For most homes, garage door curb appeal has a direct impact on the overall curb appeal of the home. Newer homes often feature the garage in a very prominent position and can occupy more than 50% of the street facing side of the house. So it’s no surprise that a great looking garage door adds a lot of value to the home. In this article, we dive in to some ideas on how you can make your garage door pop so you get the most value from your door.

Accessories

One of the most affordable ways to add sparkle to your garage door is by adding decorations to highlight the door area. Potted plants on either side of the door opening will frame the door so viewers are drawn into the overall look. In addition, homeowners can add shrubs or climbing plants on trellis to complete the garage door presentation. Consult with a professional landscape designer for more ideas. The key is to provide a visual “framing” of your garage door that complements the door without overpowering. The nice thing about adding accessories is that it’s affordable and easy to change. So use your imagination and creativity to let your vision shine!

Painting

Another affordable way to boost the visual impact of your garage door is with a fresh coat of paint. Most garage doors are made of aluminum, steel or wood that can be painted or stained so you have plenty of color options. The question is how much do you want the garage door to stand out from the rest of the street facing house? If you want the garage door to stand out from the rest of the house, bright, primary colors may be a good option. On the other hand, if you want the door to blend in with the rest of the visual, more subtle or neutral colors may be in order. If the front entry door is visible from the street, it’s usually a good idea to make that the focal point with colors that pop. In this case, the garage door plays more of a supporting role. If you’re having the exterior of your house painted, consult with your painter to get their ideas. They see a lot of combinations of colors and can provide valuable insights.

Upgrade The Garage Door

It goes without saying that upgrading your garage door is the best way to improve garage door curb appeal. There are an incredible array of options available to the homeowner that can at times be overwhelming. There are 3 major styles of garage doors with many variations within each category:

• Traditional: one of the most common styles featuring rectangular patterns with raised bordering between rectangles
• Carriage House: a broad category featuring rustic or barn-style elements. Very popular in rural and country settings with lots of decorative hardware choices and door materials
• Modern: featuring sleek design elements including reflective panels and frameless design options

Most styles will allow you to apply your own creativity with a number of design options such as garage door windows, hardware options, woodgrains and more. And while garage door insulation may not add much to your curb appeal, it’s worth considering as an option for both energy efficiency and resell value. For more help selecting a new garage door, check out our Garage Door Buying Guide.

Add Lighting

Adding exterior lighting around your garage door can really make your house dazzle at night. In addition, it adds safety and security to your property so it’s worth consideration. There is a huge variety of lighting choices for the homeowner including overhead and side lights. While the lighting is most effective at night, remember that the fixtures are visible during the day so choose a style that complements the overall look of your home.

You can find lighting options that point light up or down to create different effects. If you’re not sure, drive around your neighborhood at night to see what others have done. Pointing them up may provide less lighting on the ground but can make a spectacular visual effect. On the other hand, pointing them down can highlight plants and accessories in the garage door area. And then you have some wall sconces that providing light patterns above and below that give the best of both.

Exterior lighting can add very dramatic garage door curb appeal to your home. We suggest contacting an electrician to find out what your options are for adding additional fixtures to your home.

Garage Door Curb Appeal Is Value

Studies show an upgraded garage door provide the best return on investment when boosting curb appeal for your home. These days, the garage door is one of the most prominent features of a home and is worth a close look to see how you can increase value and personal pride in your home.

Homeowners count on their garage door opener to open and close the door without much thought. So when the garage door opener stops working, it come as an unpleasant surprise. In addition, it can pose a safety hazard in case of emergencies like a wildfire or the need to go to the hospital. In this article, we discuss some of the most common issues that affect opener operation and what can be done to fix them.

Garage Door Opener Doesn’t Operate When Wall Switch is Pressed

You press the wall switch that’s wired to the opener and you get nothing. Nada. No clicking. No lights, nothing at all. The simplest explanation in this case could be there’s no power to the unit. Make sure the opener is plugged in all the way and then make sure the breaker isn’t blown. If the breaker or fuse has blown, replace the fuse or re-engage the breaker. If they continue to blow, it’s likely there is a defect in the garage door opener and it will need to be replaced.

Try plugging a lamp or other electrical device into the outlet to see if they work. If they work and your opener still gives you nothing, there is likely an electrical defect in the opener that will require a new circuit board or a brand new opener. Either way, time for a service call.

Garage Door Opener Doesn’t Respond To Remote

When the wall switch works but the remote control or keypad don’t, there are a number of things to check. First, make sure you have fresh batteries in the remote. Just because the keypad lights up doesn’t mean there’s enough juice to signal the opener so try new batteries.

Second, if the hand held remote isn’t working and you have fresh batteries, try getting closer to the opener. The remote should work well out into the street and if it doesn’t, there may be an issue with the remote or the opener receiver. Try another remote if you have one and if they both have a range issue, then the receiver is at fault. If this is the case, ensure the opener’s antenna is hanging down and is not damaged in any way.

Finally, you can try reprogramming the remote or keypad. Sometimes electronics get messed up for no obvious reason. Find your owner’s manual for the opener and remotes and see if reprogramming helps.

If after all this you still can’t get the remotes to work, call in the pros.

Garage Door Doesn’t Close All The Way

If you garage door opens properly but doesn’t close all the way, there are several things to check:

Close-Limit Switch

The close-limit switches are set to tell the opener when to stop opening or closing. If it’s set too short, the door may stop closing before it gets to the ground. On the other hand, if it’s set too long, the door will hit the ground before it wants to stop and will interpret this as an obstruction. As a result, the door should reverse as a safety feature. Close-limit adjustments will vary depending on your opener make and model so consult the owner’s manual or call a garage door professional.

Safety Sensors

The safety sensors are electronic eyes that are set up across the bottom of the garage door opening. They are used to detect obstructions like objects, pets or people. Make sure there are no objects blocking the sensors or in the way of the door. If the sensors are out of alignment so they can’t “see” the other side, the opener will consider that an obstruction and prevent closing. As a result, the opener will usually reverse and flash it’s light as a warning that something is wrong.

Track & Rollers

If your garage door tracks or rollers are old or in rough shape, they may just bind up and prevent the door form closing. This will usually result in the door reversing as the extra resistance will be interpreted as an obstruction. If this is the case, well, you know who to call!

Garage Door Does Not Open Completely

Sometimes a garage door will stop short of fully opened. There are a couple of reasons this might happen. There is an up-limit switch that sets the upper limit of the garage door travel so check to see that that is set correctly. It may be a simple matter of adjusting this switch. On the other hand, if your garage door rollers or tracks are old and rusted, you may need to lubricate these parts or have them replaced. Use a lithium grease spray to lubricate, not WD-40. If lubrication doesn’t solve the problem, call the pros to get the issues diagnosed and fixed.

Is the Garage Door Opener Working Now?

We’ve covered the most common problems with garage door openers and offered some solutions. If you’re still having problems, you should call a garage door repair company. Some issues are easy enough to address but you need to be careful with garage doors. First, it’s important to have your opener working reliably in case of emergencies and for safety reasons. Secondly, garage doors are heavy and there’s a lot of force built up in the springs and this can be dangerous for folks without proper training. When in doubt, trust your instincts and call the pros.

When it comes to home energy efficiency, homeowners often focus on insulation for walls, windows, and attics, but one area that is frequently overlooked is the garage. However, considering that the garage door is the largest entrance to your home, insulating it can have a significant impact on your energy bills, comfort, and overall efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of garage door insulation and the various options available, helping you make an informed decision for your home.

Advantages of Garage Door Insulation

Energy Efficiency

Uninsulated garage doors can be a major source of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, affecting your home’s overall energy efficiency.

Cost Savings

By insulating your garage door, you can reduce energy consumption, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills.

Enhanced Comfort

Insulation helps regulate temperature, making your garage more comfortable year-round.

Noise Reduction

Insulated garage doors provide soundproofing benefits, reducing noise from both inside and outside the garage. Studies show that an insulated garage door can be 3 times quieter than a non-insulated door.

Types of Garage Door Insulation Materials

Polystyrene Insulation

Polystyrene panels offer good insulation properties, are lightweight, and can be easily installed. They come in various thicknesses, providing different levels of insulation.

Polyurethane Insulation

Polyurethane foam insulation is known for its high insulation value, durability, and strength. It provides excellent thermal resistance and can also reinforce the structural integrity of the garage door.

Reflective Insulation

Reflective insulation utilizes a layer of foil to reflect radiant heat away from the garage. It is typically used in conjunction with other insulation materials for enhanced performance.

DIY Insulation Kits

These kits include insulation materials, such as batts or foam boards, along with installation instructions for homeowners who prefer a do-it-yourself approach.

Comparing Insulated Garage Doors

Insulation is rated using an “R-Value,” which measures its ability to resist heat transmission. A higher R-Value indicates slower heat transfer through the insulating material. This means that during winter, it helps retain warm air in the garage, while in summer, it keeps the heat out.

Garage door R-Values typically range from R-0 (no insulation) to around R-20. However, homeowners should understand that R-Values are not linear. In other words, an R-16 door doesn’t have twice the insulating capability of an R-8 door. To better understand this, refer to the chart. It’s important to note that an R-16 door only provides a 5% improvement in insulation, while an R-20 door offers just a 6% improvement. Therefore, there’s no need to spend exorbitant amounts of money for only marginal insulation gains.

There are aftermarket insulation kits available that offer R-Values ranging from R-2 to R-8. On the other hand, garage doors with insulation in the core typically range from R-6 to R-20.

The Installation Process

Professional Installation

Hiring a professional ensures proper installation, maximizing the insulation’s effectiveness and maintaining the garage door’s warranty.

DIY Installation

For those with adequate DIY skills, installing garage door insulation can be a cost-effective option. It involves measuring, cutting, and attaching insulation materials to the garage door panels.

Considerations When Choosing Garage Door Insulation

R-Value

The R-value measures the insulation’s thermal resistance. Consider the climate in your area and choose an insulation material with an appropriate R-value for optimal performance.

Garage Door Type

Different garage door styles may require specific insulation solutions. Consult with a professional to determine the most suitable insulation option for your specific door type.

Compatibility with Hardware

Ensure that the insulation method you choose does not interfere with the garage door’s operation or hardware components.

Future Maintenance

Consider the long-term maintenance requirements of the insulation material to ensure its durability and performance over time.

Conclusion

Garage door insulation is a wise investment that offers a multitude of benefits, from energy savings and increased comfort to noise reduction and improved durability. By understanding the importance of garage door insulation, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your home’s energy efficiency and overall functionality. You can use an aftermarket kit as an affordable option and get something in the R-8 range. On the other hand, if you need more insulation or are getting a new garage door installed, you’ll want to explore available insulated garages from vendors to find the right door for you. Of course, we’re always here to help, just get in touch!

Don’t overlook the potential of your garage door when it comes to creating a well-insulated and efficient home. Start reaping the benefits of garage door insulation today.