Garage Doors and Maintenance: Keep Your Door in Great Shape

When I bought my first home, I knew I was going to have to start maintaining different parts of the home to keep everything functioning properly. However, what I did not realize was that the garage door was one of these things. I decided to create this website because I had no idea how much maintenance a garage door needed and what types of maintenance. If you aren't cleaning your garage door tracks, checking for loose screws or oiling the tracks on a bi-monthly basis, I hope my website teaches you how to do this maintenance and the importance of performing it.

Ideas For Giving Your Garage Door A Fresh Look

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It can be tempting to think of garage doors as strictly utilitarian and ignore their appearance.  However, for many homes the garage door constitutes a large portion of the visible exterior of the property and has the potential to significantly impact its curb appeal for better or worse.

This article will look at ways to increase the visual appeal of your garage without spending a fortune:

Paint It

You already know that a fresh coat of paint is like an instant make-over for interior parts of your house, but the same is true for your garage door.  For best results, get paint made specifically for your door's material (generally aluminum, vinyl, or wood) and be sure to clean and prime before painting.  

To make an inexpensive garage door appear more elegant, consider using paint and stain to give it the appearance of wood.  Put down a base coat in a rich brown color, then layer with dark stain, strategically wiping off the stain while still wet to create the illusion of grain.  Finish with a polyurethane coat to give it durability and luster.

Add Faux Windows

Everybody loves a carriage-style door, but if you want the look for less create faux windows across the upper third of your garage door.  Use painter's tape to mark off rectangles where you want the "windows" to be, then paint using a high gloss black.  Add wrought iron hinge details to really sell the look.  (To make things even easier, you can actually purchase magnetic decorative accents that are held in place by strong magnets on the back.)

Replace the Hardware          

While you're busy adding decorative hardware, don't forget to upgrade the existing hardware.  Trade in the existing handle and lock for one that matches your home's overall aesthetic is an inexpensive way to add class to your garage entrance.  

Upgrade the Lighting

Having a gorgeous door that no one can see after dark means your hard work isn't having as big of an impact on your curb appeal as it should.  Inadequate lighting can also be a security risk, so upgrading your exterior lights should definitely stay on the priority list.

Replace outdated or too-small fixtures with new ones that complement the look of your door.  (For example wrought-iron lanterns pair well with a carriage-style door, while clean, geometric lines and a brushed-metal finish might work better for a modern look).

Replace It

If none of these tips help you create the garage door of your dreams, it may be time to consider replacing your door.  Garage doors vary greatly in price, and you can definitely save money by shopping around.  Don't skimp on the installation, though, especially if your garage has an automatic door opener.  The springs in these doors are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury to someone who doesn't have the proper tools and experience.

Your garage door can be an important focal point for your home's exterior.  Use these tips to give it a fresh look without breaking the bank. To learn more, contact a company like Spring King Garage Door Repair.

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23 March 2015