How Does Winter Affect Your Garage Door?

When the weather starts to get colder, you’re probably glad to have a garage to keep your car in. In addition to the colder temperatures, winter brings snow and sleet, all of which are capable of causing problems for your vehicle. It’s good to be able to keep it secure behind a garage door.

But what happens when your garage door stops working properly? The same way the cold weather can negatively impact your car, it can also affect your garage door. Fortunately, there are ways to handle the various problems that can arise. But first, it’s best to understand what those problems might be.

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Top Reasons Why Garage Door Springs Break

Garage door springs are essential for opening and closing your garage door — if they break, you’ll know it. Signs of broken springs include your door dropping quickly, making a loud noise, only opening a few inches or becoming crooked when you try to open it. But why do broken garage door springs happen? Understanding the causes behind garage door spring failures can help you prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of your garage door.

Here are the most common reasons garage door springs break and preventive measures you can take to avoid issues.

1. Wear and Tear

Garage door springs help lift and lower your garage door. They can last up to 14 years, but all the heavy lifting eventually weakens them. If you use your garage door often or the door is extra heavy, the springs may wear down faster than normal.

Some signs of a worn-out garage door spring include:

• Loose or broken cables: Garage door cables balance the door’s weight but may become loose when the springs wear out. Check your springs first if your door is unbalanced or if you see a loose or broken cable.
• Squeaky noise: Springs usually make a loud squeaking noise when they get too old and worn out. If some lubricant doesn’t fix the noise, it might be time to replace your springs.
• Door won’t lift: A tell-tale sign of a broken or old spring is when the garage door won’t open or only opens slightly off the ground. Your door may struggle to open for a while before the springs eventually give out.

2. Rust and Corrosion

Rust and corrosion shorten the life span of any metal product, and springs are no exception. Over time, a rusted garage door spring can become brittle due to corrosion. Rust also increases friction on the spring’s moving coils whenever you open and close your garage door. Both the corrosion and pressure will drastically shorten the life span of your garage door spring.

Although rusting can happen in any environment, it is most common in the following conditions:

• Humid climate: Areas with regular climate variations and high humidity cause metal springs to rust faster. 
• Insufficient ventilation: Garage spaces with poor ventilation trap moisture and create a favorable environment for rust formation.
• Lack of lubricant: Springs need adequate lubrication to perform well and last longer. Without lubrication, the increased friction can cause the spring to wear down quickly and form rust.

3. Incorrect Installation

Sometimes, the only reason a spring has a short life span is because of poor installation. This often happens when the person who installed it has little experience with garage doors. An incorrectly installed door may have:

• Wrong components: Inexperienced door installers might choose the wrong size and type of spring. An incorrect spring will wear down faster than usual or fail because of high tension. Even strong springs can cause damage when paired with the wrong door.
• Balance issues: Garage doors require specific techniques and knowledge to install. If the spring tension is wrong, the door may hang unevenly and have problems opening and closing.
• Low-quality materials: People often use cheaper materials for their garage doors to save money. However, this mistake can cost more money in the long run because the materials need to be replaced more frequently.

4. Poor Maintenance

It can be hard to tell when your garage door springs are struggling, especially when your door continues to open and close as expected. If left unaddressed, the spring can quickly degrade and break unexpectedly, leaving you with a garage door that won’t open and possibly a costly repair bill. This is why you want to regularly inspect springs for problems and address them as soon as possible.

Even though garage door springs eventually fail, proper garage door spring maintenance can slow the process. Regular inspections can also help you catch any issues before they become more serious. Use these tips to correctly maintain your garage door spring and help it last longer:

• Apply lubricant: Lubricate your garage door spring with lithium or silicone-based grease about twice a year to ensure it operates smoothly. The lubricant will reduce friction and rust formation and prevent squeaking. You can also apply lubricant to the hinges, rollers, bearing plates and tracks.
• Check door balance: Balanced garage doors open and close with ease. If the spring or other components wear out, the door may become unbalanced. When this happens, you might notice that the motor is straining or the door opens slowly, slams shut or leans to one side. Call a professional to repair your door when you see signs of misalignment.
• Prevent rust: If you live in a rainy or humid area, you may want to install vents and an exhaust fan to improve air circulation and prevent rust from accumulating. Address rust as soon as you notice it by scraping it off with a wire brush and using a rust dissolver.
• Schedule inspections: Inspecting your garage door at least once a year can help keep your garage door springs working longer. While you can do this yourself, it can help to get a technician to come and look at your door. They’ll easily spot any problems and provide solutions to manage them going forward. This way, you can prevent premature breakage and replace parts less often.
• Call a professional: It can be tempting to try DIY approaches to solve garage door problems, but repairing them can be dangerous without the right experience. You might also fix the wrong problem, forfeit your warranty or cause more damage if you do things incorrectly. Calling a professional is the best option to fix your broken spring.

Contact Quality Overhead Door for Garage Door Spring Repair Services

If your garage door springs need to be repaired or replaced and you live in northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan, call Quality Overhead Door for help. We’re a family-owned company that has been offering reputable garage door installation, repair and maintenance services since 1982. Our award-winning team has experience with nearly all major door brands and can handle any issue. We also stock quality replacement parts to get your garage door up and running again in no time.

After you call, a qualified technician will assess your system, diagnose any repair requirements and offer a detailed quote for your maintenance or repair services. We value your trust and will always treat you and your house with respect. You can also call us for regular maintenance inspections to keep your garage door functioning properly for the long run.

Give us a call at 419-578-8700 or schedule a service online today!

How to Open a Garage Door Manually

Like most things, technology has advanced the way garage doors operate. Instead of the traditional manual mechanism that requires labor, automated garage doors only need a remote control or an app to operate. Many homeowners and businesses now enjoy the convenience of opening and closing their garage doors remotely.

However, automatic or electric garage door systems can fail for various reasons like power outages, dead backup batteries or damage to the electric mechanism. When that happens, you’ll find yourself stuck with a door that requires manual operation. Learn how to open an automatic garage door manually using the following process.

When Is It Safe to Open a Garage Door Manually?

Traditional and electric-powered garage doors require precaution whenever you open and close them because they are heavy objects. When opening and closing an automatic garage door manually, observe the same precautions you would with a traditional door, such as minding the weight and standing away from the door’s path in case it comes crashing down.

Before attempting to open automatic doors manually, consider additional risks, such as electrocution. First, try to pinpoint the cause of the malfunction. If the reason for your door getting stuck is power-related, handling it manually is safer than when the cause is system damage. Make sure to disconnect your garage door from its power source and watch for signs of system damage, like uneven weight distribution.

When researching how to manually open a broken garage door, consider the severity of these forms of damage that make it hazardous to operate the door by hand:

• Damaged springs: Springs carry the weight of garage doors, allowing easy up and down movement. With broken springs, handling a garage door is risky as you’re exposed to the natural weight of the door. Learn to identify issues with garage springs.
• Damaged rollers: When rollers are in good condition, your garage door will move smoothly along its track. Damaged rollers cause the door to drag and become heavy.
• Damaged cables: Along with springs, wire cables make garage doors easy to operate. If these cables snap, the door will be unusually heavy. While you can open a door with snapped cables, doing so is not recommended due to the potential risks.
• Damaged tracks: Metal tracks help your garage doors slide with ease. Frequent use can cause misalignment, making the door challenging to open and close by hand.

How to Open a Garage Door Manually

According to a global outlook and forecast report for 2023-2028, the global market for automatic garage doors will hit $3.49 billion by 2028. While that makes the automated feature lucrative, it doesn’t make it perfect. In case of failure, you may need to resort to manual operation. 

Opening Garage Doors From the Inside

This step-by-step process outlines how to manually open a garage door from the inside:

• Disengage deadbolts: If your garage door has manual deadbolts and locks, confirm that they are not engaged, as these will stop the door from functioning. After verifying that these manual locks are not the issue, proceed to open the door by hand.
• Unplug the door opener: Unplug your garage door opener from its power outlet. For safety reasons, disconnect the door from the power source even if there’s a power outage.
• Disengage the release cord: Modern garage doors come with an emergency release cord or pull rope, which allows you to disengage the automatic feature and operate the door manually. The red colored handle or cord should be at the top of the door. Pull it to disengage the garage door opener.
• Open and close the door: To open the garage door manually, lift it all the way and hold it at the top until you’re sure it has stabilized. Lower the garage door once again from the outside and manually engage any locking mechanism.

Opening Garage Doors From the Outside

Opening the garage door from the outside is slightly different. Follow these steps:

• Unlock the emergency release kit: Modern garage doors have an emergency release kit installed at the top of the door on the outside. This vital mechanism gives you access to the release cord from the outside. As a security feature, the emergency release kit is locked. Insert the key to unlock and access the small cord that triggers manual operation. Once you pull the cord, your garage door will disengage from the automatic system.
• Open and close the door: Push the door all the way and let it stabilize. Once inside, lower it and lock it manually or re-engage the automatic system.

The emergency release kit eases the process of opening your garage door from the outside. If your garage door doesn’t come with this in-built feature, install it before the need arises. However, if you’re stuck outside with a garage door that lacks the emergency release kit, here are ways to handle the issue:

• Reach for the emergency cord: Try reaching for the emergency cord inside the door. You can use a wire with a hooked end to catch and pull the cord and disengage the automatic system. It’s not advisable to make your garage door accessible through such methods.
• Contact garage experts: If you already take precautions to prevent unauthorized access from the outside, you may want to seek assistance from garage professionals to access your garage. Consulting garage technicians is a safer solution that preserves your investment.

How to Reattach Your Garage Door Opener

Modern units can automatically reconnect to the electric door opener when you press the button to open your garage. Alternatively, you can re-engage your garage door with the automatic system by pulling at the emergency release cord. Pulling the cord towards the door is designed to trigger the spring lever to reconnect with the door opener.

Listen for a clicking sound that means your garage door is locked in place. Testing your garage door will tell you whether you’ve reattached it to the electric system if you’re dealing with power issues and not system damage.

Garage Door Solutions With Quality Overhead Door

Automatic garage doors require a solution for handling them in emergencies. While modern doors are designed with in-built features that allow you to switch from electric to manual with ease, these systems can fail. If you’re using a garage door opener on an old door, you may also encounter issues that require professional assistance.

Quality Overhead Door is an award-winning company with more than 40 years of experience in handling garage door installations, repair and maintenance. Our technicians work with different garage door brands, understand the issues that come with each and provide lasting solutions. if you’re looking for repair services in Ohio and Michigan, contact us for an estimate in these service areas!

How to Lubricate Your Garage Door

Though your garage door looks straightforward, it has multiple moving parts that must all work in concert to ensure convenience and ease of use. Like any other complex appliance in your home, it needs periodic maintenance to operate smoothly and avoid premature wear and tear.  

For example, issues like loose hardware and worn rollers can adversely affect your door’s performance. You should look for visible signs of wear, damage or misalignment. Tightening bolts, screws or nuts will keep the door in proper alignment and prevent unnecessary strain.

Use the proactive advice in this guide to ensure your garage door’s longevity, efficiency and safe operation.

Step-by-Step Garage Door Lubrication Guide 

Knowing when to lubricate garage doors and their parts minimizes damage, rust and friction, preserving their life span. After completing a visual inspection and performing the simple maintenance tasks described above, close the door, disconnect the power supply, put on a pair of sturdy gloves and safety goggles and follow these steps.

1. Clean the Tracks

Start this project by carefully cleaning the tracks with a damp rag. Clean tracks allow the rollers to move smoothly, but remember that lubricating this component will force the opener to work harder. You can use automotive brake cleaner to loosen caked-on grime. Ensure no debris or dirt remains on the tracks for the rollers to get stuck on. 

2. Lubricate the Door’s Moving Parts

You should lubricate your garage door’s moving parts at least every six months to keep the door quiet and extend its life span. Do this project more frequently if you rely on your garage as the primary entrance to your home. 

You have two options when choosing garage door lubricant.

• Silicone sprays come with a long straw attachment that allows you to access all the nooks and crannies.
• White lithium grease is non-corrosive, water-resistant and heat-resistant. Though applying it by hand can be messy, it creates an even coat that makes surfaces friction-free.

Your garage door maintenance and lubrication checklist should include the following components.

• Hinges: Lift your door slowly and apply the lubricant to the hinges, specifically focusing on the points where they bend for smooth opening and closing.
• Rollers: Rollers are cylindrical pieces that sit in the door track next to the hinges. Lubricate the little bearings inside the rollers, wiping off excess lubricant to ensure your garage door doesn’t become imbalanced. 
• Springs: Apply lubricant to the door’s springs and bearing plates. Spray the outside of the springs and the centers of the ball bearings, then open and close the door to spread the lubricant around.
• Lock: Aim at the lock’s keyhole and spray the lubricant. Lubricating the lock allows it to operate smoothly and prevents rust in the long run. 
• Top of the rail: Your chain rides on the top part of the rail. Lubricate the top rail and the armbar. 

3. Test the Door

Next, test the door by manually opening and closing it. As you do so, listen for odd noises and observe the balance and alignment. The door should move freely up and down and stay in place when partially open. Any issues in this phase may indicate that the door needs adjustment.

What if Lubrication Doesn’t Help? 

You may have to call a professional to assess the issue if you still hear odd sounds or the door doesn’t open and shut correctly after lubricating it. An expert may recommend replacing broken components or installing a new, high-quality door with modern safety features. Never attempt to repair a faulty garage door yourself — you could injure yourself without the specialized tools and experience needed to fix the issue. 

Why Your Garage Door Makes Noise

A damaged garage door or faulty opener can cause unpleasant sounds. The squeaky sound is an alarm bell that something is wrong with your door, and lubricating it could be part of the solution. However, you shouldn’t wait to hear unusual noises — lubricating your garage door should always be an item on your household maintenance checklist, even if it operates quietly. 

Loose Parts

If you can pinpoint the sound’s source, you might repair it yourself. For example, a rattling sound when opening or closing your door could indicate loose nuts or bolts. You can use a ratchet to tighten them.

 Call a technician for a thorough inspection if you can’t identify the parts causing the noise.

Garage Door Chains  

A loose chain could make a slapping sound when you close or open your door. Tighten the chain to fix the problem.

Worn-Out Rollers

Worn-out hinges or rollers can cause squeaky noises and make your entire garage door shake when opening and closing. Dirty bearings accelerate these problems. Regularly check these parts and clean or replace them as needed.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Extreme weather conditions can cause problems with your garage door. Frigid winter temperatures cause the metallic components to contract, which may lead to operational issues. Ice and snow can also compromise the performance of the garage door’s sensors and motor mechanisms. Additionally, winter may cause challenges like broken springs, water damage and cracked weatherstripping. These issues let in freezing air, driving up your energy bills. 

Hot weather can cause the metal tracks to expand, leading to sticking. It can also overheat the garage door opener and cause it to fail prematurely. You should regularly inspect the opener’s settings, check for signs of uneven movement or struggles and adjust as necessary. 

Year-round, proper lubrication can prevent issues like sticking, sluggish movements and creaking. Silicone-based lubricants ensure the door operates smoothly regardless of the temperature. 

Benefits of Professional Maintenance  

If you are handy around the house, you may view garage door maintenance and repair as rewarding weekend DIY projects. However, it’s far better to entrust these tasks to professionals for several reasons.

• Save time and money: Garage door technicians have the expertise to identify and address potential issues early, preventing costly repairs or replacements that may arise from DIY mistakes or neglect. Their knowledge and skill can prolong your garage door’s life and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
• Safety and efficiency: Working on heavy garage doors requires specialized training and equipment to avoid injury and further damage. 
• Quality of repairs: Professionals’ extensive experience allows them to provide long-lasting results with high-quality parts and outstanding customer service. They will also give you valuable maintenance tips.
• Use the right tools: Some garage door maintenance and repairs require specific equipment you may not have. Professional garage door companies invest in specialized tools to complete their projects.  

Schedule Maintenance With Quality Overhead Door

A well-maintained garage door is convenient, safe, efficient and enhances your home’s curb appeal. Don’t wait until you hear odd noises or experience a malfunction — preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your peace of mind. 

Quality Overhead Door is a trustworthy, family-owned company that sells, installs and services residential garage doors and openers. We are authorized dealers for Clopay, CHI, Wayne Dalton and LiftMaster. Schedule your service call today. 

How Your Front Door and Garage Door Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Garage Door ROI: How Your Garage Door and Entry Door Can Increase Your Home’s Value

When you conduct home improvements, you want to consider the return on investment (ROI). This refers to the added value of a renovation compared to the cost. Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or you simply want to enhance its curb appeal, you’re likely looking into your renovation options. You’ll want to complete projects with a high ROI to get as much money back that you put into your home as possible when you sell. As you’re deciding what to repair and replace, you may wonder — does a new garage door add property value? Will similar renovations like swapping your entry door make a significant impact? Luckily, replacing either or both of these doors will transform your home and up the value.

With that in mind, you’ll want to know the resale value of a new garage door and what the front door adds to your house value. See how these doors increase home value below. 

What Is the ROI on a New Garage Door?

A new garage door does increase home value. The ROI of a new garage door can vary depending on many factors, including the style, material, color, features and more. One 2024 report highlights that people across the nation recoup nearly 194% of costs on average from a garage door replacement. That puts it at the top of the list for the highest ROI above renovations like a deck addition or a minor kitchen remodel. If you’re planning on selling your home and have to decide between different renovations, consider a new garage door for the most added value.

How Do New Garage Doors Add Value to a Home?

So, how does upgrading your garage door improve home value? A garage door is both a practical and aesthetic part of your home. You likely use it every day, and when it’s not in use, it forms a large part of your home’s facade. See how a new garage door will increase your home value.

1. Enhances Your Curb Appeal

One of the main reasons homeowners want to upgrade a garage door is to improve the appearance. Your current door may look outdated or damaged. A new garage door will refresh your home and complement its style. With the garage often taking up around a third of your home’s facade, a new one will transform your home.

Improved curb appeal is a big deal for your home, whether you’re enjoying it yourself or selling it. You want a beautiful house you love coming home to, but what about when it’s time to sell? Does a new garage door increase home value thanks to its looks? The answer is yes — a well-maintained exterior creates a great first impression and suggests you’ve been diligent about caring for the property. These factors allow your home to shine on the market and highlight it as a worthy investment. 

2. Improves Your Home’s Safety Features

Poorly maintained garage doors and opener systems can become dangerous. Worn or damaged components can put you, your family and your possessions at risk for injury or damage, not to mention that they reflect poorly on your home.

To ensure the safety of your garage door for your household members and potential buyers, seek professional maintenance and repairs. This will help confirm if you need a new garage door or opener. Call a professional if you notice these problems with your garage door:

• Not opening or closing: If you try to open your garage door and it partially works or doesn’t move at all, your garage is essentially unusable. A professional will have to check it to see if you have a problem with the opener, springs, cables or gears. Any one of these issues could lead to the door snapping closed, crushing anything in its path. 
• Loud noises: Grinding, popping or other unusual sounds coming from your garage are signs of trouble. There could be an issue with springs or the alignment of your garage system’s components. Springs, in particular, can be very dangerous, as some can become projectiles, potentially impaling people or objects in the garage. You should never attempt to address spring issues on your own. 
• A sagging door: A sagging door could be a sign that your garage door is unbalanced. That creates a dangerous situation where the springs that help your door open and close could snap. This situation puts the overhead door at risk of falling, posing a threat to you and your family.

3. Boosts Your Home’s Security

A garage door serves as a point of entry to your property. You keep a lot of valuable items in your garage, from tools to your vehicle. It may even offer access to your home. Don’t give anyone the opportunity to break into your garage just because you have an old overhead door.

So, how does replacing a garage door increase the value of a home when it comes to security? When you get a new overhead door, it shows that:

• You maintain your property: A secure garage door is a good sign for the rest of your home. It demonstrates care for the appearance and the security of your home. Potential buyers will appreciate your attention to detail.
• You care about those who may buy your home: Ensuring that your garage door is secure shows potential homebuyers you care about their safety. They’ll feel you want whoever purchases your home to be happy and safe in their new residence.
• You give homebuyers one less thing to fix: Many buyers want a turnkey home that they can move into and begin enjoying right away. If they see a compromised garage door, they’ll see it as something that takes time and money to fix.

4. Adds Energy Efficiency

Because a garage is such a large opening to your home, you want a quality overhead door to keep out extreme temperatures. Around Toledo, Ohio, and southeast Michigan, winter weather can pose a problem for your home. Older garage doors don’t have the necessary amount of insulation to ward off the elements. This problem could be because the door has damage, such as holes or cracks that allow air through, or the manufacturer used materials of lower quality than those that modern door manufacturers utilize. Newer doors have better materials, insulation, seals and designs to help keep the extreme cold and heat out.

Manufacturers measure how well a garage door can insulate a space with an R-value. This number typically ranges from zero to 20, though you may find doors that go higher. The higher the number is, the better the garage door’s insulation. As you look for a new garage door, consider how you use your garage space and when you may need to opt for a higher R-value:

• Attached garages: For an attached garage, consider an R-value of at least 10. That will ensure extreme temperatures stay out of your garage, preventing natural elements from significantly impacting your home’s temperature. An R-value of 11 or higher will further increase value and energy efficiency, as doors with this rating will have adequate insulation to help maintain the temperature in your home.
• Storage space: If you use your garage to store your vehicle or temperature-sensitive items like paint, you want a door with an R-value of 10 or higher. The better the insulation, the more protection your items will have against extreme temperatures.
• Converted spaces: Perhaps you’ve converted your garage into a gym or office. If you use this area as a living space, get a quality door with an R-value of at least 16. That’ll help maintain the temperature, whether you use heating or cooling measures in your living space garage.

So, how does a new garage door add value to your property in this case? Potential buyers will appreciate saving money on heating and cooling costs with an energy-efficient garage. Another benefit of insulated garage doors is that they can also help with sound issues. The door’s operation will be quieter if you insulate it well, and it could keep out traffic sounds and other noises from outside. Those benefits improve the comfort and value of your home.

5. Protects Everything in Your Garage

A garage door adds value to your home by keeping everything in your garage safe. Whether you use the space for storing valuable tools, bins of important items or your vehicle, you want everything in there to stay safe. Improving energy efficiency and security with a new garage door is just the start of the benefits for your home.

A new garage door can have an improved seal along the bottom, sides and top of the door. Quality weatherstripping will then help maintain your garage’s energy efficiency and security. Weatherstripping can also help keep out water during minor floods, protecting your garage and everything inside from water damage. A tight seal with weatherstripping also prevents pests from getting into your garage, again protecting your belongings. You can then use those benefits as a positive selling point for your home.

Increasing ROI With Garage Door Maintenance and Repairs

For some homeowners, replacing a garage door may not be necessary. Perhaps you have a relatively new door that shows minor signs of damage or wear. Thankfully, you can still boost garage door ROI by investing in upgrades, proper repairs and professional maintenance to ensure door longevity. Repairs, upgrades and maintenance can impact your garage door ROI by:

• Making it more aesthetic: You can increase curb appeal by making stylish upgrades to your existing door. Adding a fresh coat of paint and addressing aesthetic and functional issues like cracks can have a great impact on your property’s overall look and value. 
• Preventing future problems: Proper maintenance helps you save on future costs by addressing minor issues before they cause significant problems. As your garage door ages, you will likely need more frequent repairs. However, investing in quality services each time allows you to extend the door’s life span so you can save money in the long run.
• Helping you save on energy costs: While upgrading to a new door will likely give you the best possible energy savings, you can still find ways to make your current door more energy-efficient. Tasks like adding insulation, changing the weatherstripping and sealing cracks can quickly impact your energy usage and spending. 
• Offering insurance benefits: Some insurance providers may offer lower premiums for garage doors with enhanced security features. You can invest in a new opener and important safety features to experience this benefit. 

Can a Front Door Increase the Value of Your Home?

While you’re considering upgrades or replacements for your garage door, it’s worth evaluating the state of your entry door. Both of these entrances will impact a potential buyer’s first impression of your property and further highlight your care for the house. Because it’s part of your home’s facade, a front door does add value to the house if it looks stylish. 

How much value does a new front door add? One report highlights that replacing your entry door with a quality steel model can allow you to recoup up to 188% of costs on average.

With that ROI, you could potentially cover the cost of the door and make a profit, thanks to the increased home value. You could even add more value to your home, depending on the type of door you get and other adjustments you make to your home’s curb appeal. 

How Does the Entry Door Add Property Value?

How does a new front door add value to your house? It’s an essential part of your home’s exterior, and while it’s smaller than other parts of your facade, it has a significant impact. Replacing your current front door with a new one will increase your home’s value because it: 

• Attracts potential buyers: With an appealing home exterior, you may attract potential buyers for an open house as they walk or drive by. More visitors to your home could mean more potential homebuyers. That will create competition, which could help you get the most out of selling your house. At the very least, you’ll get more people viewing your home, and that benefits your chances of selling.
• Welcomes visitors: Once passersby notice your home, they’ll immediately take in the curb appeal. The facade of your home is the first thing to greet potential buyers. But as they head up to the front door, that’s what ushers them into their possible future home. You don’t want an unappealing door to greet guests, especially if you’re trying to sell your home. Even if you don’t have plans to sell your house soon, an updated front door will make you feel happier with your home. You’ll be glad to step through the front door at the start of your day and when you return home. You’ll also feel comfortable inviting guests over when you have a welcoming entry door.
• Adds color: A new front door is an opportunity to try a new style and an easy way to try a new color. Your entry door’s color sets the tone for the rest of your house and enhances your curb appeal. Certain shades are better than others, but it will all depend on your house’s facade. You can also factor in your pool of potential buyers, considering whether they have more modern or traditional tastes. Getting a new door can give you the chance to customize your entry via the manufacturer. If you can’t customize a certain style through the manufacturer, you can easily paint it before installing it. No matter how you customize your door’s color, you have a wide array of shades to select from. Popular front door color choices include white, navy blue, yellow, red and black, the latter of which provides the best resale value. You could also consider leaving your front door its natural wood tone to create a warm and inviting look that will complement other exterior features.
• Replaces an old, worn door: If your current door is old, you may see signs of damage and wear. Those issues will be obvious to potential homebuyers when they visit your house. Because your front door is part of the first impression of your home, you don’t want there to be any rot, peeling paint or damaged weatherstripping. Buyers immediately see that your property isn’t turnkey and that they’ll have at least one issue to fix if they move in. A new door eliminates that issue and makes a good first impression.
• Prevents drafts: Over time, the weatherstripping of your old door may begin to rot. The jamb and the door itself could also become warped or rot, which affects your door’s and home’s energy efficiency. Having a quality door is particularly vital in the winter. If potential buyers enter your home and feel a draft after closing the front door, it’ll be a red flag for your home’s energy efficiency. It shows them that they have an issue to fix with the front door. They may think there will be even more things they have to take care of if they buy your home, especially since you haven’t maintained the front door. With a new door, you won’t have to worry about drafts. Replace all the components of your door that you have problems with, from weatherstripping to the jamb or frame, to help your home maintain its temperature and increase its value.

How to Select a New Garage and Entry Door for Your Home

Interested in seeing how much value a new front and garage door add to your home for yourself? Find a beautiful new front door and garage door for your home. If you want to ensure you get the right one for your house and add as much value as possible, follow these tips for selecting new garage and entry doors:

• Create a budget: Whenever you plan any home renovation, figure out your budget. Look into average prices for your area, and think about how much you want from your ROI.
• Consider your home’s style: If you have a modern home, traditional features may look out of place and vice versa. Look at the features of your home, from the roofline to the windows, colors and materials on the facade. Pick doors that enhance those features so they don’t clash.
• Get an entryway and front door from the same place: For an entry door and garage door that complement each other, shop with the same dealer and for the same brand. That’ll give your home a cohesive look that shows attention to detail and improves your curb appeal. Choose Clopay® garage and entry doors to create a cohesive facade.

What Is the Best Type of Garage Door?

Now that you know that a new garage door will add value, you need to know what type of garage door is best. Clopay garage doors come in a wide array of styles that suit modern and classic homes and everything in between. You’ll find a stylish option that suits the look of your home and adds a durable, quality overhead door to your garage. When you select Clopay, you can choose from the best garage door styles, including:

• The CLASSIC™ collection suits traditional houses with its steel construction and long or short panels.
• The CLASSIC™ WOOD collection features flushed, raised and recessed panels for rustic charm.
• The AVANTE® collection includes glass and aluminum doors for sleek and contemporary styles.
• The MODERN STEEL™ collection has a versatile selection of elegant, contemporary doors that you can customize to your home.
• The CANYON RIDGE® collection LIMITED EDITION series includes carriage house styles in stylish and charming faux wood.
• The CANYON RIDGE® collection ULTRA-GRAIN® series provides superior energy efficiency in old-world carriage house styles.
• The COACHMAN® collection features composite carriage house doors with durable steel cores.
• The GRAND HARBOR® collection has minimalistic steel doors that suit a variety of home styles.
• The GALLERY® collection uses grooved panels in steel carriage house styles, available with or without insulation.

What Is the Best Type of Front Door?

To get the most value from replacing your front door, you want to pick the best one. Choose Clopay entry doors for a combination of style and durability. You’re sure to enhance the value of your home and wow your guests and potential homebuyers with a stunning entry door. For a new front door that adds home value, consider these options:

• The ARBOR GROVE™ fiberglass collection authentically replicates the look of premium hardwood.
• The RUSTIC fiberglass collection features details that reflect true craftsmanship and traditional style.
• The CRAFTSMAN fiberglass collection includes simple and clean designs that suit traditional and transitional homes.
• The STEEL collection creates distinct styles with detailed panels and decorative glass.
• The SMOOTH fiberglass collection provides crisp panel detailing and is available in contemporary and classic options.

Add Value to Your Home With Quality Overhead Door

When you need a new garage or entry door in northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan, shop with Quality Overhead Door. In our area, a new garage door provides an impressive return on your investment. As a reliable, family-owned company, we provide products and services you can rely on, ensuring your satisfaction and comfort throughout the process and long after. 

At Quality Overhead Door, we are dedicated to providing the best products, including commercial and residential options. We will provide installation services for your new garage and entry door to transform your home. If your garage door is relatively new, we also offer repair and maintenance services to enhance your home’s value.

Take a look at our residential garage doors and entry doors to find the perfect additions to your home. If you have any questions about our products or services, contact us today.

Updated 07/08/2024

Additional Resources on Garage Doors Design:

• How to Create Better Curb Appeal
• Decorative Hardware Options for Garage Doors
• Improve Your Exterior With Garage Door Trim
• How to Choose a Garage Door Color
• Guide to Garage Door Styles

How to Decorate a Front Porch for Spring

When the snow is melted and buds begin to form on the trees, that’s our cue to shake off those winter blues and decorate for spring! Transitioning from winter can be one of the best changes of the year. Just as nature wakes up from its slumber, so too can we liven up our houses after months of staying indoors. There’s a reason why there’s such a thing as spring cleaning. It’s the perfect time to spruce up your home and prepare for the lovely, sunny days to come.

As you prepare to welcome the spring season, one of the perfect places to start is your entryway. Not only are you setting the mood for the rest of your house, you’re also preparing a nice space to enjoy one of the best parts of spring — relaxing and hosting outside! Below, you’ll discover the basics of how to decorate your front porch for spring, our best spring decorating ideas for your front porch, and spring decor for front doors. Learn the secrets to styling your porch for spring no matter its size or your budget.

Before we dive into specific ideas for your porch, let’s take a look at some of the fundamental decor elements that set the tone for a spring-inspired entryway.  

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Steel vs. Aluminum Garage Doors

As you shop around for a new metal garage door, you’ll probably find that two popular options are steel and aluminum. But which will work best for your home? 

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How to Decorate Your Front Door and Front Porch for Winter

Your front door and porch are the focal point of your home, especially during the winter. As snow covers what was once colorful landscaping, you must consider how to decorate your front porch for winter to match the season.

Decorating a front porch for winter is exciting because there are so many fun ideas to explore. Here, we’ve gathered some tips to consider before you commit to a style, and we give you guidance on how to decorate your front porch and door for winter. Whether you want to go all out or keep it simple and classic with minimal decorations, we have you covered. 

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What to Consider When Buying a New Garage Door

Although it seems like a simple purchase, buying a new garage door is one of the larger, more important home improvement purchases you’ll make as a homeowner. Your garage door is one of the most frequently used appliances in your home and is part of your home’s curb appeal, safety and security, so you’ll want to be certain you are making the best choice. If you’re unsure about what you need to look for or what questions to ask when looking for a new garage door, then here are some things to consider along with a few tips for buying a new garage door.

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How to Manually Release Your Garage Door

Homeowners may need to use the emergency release cord on their garage door for any number of reasons. Maybe your overhead door sensors are detecting an obstruction when there isn’t one. Perhaps your power went out, and you need to open your garage door manually. Maybe your opener is faulting. 

No matter the case, resetting your garage door after using the manual release cord is essential. Newer technology makes the process of reconnecting the door to the automated system simple. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps. 

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