Garage doors are an essential part of many homes. They provide protection for cars, bikes, family heirlooms and other valuable items. They also provide privacy and security.

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The type of garage door you choose will impact the look, performance and maintenance requirements of your home. There are a wide variety of styles, materials and features available to suit your budget and lifestyle. The five most common types of residential garage doors are:

Traditional overhead garage doors are side-hinged and open and close from a hinge on each of the jambs. They are available in a range of colors and finishes, including wood-grain steel. Many of these doors offer a high level of insulation to help keep your garage at a comfortable temperature while reducing energy costs.

Sectional garage doors, the most popular in the country, are made from panel sections that connect with hinges. When they open and close, wheels at the edge of each section roll inside vertical tracks on either side of the garage door opening and curved tracks above them. This allows the garage door to sit flat against the ceiling when fully open and in line with the walls when closed.

Contemporary or modern garage doors are sleek and minimalist in appearance. They often emphasize windows and doors with minimal framing, and they are a great choice for modern or mid-century homes. Steel, aluminum and glass are frequently used in these types of garage doors.

Older or heritage-style garage doors have a more classic design with fewer embellishments. They are available in wood and steel, with or without insulation. These doors complement most home styles, from traditional to rustic to craftsman.

Swing-style garage doors are like a pair of large French doors that swing outward from the sides of your garage. They are available in a wide range of wood species, and they can be stained or painted to match your home’s trim and architectural details. They can be more expensive than sectional garage doors, and they require more clearance for operation because they hinge at the bottom and have one joint.

Roll-up garage doors, also known as “tilt up” or “overhead sectional” garage doors, are an excellent choice for homes with limited headroom. They run along horizontal tracks on the floor and ceiling, so they don’t require the overhead space of sectional garage doors. They are available in metal and wood, and some models have built-in retractable motors for automated operation without the need for a ceiling-mounted operator.

Materials

Garage doors are available in a wide range of materials that provide a multitude of aesthetic options. Steel is the most popular material for residential garage doors because of its durability and security benefits, as well as its cost-effectiveness. Steel garage doors can be fitted with insulation to improve their energy efficiency and regulate garage temperatures. Steel is a low-maintenance material that holds up well to harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rains, but it can be vulnerable to corrosion in coastal regions.

Aluminum garage doors are popular for their modern aesthetics and streamlined designs. These doors are typically insulated with polyurethane to increase their R-value and improve thermal efficiency. They also have a greater strength-to-weight ratio than steel, so they require less strain on their operating mechanisms and are easier to lift manually. However, aluminum is more susceptible to corrosion than steel, especially in highly salty environments.

Fiberglass is a durable material that resists corrosion and can be customized with an array of finishes. It is a good choice for coastal regions because it is more resistant to humidity than steel. Like aluminum, fiberglass is lightweight and puts less strain on the operating system. It is also not as durable or as impact-resistant as steel, so it may be more susceptible to denting and damage.

Vinyl garage doors are affordable, low-maintenance and offer a variety of color choices to complement any home design aesthetic. These doors are insulated and provide effective protection against drafts, moisture and pests. They hold up well in hot and cold climates, but they can become brittle when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time.

Wood garage doors are a beautiful option for homeowners seeking a traditional design. These doors come in a variety of styles and can be field-stained on-site to achieve the desired look. They are expensive but durable and provide exceptional curb appeal. Wood garage doors are heavier than steel or aluminum and can be difficult to operate manually, especially if they are large.

Many garage doors are fitted with a torsion spring counterbalance system. These springs stretch and contract to support the weight of the door, which is assisted by a system of pulleys and cables that run parallel to the tracks. The springs can be made of steel, nylon or durable plastic. The type of spring that is chosen depends on the climate, door size and other factors.

Styles

Depending on your taste and home style, you can choose from a wide variety of garage door styles. Some emphasize curb appeal, while others provide a modern aesthetic. Still others complement architectural elements that are unique to your home.

Traditional garage doors often feature windows and decorative hardware, such as strap hinges or ring pulls. They are available in a range of materials, including steel and wood. Many of these doors are also insulated for added energy efficiency.

Carriage house style garage doors offer a distinctive look that emulates the swinging barn-door design of carriage houses. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a blend of history and sophistication, adding an elegant accent to the exterior of their home.

These garage doors slide to one side when open, making them a great option for those with limited headroom in their garage. They are available in a wide array of colors to match your home’s exterior and can be customized with windows and hardware.

Contemporary garage doors prioritize clean lines and sleek surfaces for a sophisticated aesthetic that coordinates with a wide variety of home styles. These doors are offered in a range of materials, and some even include aluminum frame designs that let in plenty of natural light.

Sliding garage doors are an excellent choice for those with a limited budget or who prefer to use the space in their garage for other purposes. They roll on a track from side to side, and they’re available in an array of widths to suit your garage.

Wood-look garage doors offer the beauty of real wood in a low-maintenance option. They’re available in a wide range of species, including mahogany, cypress, and walnut. They are insulated for added durability, and they reduce street noise and vibration when opening and closing.

Wood modern garage doors are designed to fit a broad range of home styles. They’re made of horizontal wood planks and available in a range of color options to coordinate with your home’s exterior. They’re available in a range of thicknesses, and you can customize them with window configurations, insulation, and decorative hardware.

Installation

The garage door is a large, complicated piece of machinery, and it’s important to install it correctly. Hiring professionals ensures that the process runs smoothly and prevents damage. Homeowners can prepare for installation by moving vehicles, removing tools and decor, and clearing the floor to give installers space to maneuver. It’s also helpful to know the specific features of a new garage door before making a decision.

Many homeowners choose a new garage door for its aesthetic appeal or energy efficiency benefits. Steel doors offer durability and low maintenance, while wood adds warmth and classic style. Before you commit to a design, however, it’s important to consider the climate of your area, your maintenance preferences, and energy efficiency needs.

Insulated garage doors can save you money on utility bills, while weather stripping and a properly sealed bottom edge help prevent air leaks. A good way to determine the insulating value of a garage door is by looking at its R-value. High R-values indicate excellent insulation.

Some garage door openers offer smart functionality, such as automatic shut-off and a built-in battery backup. While these features can be beneficial, they can also increase the cost of the garage door. It’s important to talk with the DBM Team about any additional features you’re interested in before they begin work on your door.

Once the professionals are ready to install your new garage door, they will lay out the exterior panel of the new door on a workbench or sawhorses. They’ll then use lag screws to attach the hinges and brackets to the garage door frame. They will then mount the carriage tube to the power unit, and the door’s sensors and safety systems will be installed.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, a new garage door may boost its curb appeal and improve your property’s overall value. In addition, a modern garage door is easier to maintain than older models, which can save you time and money. However, it’s essential to hire a professional for all installations and repairs. Hiring a professional will also help you avoid costly mistakes that can lead to damage or injury.

If your garage door is displaying signs of extensive damage, such as an inability to open or close or making loud, unpleasant noises, you should consider calling a repair specialist. This will prevent the problem from getting worse and save you money in the long run.

Check for loose screws and hinges, and lubricate them as needed. Also, do a visual inspection of the tracks and rollers to remove any dirt that may be clogging them. Get in touch with Garage Door Repair OKC for professional support.

1. Trying to Fix the Door Yourself

When homeowners are experiencing problems with their garage doors, they may be tempted to try and solve those issues themselves. However, it is crucial to remember that a door’s complex system is made up of numerous components and parts — some of which are incredibly dangerous for anyone without proper training or experience to handle.

Garage door components like sensors, springs and tracks need to be properly inspected, lubricated and adjusted for optimal performance. When these mechanisms don’t function correctly, it can cause the entire door to stall or even break. In some cases, simple lubrication or a quick adjustment of speed settings can fix the problem. However, in other cases, the damage is much more severe and needs to be addressed by a professional.

It’s also important to note that attempting to fix the door yourself can be very expensive. Many of the tools needed for a DIY repair job are not typically found inside your typical home toolbox, meaning you will need to purchase these items. This is an additional cost that can quickly add up and end up being more costly than simply calling a professional to begin with.

Another major issue that often comes up when people attempt to DIY a garage door repair is breaking the warranty by making aftermarket changes. This can prove to be very expensive in the long run, especially if there was still some time remaining on your warranty when you started repairing or replacing the door yourself.

A final point to consider is that, if the damage on your garage door is extensive or too costly to repair, it may be worth considering getting a new door altogether. This can help protect your belongings from bad weather, intruders and neighborhood wildlife.

If you’re noticing signs of rust or warping, it’s likely that your garage door is in need of replacement. These types of structural damages will make the door more difficult to operate and can compromise your home’s security.

2. Breaking Your Door’s Warranty

Many garage doors have warranty programs that will help cover repair or replacement costs within a certain time frame after purchase. These are great programs to have, but they are only beneficial if the door is repaired or replaced within that window of time. By attempting to fix the door yourself, you are breaking your warranty and may not be eligible for any future repair or replacement assistance.

Most homeowners who take on DIY home repairs do so because they are unable to afford to pay for professional help. However, the truth is that DIY repairs can end up costing you more money in the long run. Not only will you spend a lot of time and effort trying to repair the door, but it is also possible that you could make a mistake that causes further damage or even safety hazards.

For example, if you are working on your garage door and you accidentally break one of the photo-electronic sensors that keep the door from closing on your car or anything else in the way, it could be dangerous. That is because these sensors are designed to stop the door from closing on an object when they detect that the path is blocked. If they are broken by a ladder you are using to work on the door, you may fall off and become seriously injured or even killed.

A garage door can be a significant entry point into your house, so if it is not functioning correctly it could allow intruders to enter the home easily. It can also fail to close and lock properly, allowing burglars to sneak in. A malfunctioning garage door can also create a fire hazard by making it easier to start a fire in the garage or in the house itself.

It is not a good idea to attempt a DIY garage door repair unless you have a lot of experience and training in a particular type of work, such as electrical repairs. In order to be a licensed electrician, for instance, you will need to complete training programs and pass rigorous testing and background checks.

3. Expensive Mistakes

A garage door may look simple, but beneath the surface is a complex system of parts that must work together to create an effective and safe operation. A simple mistake can cause the entire system to fail, leading to severe damage. This can be costly to repair, and may even require a full replacement.

Garage doors are often weighed down by heavy components that must be safely lifted and maneuvered, making them an incredibly dangerous object to work on without the proper training and experience. This makes it all the more important to follow strict safety precautions when attempting DIY repairs, as failing to do so can result in serious injury. From forgetting to disconnect power sources before attempting repairs to working under tensioned springs, there are many common mistakes that can be deadly.

Another major error homeowners make when performing garage door repairs is misdiagnosing the problem. From assuming a malfunctioning opener is to blame for a noisy door to overlooking worn-out springs as the cause of uneven operation, these errors can lead to ineffective and expensive fixes.

It’s also essential to use the right tools for the job, as using incorrect tools can negatively impact the quality of your repairs and pose safety risks. Using the wrong size wrench when tightening bolts or improvising a solution instead of following manufacturer guidelines can cause serious damage and lead to more costly repairs down the road.

One of the most common garage door repair mistakes is not using the right type of lubricant, as using grease-based lubricants can attract dust and dirt, leading to further damage. Using silicone-based lubricants can help prevent this from happening, as these won’t attract debris and will stay on the moving parts of the door to keep them running smoothly.

Finally, a common mistake is attempting to save money by performing repairs on a garage door that is nearing the end of its lifespan. Repairing a corroded or warped door that’s beyond saving will be cost-ineffective and lead to more extensive and costly problems down the road.

4. Not Knowing What You’re Doing

The garage door is one of the most used parts of a home, so it’s no wonder that it sometimes breaks down. Whether it’s due to wear and tear or natural elements, the damage can be extensive. This may require the replacement of multiple sections, or in some cases, the entire door.

Garage door repair technicians must have a high degree of knowledge, training and skills to do their job safely. This includes knowing how to identify the root cause of the problem. They often have to work at height, use ladders and maneuver heavy equipment in tight or confined spaces. They also must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and environments.

If you notice anything wrong with your garage door, it’s best to call a professional as soon as possible. That way, you can avoid the problem from getting worse and possibly requiring a replacement. In addition, immediate repairs can help you save money and prevent further damage to your property. Ultimately, if your garage door is broken beyond repair, it’s time to replace it with something new and more functional. This will protect your belongings and give you peace of mind that you’re safe in your home.