garage Door Replacement. If you’ve been planning on investing in a new garage door for your home this year, now is the perfect time. There are a myriad of benefits to replacing your garage door in the fall – from better energy efficiency to increase security to not having to worry about costly repairs.

Garage Door Springs. You’ll want to check your garage door springs now to make sure they’re working properly. Try pulling your garage door’s release handle when the door is down completely. Then, lift it part of the way up and let it go down on its own. If it comes down quickly you may need your garage door springs adjusted or replaced.

Also check that your garage door springs are lubricated. Sometimes, especially in older garage doors, the lubrication can dry up or harden which can cause your garage door springs to not work optimally.

Check the seal. The bottom of your garage door should seal to the ground. This is essential to keep drafts out of the garage – as well as any pesky critters! If there’s room between your garage door and the ground, it may be time to replace your garage door or the garage door seal.

Replace the rollers. We recommend replacing your garage door’s rollers every five years, and they should be checked at least once every year. If you haven’t done this yet, make sure to do so before the weather gets cold. Look for worn, cracked or chipped rollers. If you see any, give us a call to have them replaced.

Clean the garage door. If your garage doors are fiberglass, you can wash them down with a good all-purpose cleaner. If your garage doors are made from wood, take a look to make sure there are no warped or water damaged areas, especially if your wood garage doors are older.

It doesn’t take long to complete these fall garage door maintenance items, but it can really save time and money in the long run. We’re happy to check your garage door, too. Just give us a call to set up an appointment with one of our experienced technicians at your convenience. And if you need a new garage door you’re in luck because we’re running a Fall Extravaganza with deep discounts on replacement garage doors!

Maybe you’re looking for simple ways to update your home’s appearance, or perhaps you want to increase your home’s value or save money or personal security. Each of these goals – and many, many more – can be achieved with a new garage door.

Consider this: The garage can comprise as much as 30% of a home’s façade, so updating it is an excellent, relatively low-cost way to increase the curb appeal of your home. And a better looking home, means you’ll get a higher ROI if you decide to sell it.

Since your garage is such a big part of your home, it’s important to keep it secure. Many new garage doors come with extra safety features. Combine it with a new garage door opener and you’ve got peace of mind, knowing that you and your family – not to mention your car – are safe.

As garage door professionals who have spent decades helping home and business owners find the right garage door, we can think of tons of reasons a new garage door is a great investment. Below, we’ve narrowed it down to our top nine.

Enhance the look of your home. Styles change. That’s not only true for fashion and cars, but for garage doors as well. Take a look at Clopay’s newest residential garage doors and you’ll see some amazing classic and modern designs that would make any home look great.

If your garage door is older, it likely has some dents and maybe some chipped, peeling paint. Sound like your garage door? It may be time to invest in a new one.

Better safety. Your garage door is one of the hardest working doors in your home. Over time, garage door springs and other key components to your door can get worn out and break. Sometimes, this creates a dangerous situation. If your garage door is older, purchasing a new one may be more cost efficient than replacing old parts, or having a professional come out to service it often.

Make it multifunctional. We love that garages are being used for more than our cars these days. A new garage door can help transform your garage into additional living space. Clopay’s Avante and Modern Steel garage doors create a fresh, contemporary space, while garage door screens let a little of the outdoors in.

Note: If you want to make your garage a space for hobbies like woodworking or painting, a playroom, or a workout room, it’s best to have it insulated so you can use it all year long, and the easiest way to ensure this is with a new garage door.

Quiet, please. You know an old garage when you hear one. They creak and squeak every time they close and open. That’s the sound of old garage door parts being pushed beyond their capacity and it’s never a good sign. Plus, who wants to be woken up from sleep by a garage door opening or closing? New garage doors are quiet, and they help to reduce noise coming from the street as well.

Increase your home’s value. This is a big one, especially if you’re getting ready to put your house on the market. In fact, a new garage door is one of the single most important, and easy ways to make your house look better on the outside, so when potential buyers show up to look at your home, they’ll be more motivated to make it their own.

And your home’s ROI, too. In addition to increasing your home’s value, garage doors are great investments. Studies have shown that when it comes to increasing your home’s ROI garage doors are one of the best investments you can make
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Better energy efficiency. Older garage doors that are warped and cracked are likely to let in drafts, and if they’re letting in cold (or hot) air in, they’re letting it out, too. If you have a garage that shares a wall or a ceiling with any room in your house, having an insulated garage door — fitted by experts — is even more important. New garage doors are guaranteed to fit, and that means you’ll save money on your energy bills.

No unexpected repairs. Few things will ruin your morning like a malfunctioning garage door when you’re pressed for time. Broken garage door springs and other faulty garage door parts are par for the course when you’ve got an old door.

They’re not only inconvenient, they can also lead to pricey repairs. Newer garage doors are under warranty, and when they’re installed by professionals with decades of experience, you’ll avoid calls for repairs – especially with regular maintenance.

Increased security. An old garage door that no longer fits securely can be a welcome sign for thieves, many who gain entry to the home through the garage. To protect your family, the items in your garage and home, and your car, make sure your garage door is secure, or better yet – purchase a new one.

Ready to get started? Use our Design Your Door feature to see what garage doors will look best on your home. Then give us a call. This is a great time of the year to invest in a new garage door!