Avondale Garage Doors have evolved into key features that elevate a home’s design and provide energy efficiency. But how do you choose the right door?

Look for a manufacturer that offers design flexibility. Some manufacturers offer digital visualization tools that allow you to upload a photo of your house and overlay different window styles, colors and panel designs.

Many homeowners often overlook the importance of security for their garage doors. They may think that their garage is just a place to park vehicles and store items. However, it’s also a crucial entry point for intruders to gain access to the rest of the home and family. Fortunately, modern garage doors can provide a robust defense against potential threats with integrated security features. The material and build of the garage door, as well as the regular maintenance performed on it, determine its level of resilience.

Secure garage doors are generally built from solid materials or steel. This makes them extremely difficult to break into compared with their flimsier counterparts. Moreover, they usually feature an auto-reverse safety system that prevents the garage door from hitting people or objects as it closes. This is important because it can prevent serious injuries and even save lives.

Additionally, they often have an external keypad, allowing you to enter the house without using your vehicle’s remote. This can be especially helpful in emergencies, as it removes the risk of losing or getting your garage door remote stolen. It can also be a convenient way to give temporary access to friends and family members. However, it is important to note that it is a good idea not to share your entry password with anyone other than immediate family members.

Lastly, garage doors with advanced automation systems typically have rolling code technology, which changes the garage door’s access codes after each use. This makes it nearly impossible to hack into the system and denies unauthorized users access. Moreover, some smart garage door systems can be synced with your home’s security systems, sending you alerts about any attempts to force open the doors.

For those who want to take their security a step further, they can invest in a smart home system that includes garage door integration. This can allow them to monitor their garage doors remotely, as well as control them via their smartphone. It can also help them detect any issues, such as broken sensors or a loose door panel.

Durability

When choosing a garage door, durability should be top of mind. Durability features prevent break-ins and damage from environmental factors. Steel doors, for example, resist dents, cracks and warping from harsh weather conditions and require minimal maintenance. They also offer superior strength, making them ideal for the Ontario climate. In addition to steel, there are a number of other durable material options available. Some doors feature reinforced glass, which reduces the likelihood of breaking during a break-in. Others are equipped with sensors that detect tampering and trigger a loud alarm and ping your smartphone to alert you of any intrusion. The base of your garage door should be fitted with a strong weather seal to keep water, drafts and insects from entering through gaps at the bottom.

The quality of your door’s materials can also determine its lifespan. Many modern doors are made with durable, impact-resistant materials that can withstand minor accidents like getting hit by a car or ball, and resist environmental damage such as rust, corrosion and warping. Insulated doors are especially durable, providing a layer of protection that resists thermal transfer and helps you save on energy costs.

Your garage door’s frame and panels are also important components when it comes to durability. A thicker gauge of steel provides greater strength than a thinner one, while a galvanized finish helps protect against rust and corrosion. Other durable materials include fiberglass and aluminum, which are lightweight and easy to handle, yet strong and resistant to dents, cracks and warping.

Durability is an even more critical consideration for commercial garage doors. These systems undergo rigorous usage patterns and are often operated dozens or hundreds of times per day. Heavy-duty, high-cycle springs and robust reinforcements help them withstand this demanding wear.

Durability features can make or break your new garage door investment, which is why it’s important to choose the right material and design for your home. In addition to enhancing curb appeal, today’s quality garage doors come with a range of smart technology and energy efficiency features that add value to your home.

Energy efficiency

An energy-efficient garage door can help you maintain a stable temperature in the garage and adjacent living spaces, saving you money on utility bills and contributing to a greener lifestyle. Insulated garage doors can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, minimizing your energy consumption.

When shopping for a new garage door, look for an ENERGY STAR rating to ensure the highest level of efficiency. You can also check for insulation materials with high R-value and low U-factor. A higher R-value indicates a greater resistance to heat flow, while a lower U-factor minimizes heat transfer and is essential for homeowners in climates with extreme temperatures. Finally, pay attention to the door’s air leakage ratings to ensure that it has an effective seal against outside elements.

In addition to reducing energy costs, an efficient garage door can improve your home’s comfort by reducing noise. Insulation acts as a buffer against both operational noise from the door opening and closing and external sounds like street or neighborhood activity. This can make your home a more relaxing place to live and work, allowing you to focus on tasks or simply relax.

A green garage can be even more beneficial for your environment if you combine it with other sustainable design features, such as windows and solar panels. These options can increase natural lighting and reduce reliance on artificial lighting, lowering your overall energy usage. Additionally, installing solar panels can allow you to generate your own energy from renewable sources, further minimizing your energy use and impact on the environment.

In addition to upgrading your garage door, you can also invest in other energy-saving home improvements, such as weatherstripping and insulation around the garage frame and walls. Choosing low-maintenance materials for your door, such as fiberglass or steel, can also reduce your long-term maintenance needs and associated resource consumption. Finally, consider incorporating solar panels or rooftop wind turbines to harness clean energy for your home. This can significantly reduce your energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.

Maintenance

Having a garage door that looks beautiful and functions well is important for enhancing your home’s curb appeal and providing energy efficiency. However, the doors themselves collect more wear and tear than most parts of your home, which means that they require regular maintenance to keep them functioning smoothly. Performing basic tasks like lubricating moving parts and inspecting cables and springs can prevent small problems from escalating into major, costly malfunctions down the road.

Examine the Tracks

During your inspection, look for signs of warping or dents in your garage door tracks. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to replace them.

Check the Rollers

The rollers on your garage door are a vital part of its operation, helping it move up and down along the track. Keeping them clear of dirt, debris and dust can help ensure they continue to operate properly.

Inspect the Weatherstripping

The rubber or PVC material found around the bottom of your garage door helps keep out moisture, pests and cold air, and also improves your home’s energy efficiency by reducing drafts. During your inspection, be sure to check for any cracking or deterioration in the weatherstripping. If you find any damaged or ripped sections, have them replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage and improve your door’s functionality.

Tighten the Hardware

Over time, vibrations and daily use can cause bolts and screws to loosen. Using a socket wrench, carefully examine all the nuts and bolts that secure your door’s components and tighten any that are loose. This will help prevent the doors from becoming misaligned, which can lead to uneven movement or even safety hazards.

Test the Safety Features

Your garage door’s photosensor and mechanical auto-reverse features are designed to prevent the door from closing on objects or causing injury. To quickly test these features, wave a broom under the automatic closing sensor or place a wood plank underneath and start the opener; when the object is detected, the door should reverse. If these tests fail to work, contact a professional for inspection and repair.