Garage door upgrades are all about making life easier, safer, and better. The truth is that not all households share the same needs. Not all garage doors need the same upgrades. For example, a family with a relatively new garage door may only want to increase security with the installation of security cameras around the overhead door. Or, even inside the garage. Another family may decide to insulate the garage door – that’s a major makeover.
But what if you have a standard garage door with all the basic features but feel that it’s getting quite dated and you must do something to boost its strengths, security, and safety? In such a case, there are 5 great upgrades you can do to improve the garage door’s performance and longevity.
Change the garage door tracks
The garage door tracks are major parts. Unavoidably, they become dented and somehow damaged over
the years, especially the vertical tracks. Since the rollers glide through the tracks while carrying the garage door, it’s vital that the tracks are in great shape. Even minor dents here and there will cause noise. And when the track damage will get worse, rust may set in. Such problems may take a toll on the garage door movement and may eventually cause a number of problems, like garage door jamming.
By replacing the old garage door tracks – or at least, the worn sections, you will kill two birds with one stone. The first advantage is that the garage door will perform better and so will the rollers. The second advantage is that you will have the opportunity to get better tracks – lower gauge, and hence, reinforce the garage door. That’s vital in regions with storms and winds, where durable tracks and brackets are needed. If you change the tracks, see if the garage door rollers, the brackets, and the hinges should be replaced as well.
Get a new garage door opener
The garage door opener technology is quickly evolving and thus, a new unit will make a difference in your everyday life. If your opener is old or outdated, this is your chance to get a new opener with better features – even WiFi connectivity, if this interests you. The important thing is to have an opener with a number of features for increased security, safety, and convenience.
Don’t forget that along with the opener you can change the remote too. Or get a garage door keypad. These are some significant upgrades too.
Weatherstrip the garage door
Garage door weather strips tend to wear. At the same time, they are crucial all year around – that’s as far as protection from the weather is concerned. On top of protecting from the elements, the seals protect from insects. They also ensure the garage door moves well and closes airtight. Garage door weatherstripping may not be considered a major upgrade, but it’s a necessary improvement if the strips are worn.
Replace the garage door springs
Garage door springs are designed to function for a specific lifespan. Most springs are made for 20K cycles – that’s the number of a garage door opening and closing – a cycle. If your springs are near the end of their span or for some reason they are worn and rusty, it’s best to have them replaced before they snap. This may not be an exciting upgrade, like that of getting a new garage door remote or opener, but it’s a must-do. If the spring is on its last leg, the garage door may not perform as it should already, and soon it will be lifted with some difficulty. It’s best to prevent such things.
Buy new garage door cables
If you are to replace the springs, replace the cables too. The garage door cables and the springs are
usually replaced together, anyway. So, if you are considering such upgrades necessary, have a garage door repair tech check the cables and all their components – like the drums or the pulleys too. If such parts have seen better days, it won’t hurt to get new ones.
Since we talk about cables, if your garage door operates with extension springs, lace safety cables through them for enhanced safety. This will be an upgrade for peace of mind.
