aascipsw A new garage door installation can enhance your curb appeal and increase the value of your home. It’s a major project, though, so you’ll want to get it right the first time.
Why do garage doors fail?
The most important consideration is choosing the material. Among the available options are metal, fiberglass and vinyl, wood, and composite. Each has its own pros and cons. The price you pay will also depend on market factors and whether you have to resize the garage opening or remodel the interior.
Most new doors are sectional, made of several horizontal slabs of stamped 24- or 25-gauge galvanized steel. The steel is protected from corrosion by a zinc coating. Most doors are uninsulated, although you can add a layer of insulation for an extra charge. The slabs are joined by hinges that mount to the track and brackets that attach to the wall. Most systems have a ceiling-mounted opener, but you can choose a wall-mounted option to save overhead space.
Two horizontal tracks carry the door up into the open position. Each track has a 90-degree metal curve at one end and an angle bracket that attaches to the back of the horizontal section. Support the long, horizontal tracks temporarily in the rough door opening with step ladders and hold them in place with string or wires. Use a bubble level to check that the curve is straight and flat.
If your garage door is noisy, it may be because the cables have frayed. Squeaky springs can be cured with spray-on lubricant. If your cables are sagging, they need to be replaced by a professional technician because high-tension springs can be dangerous.