Installing a garage door can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider, from the door type to the opener to the garage door installation process itself. Unfortunately, many homeowners make common mistakes when installing their garage doors which can end up costing them time and money. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the mistakes people make when installing a garage door and how to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more!
Not Taking Proper Measurements Before Installing a Garage Door
Before you start looking into your options, first, consider the space where you will be installing a garage door, as well as the surrounding areas inside and outside of the garage. This includes taking into account anything that could make the setup dreadful. For example, parking your car inside the garage can be tricky if you leave too little space for people to walk in, out, and around the car, while it’s parked there.
Keep in mind that you need to allocate enough room on either side of the doorway for your car to enter or exit. Your garage should also have plenty of headroom so that even your tallest family members can move freely. Be sure to think about the weather and environmental conditions, too. Don’t forget to consider the weather and the environmental conditions as the wrong choice of material for your door can severely affect its lifespan. If you live in an area where high winds are quite common, it makes sense to purchase a garage door that can withstand high wind loads. The kind of setup or style to go with installing a garage door should be in consideration of common dangers, threats, or disturbances that are well known among those in the area. Otherwise, your door could end up damaged or blown off once a cyclone hits for instance.
Improper Installation and Not Leveling The Door
Installing a garage door is no different than installing other parts of a structure. The installation of a garage door requires proper leveling so that it may function as intended – without any hassles or headaches. Skipping this crucial step only means that sooner or later, your newly installed garage door could end up stuck, or even worse, have it come off the tracks.
When you install a new garage door, it is important that you and your professional garage door technician take some time to test the full range of motion and operation of your door. Open and close it a few times to ensure everything is in working order. If your new setup includes the use of an automatic garage door opener, the best thing to do is to test the distance in which the remote control will stop working.
Taking the DIY-Approach
While it seems very appealing and budget-friendly to try and watch a few YouTube videos on how to get around installing a garage door, doing it this way exposes you to much greater risks. Additionally, it could also end up becoming more costly than it originally should have been. Installing a garage door can turn out too complex and end up becoming frustrating for a typical homeowner. Especially someone with no qualified experience in working with such mechanisms. A few dollars saved shouldn’t be worth more than your family’s safety and your peace of mind knowing that your new garage door is finely tuned and in proper order because you chose to work with a garage door specialist.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Door
The type of door that would be most suitable for your property will depend on the layout of your garage, the weather and climate, known safety and security threats around your area, and many other factors. With the huge variety of garage doors now available in the market, you are sure to find one that will perfectly fit your needs, budget, and style. Take all the time you need to research as much as you can to gain a better understanding of what each one can or cannot do for you. It’s always a smart choice to seek advice from your local garage door contractor as they have many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge about garage doors. They’d be happy to share their insights with prospective customers such as you.
There are several different types of garage doors available in the market. The most common type is the roller door, which consists of a series of horizontal slats that roll up and down to open and close the door.
- Roller garage doors – a series of horizontal slats that roll up and down to open and close the door.
- Sectional garage doors – several panels that hinge open and close.
- Up and over garage doors – one piece that swings open and closed.
- Side-hinged garage doors – two pieces that swing open and closed like a door.
- Tilt-up garage doors – a single panel that tilts up and back to open.
- Folding garage doors – a series of panels that fold up and back to open.
- Retractable garage doors – a single panel that retracts up and back into the garage ceiling
- Electric garage doors – garage doors that are operated by remote controls.
Make Sure to Consider the Material Used for the Door
Wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass… These are just a few of the many different types of materials that are commonly used in modern garage doors. Take the time to find out and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each one, while measuring that against your budget and needs.
Steel Garage Doors
Widely known for their durability and affordability, steel garage doors are the most popular type of garage door in many households. On the other hand, given the nature of its material, these types of doors tend to rust over time. For those who stand by steel garage doors for their properties, investing a few more extra dollars for a stainless steel door has proven worth the stretch. And for those who don’t have the luxury of shedding a few extra bucks, they have taken to regular inspection and paint-overs to help protect their steel doors.
Aluminum Garage Doors
Lightweight and having resistance against rust, aluminum garage doors tend to be a bit more expensive than your traditional steel doors. For those who live along the coast, aluminum garage doors have become a popular choice.
Wooden Garage Doors
Holding up its reputation for being a classic and elegant choice for homes, wooden garage doors is one that best suits those who prefer a more rustic look and feel. While the aesthetic look of these doors is a sure win, the downside is that they require more maintenance than other types of doors. Although known to be the more expensive choice in garage door setups, wooden doors are preferred by those who can afford their upfront cost. As well as their maintenance, given their ability to add character, flair, and style to the overall look of any home.
Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass garage doors are a more recent innovation. Which in itself sets it apart from all its other predecessors. These types of doors can offer many of the same benefits as steel garage doors. However, fiberglass garage doors are made up of a semi-transparent finish, thus decreasing their ability to provide natural insulation. They also tend to be susceptible to high winds as well as make a lot of noise in the process. This is a con that can be annoying for both the homeowner as well as the neighbors.
Garage Doors Come In Different Styles
Are you a new homeowner who sees installing a garage door as adding an extra layer of security to your home? Or perhaps you’re the type who’s currently looking for a new garage door style to spruce up your aging home’s look and feel? Regardless of your buying motivations, it will certainly benefit you to know more about what options you have available. There are many different styles of garage doors that can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.
Carriage House Garage Door
A Carriage House garage door typically has a unique look that sets it apart from other types of garage doors. They often have a decorative panel on the top of the door and may also include glass panels. The overall look is often very elegant and can add to the curb appeal of a home.
Full-View Garage Door
A Full-View garage door offers many benefits over traditional garage doors. They provide an enhanced level of security by eliminating the gaps found in traditional garage doors. This allows you to protect your belongings and vehicles from would-be thieves. Additionally, full-view garage doors offer an enhanced level of insulation, which can save you money on your energy bills. Finally, these doors add curb appeal to your home, which can increase its resale value.
Sectional-Steel Garage Door
Sectional steel garage doors have a number of advantages over other types of garage doors. They are very strong and durable, and they are also very easy to maintain. Sectional steel doors can also be insulated. This can help keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
However, there are a few disadvantages to using sectional steel garage doors. One of the biggest drawbacks is that they are typically more expensive than other types of garage doors. Additionally, since they are made from steel, they are susceptible to rusting if they are not properly maintained.
One-Piece Garage Door
There are many benefits to having a One-Piece Garage Door installed in your home. They are durable and can last for many years with the proper care and maintenance. They can also be customized to match the look of your home or business. Additionally, they can add value to your property by increasing its curb appeal.
The main downside to having a One-Piece Garage Door is the cost. They can be quite pricey depending on the size and style of door you choose. Additionally, they may require more maintenance than other types of garage doors.
So you ask… “What is the best type of garage door for my home?“
Your needs, preferences, and budget will all play a big part in your decision. Take a few minutes to learn about what’s available to you and any restrictions that might pose a problem in time.
Insufficient Allocation of Funds Towards Your Garage Door Project
Construction projects, whether big or small, can be unpredictable. They can lead to some unwelcome surprises, such as an unexpectedly high cost to finish your garage door installation or renovation project. You never know what hidden costs will come up and increase the cost of your project. Make sure you have enough money saved up to cover the cost of installation, unforeseen accidents, or repairs.
Not Having the Right Tools
If you’re planning on making your garage door installation a DIY project, you’ll need some basic tools. Such as a drill, screwdriver, and level. Having all of the necessary tools will make your project run smoothly. So be sure to stock up on the essential tools to complete the project.
Forgetting About Insulation
There are several reasons why garage insulation is important. First, it helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. By insulating your garage, you can reduce your energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round. Second, insulation helps reduce noise from outside. If you live in a busy neighborhood, insulating your garage can help make your home more peaceful. Lastly, insulation protects your belongings from temperature extremes. If you store delicate items in your garage, insulation will help keep them safe from extreme heat or cold.
Not Getting a Warranty
The bottom line is – you never know what can happen to your garage door in the future. When you buy a new garage door, be sure to ask the company for a warranty. A warranty is a form that the company uses to guarantee its customer’s satisfaction. This form will protect you in case there are any problems with the door. The warranty will last for a couple of years, depending on the type of warranty you buy. If you want to be 100% secure with your investment, make sure you get a warranty from the company you’re buying your garage door from. This will allow you to get repairs, or even a replacement, in case there are any problems with the door.
Takeaway
When it comes time to install your new garage door, there are many options for the style and materials you can use. While some of these choices are unavoidable, others are left up to your preference. And therein lies the opportunity for mistakes. So be sure to do your research and avoid these common mistakes to ensure a successful installation. Choosing the wrong type of door can lead to problems down the road. So consult with a professional to find out which type of garage door is best for your home. As the premier garage door company in Los Angeles, North Hollywood, and its surrounding areas, you can trust that we can do the job done right for your garage door repair and garage door installation concerns. Contact us today for more information about our products and services!
