Budget Friendly Ways to Extend the “Life” of Your Garage Door
You may have seen bugs or small debris accumulating in your garage, or noticed the garage door could use a wash or new coat of paint. You may have even considered replacing the garage door to improve curb appeal.
We understand that budget is a big concern for our customers, especially now when every penny counts.
Many homeowners have had to delay home improvement plans and find creative solutions to extend the life of appliances, garage doors and other critical elements in and around the home.
Extending the life of your garage door is easier than you might think, and more importantly, can be done on a budget!
Replace Garage Door Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a seal (usually vinyl or rubber) that runs along the bottom, sides (and sometimes top) of the garage door. This protective seal keeps rain, snow, debris and insects out of your garage, and helps insulate the temperature inside.
Over time the weatherstripping can become brittle and crack, or simply become detached from the door jamb, breaking the seal. If your garage door weatherstripping is more than 5 years old or has visible signs of breakage, it’s time to replace your weatherstripping.
The expert technicians at Lifetime Door can easily and quickly replace damaged weatherstripping. If you’re looking to cut back on expenses and feel comfortable with a DIY project, you can find garage door weatherstripping kits at local home improvement stores.
To accurately evaluate the cost to repair or replace weatherstripping on your own, you will need to measure the dimensions of the garage door frame to determine material costs. You will also want to enlist the help of at least one other person, as this type of work generally requires a ladder.
Before you begin your project be sure to give us a call at 262-783-4004 for a quick and free estimate, to see if our affordable flat-rate pricing fits your situation.
Painting a Garage Door
Applying a fresh coat of paint to your vinyl, aluminum or steel garage door can instantly improve curb appeal when purchasing a new garage door isn’t the budget.
Painting a garage door is a relatively easy and budget-friendly project but you will want to carefully consider the outside temperature and the time it takes to finish
Ideal painting conditions are between 50 and 75 degrees with low humidity. Keep an eye on the forecast to find a three-day stretch where conditions fit this criteria. You will also need to move any needed vehicles out of the garage, since you cannot open the door while you are in the process of priming and painting.
Other materials for this project include:
- Paint & Primer. One gallon of each should be enough for a standard two car garage door, but you may need more paint if you’re wanting a lighter color than what is currently on the door. Be sure to select a primer that is appropriate for the material of your door (vinyl, metal, etc).
- Paint brushes & rollers, painting tins
- Goggles & dust mask
- Step stool or ladder
- Sandpaper & wire brush, for removing grit, chipped spots or rust.
- Sponge & all-purpose cleaner
- Garden hose, for rinsing off the door after you have scrubbed and sponged it.
Day 1: Prepping your Garage Door
Put on your protective goggles and mask and begin sanding the door using your sandpaper and wire brush. Remove rust, chips and any other uneven surface spots.
Next, wipe down the exterior of the garage door with a damp sponge and all-purpose cleaner to get rid of any dust particles. When finished, rinse the door with a garden hose and let dry (about 1-2 hours).
Apply painters tape around the edges of the garage door and any surface that you wish to protect from accidental paint splashes or strokes.
Apply a coat of primer to the exterior of the door. Let dry for 12 hours.
Day 2: Painting your Garage Door
You’re ready to paint! Apply the first coat of paint, working from the bottom to the top of the garage door. If you notice uneven spots where the old color shows through, you will want to apply a second coat of paint. NOTE: let each coat of paint dry for 12 hours before adding another coat.
Day 3: The Big Reveal!
When you’re satisfied with your new color, remove the painters tape and let dry one more day before opening the door.
Routine Garage Door Maintenance & Cleanup
Extending the life of your garage door is more than just maintaining the appearance of the door. Garage door sensors, tracks, springs and other parts of your garage door system need to be properly maintained throughout the year.
Garage door sensors
Keep your garage door safety sensors clear of cobwebs, dust and other debris that may interfere with the sensor lenses or “safety eyes.” Dampen a cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water or all purpose cleaner, then gently wipe the sensors (located near the floor on both sides of the garage door). Be careful not to knock or move the sensors or you may cause them to fall out of alignment, which will prevent your garage door from closing properly.
Inspect the garage door tracks
Carefully inspect your garage door tracks by watching how the door moves up and down. If you notice the garage door struggles to move smoothly along the tracks, use a sponge or cloth to wipe away grime, grease or other debris that may be “gunking” up the tracks. If the door continues to struggle, inspect the nuts and bolts on the roller hinges and mounting brackets. They may need to be tightened or replaced (if corroded/worn out).
Leave it to the Professionals
Some aspects of garage door maintenance are better left to the professionals. Never attempt to fix or replace garage door cables or springs! Cables and springs are under high tension and can cause serious bodily harm if not handled by one of our professional technicians. If you suspect there is a problem with your garage door cables or springs, call us right away at 262-783-4004 or click here to contact us.
Remember, Lifetime Door is the home of ALWAYS FREE ESTIMATES.
We’re happy to provide honest, affordable, flat rate quotes for garage door maintenance, repair or replacement services.
Before you set out on your DIY garage door project, be sure to give us a call or contact us online. It may just save you time and money in the long run.
