Garage doors are essential aspects of most homes. These components can serve as an entryway to the house, protect your vehicles, and keep your work tools or storage items safe and dry. These doors can last for anywhere from 12 to 30 years with proper maintenance. To get the most out of your garage door, here’s what you should know about this essential mechanical feature.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Doors

What kind of maintenance does my garage door need?

At least once a year, inspect the door and all its components closely for signs of damage or excessive wear. While doing so, clean the tracks of debris and lubricate the rollers and hinges. If the doors require any maintenance beyond that, call a professional contractor for help. 

How often should I repaint my garage door?

There are a number of factors that will influence the lifetime of every paint job, including the extent of each door’s sun exposure, the quality of the existing paint, and the underlying surface material. Thankfully, repainting is primarily a cosmetic concern, so you don't necessarily have to prioritize it like other kinds of maintenance. Staying on top of it, however, can prevent excessive wear and tear, thereby extending the door’s longevity. Whereas wooden doors should generally be repainted every two years, steel doors may only need a new coat every three to four years. A freshly painted door can increase the aesthetic and financial value of your property, as well. 

Should garage doors be insulated?

Unless you have a detached garage, it’s essential to install insulated doors to keep utility bills down. Otherwise, the garage will let out all the cool air in the summer and all the warm air in the winter. If your doors are neither insulated nor due for replacing any time soon, a contractor can propose aftermarket ways to insulate them. There are a number of materials you can attach to the inside of each door to maintain a more reasonable temperature in the garage. 

How can I combat climate-related wear and tear?

Coating steel doors with a corrosion-resistant paint will prevent rust. Likewise, there are moisture-resistant seals you can apply to wooden doors to keep mold, mildew, and rot at bay. And if you live in a climate that gets hurricane-strength winds from time to time, you’ll want durable, wide-load doors that can withstand the force. When it comes time to replace your doors, turn to a local contractor who’s familiar with the area and the various hazards its weather patterns pose. 

If your garage doors are due for maintenance, repairs, or replacement, turn to Garage Door Service: Paul Holscher, Mike Panaro. Based in Cincinnati, OH, this family-owned business has been serving clients throughout Ohio and Kentucky since 1987. As a fully licensed and insured company, they offer a broad range of services, from custom door fabrication to spring replacement. To request a free quote, reach out on their website or call (513) 347-3000.