Garage Door Painting Guide

Garage Door Painting Guide

Your home’s exterior is a canvas for expressing your creativity and style by showing off your favorite colors. Because your garage door is a significant part of your home’s facade, it’s often the first thing someone notices from the outside. Although painting a garage door is a simple way of improving your property’s appearance, there are things to consider before starting a painting project.

Can You Paint a Wood, Vinyl or Metal Garage Door?

If all the components of your garage door are free from damage and functioning correctly, you can paint them, regardless of the material. While some homeowners paint to add a fresh burst of color, others paint their doors when the old coating is scratched, faded or damaged.

However, the factory-applied coating on your garage door will usually last decades with minimal maintenance. Once you paint over the initial layer, you can’t return to those maintenance-free features. Like most exterior coatings, you must usually repaint the surface around every five years.

Preparing to Paint Your Garage Door

Before you begin painting, take these steps. 

Choose the Best Paint

While the priming and painting processes are similar, different paint blends exist for various materials. If you’re painting a wood door, choose a primer and paint specifically formulated for wood. The same rule applies to metal doors — oil-based exterior paint is a good choice.

Check the Weather Forecast

Plan to start your project on a cool, dry day. Check the forecast to ensure at least two consecutive days of favorable weather.

Organize Your Tools and Materials

Compiling a checklist ahead of time ensures you have everything you need to complete the job, including:

• Protective gear, like goggles, rubber gloves and dust masks
• Primer and exterior paint
• Rollers and brushes
• Dropcloths
• All-purpose cleaner
• Sponges and shop rags
• A wire brush
• Sandpaper
• Painter’s tape
• A garden hose
• A step stool

Prepare Your Garage Door and Work Area

After putting on your protective gear, use a wire brush to remove rusted or chipped spots and sandpaper to smooth the surface. Look for cracks or dents and repair them with the appropriate metal or wood filler.

Clean the entire surface with a sponge and an all-purpose cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Allow ample time for thorough drying — wood doors may require extra time.

Step-by-Step Processes for Painting Garage Doors

Follow these simple steps to complete your project:

1. Apply Tape

Use painter’s tape to mask off the areas where you don’t want paint, including the trim, windows, handles and locks. In addition, you can protect your garage floor and driveway with drop cloths.

2. Prime the Door

Priming is critical to achieve proper paint adhesion. You can use a roller for the uniform areas, but you may want to use a small brush for the panels and insets. Apply just enough primer to get a thin, uniform coating.

3. Apply the First Coating

Apply the initial coating of paint similar to how you primed the door. Best practices involve beginning with the inner panels and inlays and working outward.  

4. Apply Additional Coatings as Needed 

After letting your paint dry for at least 12 hours, apply a second coating using the same process. If uneven patches or the old color still shows through, apply additional coats as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Painting

Some of the most commonly asked questions from our customers about garage door painting include:

What is the best color to paint a garage door?

Homeowners often select a color that complements the rest of their home and property. For the best aesthetics, choose a color with the same cool or warm undertones as your home’s exterior. Explore other combinations around your neighborhood, or check out our residential garage doors for ideas. 

Do I need to prime a garage door first?

Priming your garage door allows the paint to adhere to the surface more consistently and evenly, regardless of the material type you’re painting. Priming also helps prevent premature flaking and peeling of the topcoat. In addition, primer is essential if you’re making a drastic color change over your previous color.

How long should I wait between coats of paint on a garage door?

Waiting at least 12 hours between each coat of primer or paint typically produces the best results, ensuring the coating is completely dry to ensure evenness and prevent smearing.

Discover More With Garage Door Specialists, Inc.

Sometimes, a new coat of paint isn’t enough. Whether you need a new garage door style or your current door is in rough shape, Garage Door Specialists, Inc. can help. We have a variety of overhead door styles and colors to suit homes and businesses throughout North Carolina. 

To request additional information about our residential or commercial garage doors, contact us online today.

Everything There Is to Know About Roll-Up Doors 

Everything There Is to Know About Roll-Up Doors 

You have options if you’re looking to install doors in a warehouse, garage or yard shed. Roll-up doors, also known as coiling garage doors, provide security and durability. They’re an excellent choice for various businesses and work well in both new facilities and existing buildings. 

Before you install any door, it helps to know how each style works and what kind of benefits and drawbacks you can expect. Garage Door Specialists, Inc. has more than 40 years of experience helping companies choose the right doors. When you work with us, you know you’ve made the right product choice and that a one-year warranty covers your door installation. 

Learn more about roll-up doors and their applications from the pros at Garage Door Specialists. 

What Is a Roll-Up Door and How Does it Work?

Roll-up doors are produced from sheets of metal, usually steel or aluminum. Our roll-up doors are made from 24-inch wide sheets of 26 gauge steel. The steel is roll formed with integral grooves, which creates a continuous sheet. After installation, roll-formed guides move the steel sheets vertically, opening and closing the door. 

As a roll-up door opens, the steel sheets coil around a spring-loaded shaft, rolling into a compact drum at the top of the door frame. The drum size means you don’t need much clearance to install a roll-up door. While a true zero-clearance roll-up door might not be possible, the space required at the top of the door frame is typically minimal. 

Roll-up doors are available in light-, medium- and heavy-duty models to suit various needs. An example of light-duty door use might be a yard shed roll-up door or a self-storage roll-up door. A large warehouse may need a heavy-duty model. 

To extend their life span, roll-up doors are typically painted with silicone polyester paint. You can choose various colors to complement your building’s appearance or fit your company’s branding requirements. 

What Are the Advantages of a Roll-Up Door?

A roll-up door offers multiple benefits. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of a roll-up door versus a sectional door, here are some of the advantages of choosing the roll-up variety:

• Durability: Steel and aluminum have long life spans and can withstand years of use and abuse. Steel roll-up doors are galvanized or coated with a layer of zinc, which helps protect them from rust. The doors are also finished with long-lasting paint that protects while enhancing the door’s appearance. 
• Enhanced security: A sheet of 26-gauge steel is thick and hard to break through, meaning a roll-up door will keep whatever is on the other side safe from harm. Roll-up doors are also better able to resist damage from vandals than sectional doors. Plus, there’s the option to add a lock to increase security.
• Added insulation: Warehouses and garages tend not to be heated or cooled. With a roll-up door, you can choose to add a layer of foam insulation to keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
• Optional fire rating: You can install a roll-up door that’s fire resistant and will trigger at the first evidence of fire. A fire-rated door can keep flames from spreading for up to four hours. 
• Reduced clearance requirements: Since the door rolls up into a compact drum, roll-up doors can be ideal for areas with little additional space.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Roll-Up Door?

One notable drawback of roll-up doors compared to other options is the cost. Roll-up doors have a higher price point than sectional doors, at least upfront. However, while you may pay more initially for a roll-up door, you’ll likely enjoy cost savings in the long run. These doors often need less maintenance than other styles and have the potential to outlast models with a lower purchase price.

What Are the Types of Roll-Up Doors?

Various types of roll-up doors are available. The model that’s right for you will depend on your needs:

• Light-duty: Light-duty roll-up doors are ideal for structures that see minimal wear and tear and don’t require extensive security. For instance, you might install a light-duty door on a yard shed, storage facility or recreational garage.
• Medium-duty: A medium-duty roll-up door can be an appropriate pick for a garage or warehouse that doesn’t see much use.
• Heavy-duty: Heavy-duty roll-up doors are ideal for use in buildings that require extra security or are exposed to severe weather. The door’s strength allows it to withstand strong winds or security threats. A heavy-duty door can also withstand repeated, ongoing use with little signs of wear or damage.
• Fire-rated: Fire-rated roll-up doors protect against fire damage in two ways. First, the doors are specially outfitted with sensors that enable them to detect fire — at the first sign of flames or smoke, the door rolls shut. Closing the door keeps fire from spreading from one building area to another. Fire-rated doors are also designed to withstand flame and heat damage to help keep the fire contained. 
• Insulated: In many cases, you can add insulation to roll-up doors. Choosing a roll-up door with a layer of foam insulation helps keep your facility’s heating and cooling costs down and create a climate-controlled environment while increasing comfort inside your building. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Roll-Up Door?

The cost to install a roll-up door varies depending on the door type and size. We can provide you with a free estimate based on your project specifications to help you better understand what your door installation will cost. 

When evaluating the cost of a roll-up door, it helps to consider the following:

• What’s included in the quote: When getting an estimate, find out what it includes. Are you getting a quote for the door cost alone, or does the price cover installation? 
• Available extras: Depending on your needs, you may want to add insulation or choose a fire-rated door. 
• The upfront cost versus ongoing maintenance needs: A roll-up door might have a higher initial price tag than another style, but it will cost you less over time. Ask about maintenance requirements before choosing a door, as one that requires a lot of upkeep and attention can be the more costly option.
•  Longevity of the door: How long the door lasts also affects its cost. A door with a higher price tag and longer life span can be the more cost-effective option over the long term compared to a less expensive one with a shorter service life.

How Do You Maintain a Roll-Up Door?

Caring for and maintaining a roll-up door helps to prolong its life span. There are a few things you can do to keep a door in excellent condition:

• Clean the door regularly
• Keep the channels lubricated
• Schedule regular inspections

If you have a fire-rated roll-up door, test it every few months to ensure that it is set properly and will deploy as intended in case of fire. 

How Do You Stay Safe When Using a Roll-Up Door?

When properly installed and maintained, a roll-up door shouldn’t present a safety hazard. The first thing to do is ensure the door is installed correctly. Hire a company with years of experience installing roll-up doors and a track record of success.

Any time that door opens, verify that it rolled up completely — a partially opened door won’t be fully secure and can roll back down. 

Remind employees not to walk under the door while it is in motion — for safety reasons, you need to wait for the door to open fully before passing through it. Similarly, ensure that people don’t run under the door while it’s closing. 

Get a Roll-Up Door from Garage Door Specialists

Garage Door Specialists offers a variety of custom roll-up doors, so you’re sure to find a model that suits your needs. We design and install roll-up doors and provide fast, reliable service and repairs to keep your entryways safe and functional. To learn more about our options, contact us today.

What’s the Best Garage Door for Security?

Best Garage Doors For Security

Garage doors can be an eye-catching part of your house. When choosing garage doors, many homeowners make their choice based on looks alone. Yet, your garage door is also one of the most crucial safety features of your home. If you’re in the market for a new garage door, you may be wondering what garage door type is the most secure.

If you want to prevent break-ins to keep you and your family safe, then you need a theft-proof garage door. While no garage door can guarantee safety, some garage doors are safer than others. First, you should understand the common ways thieves break into garage doors.

View Garage Door Styles in North Carolina

What Are the Most Common Ways Garage Doors Are Broken Into?

The most skilled burglars can break into a garage door in a matter of seconds. If your garage door does not have modern safety features, thieves can easily find a way to pull your garage door’s safety release lever. Sometimes, it’s as easy as inserting a coat hanger through a breach in the garage door and pulling the door’s safety cord. They can then open and close your garage door behind them without anyone noticing.

Thieves can break into old, weak garage doors with brute force. In other instances, they will use tools to dismantle your garage door’s locking mechanism from the outside. Modern garage doors give you a better chance at keeping intruders out.

The Most Secure Residential Garage Doors by Type

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular garage doors on the market so you can determine which has the best garage door security.

1. Roller Garage Doors

How secure are roller garage doors? Roller doors, also called roll-up doors, are one of the most secure garage door styles available due to their design. These doors consist of horizontal slats with rollers on either side to slide them open and closed. These garage doors roll up neatly overhead without sticking out as one rigid piece. When closed, roller doors show no visible signs of convenient entry for thieves.

Enhance your roller garage door security with some additional features. A double-skinned roller garage door provides extra protection against forced entry. Make sure the bottom slat is strong and durable, as this is where most thieves will try to breach your garage door. You can also invest in extra locks and bolts, making it harder for burglars to dislodge the door. Make sure to choose a door with high-quality, strong rollers.

2. Sectional Garage Doors

When it comes to the security of garage doors, sectional garage doors are one of the best, which is why they’re the most popular type of residential garage door. Hinges connect the horizontal sections of these garage doors, and when you slide the door open, these hinges allow the sections to separate and roll overhead. Because of this, sectional doors are compact and easy to use. They’re also great at protecting from intruders. When closed, the sections form a tight seal, giving potential thieves no clear signs of entry.

Sectional garage doors are a deterrent to thieves, but you can further enhance their security by making sure of two aspects. First, choose a sectional garage door with a strong steel frame, as this determines the overall strength of the door. Second, make sure the door forms a tight seal when closed. This is a crucial component that makes it very difficult for intruders to wedge anything between the sections.

3. Up and Over Garage Doors

Up and over garage doors are similar to sectional doors in that they slide vertically up and come to rest in a nearly horizontal position overhead. However, they don’t have any horizontal sections or slats and stay in one rigid piece. Due to their unique construction, up and over garage doors have been notoriously easy to break into. Their single locking mechanism is easily accessed by drilling a hole into the doors. Thieves can then easily unlock these doors and slide them open.

Because of this obvious weakness, manufacturers have made these garage doors much more secure in recent years. If you’re considering an up-and-over garage door, make sure it has multiple locking points. A euro cylinder anti-snap lock also goes a long way in keeping intruders out. Getting an up and over garage door with these features will make sure that you and your family stay safer against forced entry.

View Garage Door Styles in North Carolina

4. Side-Hinged Garage Doors

These garage doors are popular for their aesthetic appeal. They swing open from a meeting point between two sections of the door, creating a “French door” type of opening. They add an element of luxury to your garage and are especially useful if your garage receives more pedestrian traffic than vehicle use. They may not be the best garage security system, but they can keep intruders out with some added features.

If you want a side-hinged garage door, then choose one made with strong, sturdy materials. Double-skinned metal panels provide the best protection, and a strong steel frame boosts its strength against intruders even more. You should also invest in one with multiple locking points to make it even more difficult for anyone to break in. If you’ll be using it for pedestrian access, then multi-lock mechanisms are a worthy purchase. You can also get the look of side-hinged carriage doors with the convenience of modern overhead operation.

5. Automated Garage Doors

If you’re looking for the best garage security system, automated garage doors may be the answer. These familiar garage doors use a motorized opener to open and close the door at the push of a button or security code. They’re convenient for vehicle use, as you can stay in your car and use the wireless remote to engage the door. Automated garage doors are also one of the best garage doors for resisting intruders.

Since they are automatic, they have no need for an external locking mechanism. These mechanisms are where thieves usually try to break in first, so their absence in itself is a deterrent. Because automated garage doors use springs and tension, they exert a constant downward force when in the closed position, which makes them difficult for burglars to lift. Only once you engage the motorized opener will the door lift.

Choose Garage Door Specialists, Inc. for Your Garage Door Needs

If you’re ready to enhance your home’s security by investing in a new garage door, we at Garage Door Specialists are ready to help. Our professional teams care about giving you a reliable product at competitive prices throughout North Carolina. We carry high-security residential garage doors to meet every need, no matter your home’s size. We want to give you a product that will last for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more. You can also request an estimate or request service on your existing garage door. Whatever your garage door situation demands, we hope you’ll choose Garage Door Specialists to help.

Glass Garage Door Buying Guide for North Carolina

Glass Garage Door Buying Guide for North Carolina

So you’re in the market for a new garage door but aren’t sure where to start. Perhaps you’re in the mood for something sleek, stylish and different from your neighbors. Well, we’ve got three words for you — glass garage doors. Residential glass garage doors can make many houses look stunning and stand out from the rest. 

Most people expect to see boring white or opaque panels when they visit someone’s home and will often ignore them. A garage with glass doors can catch them off guard and provide a sense of sophistication to a part of the home that is not often considered sophisticated. This guide will help you decide whether glass-paned garage doors are for you and tell you all you need to know about them and where to buy them in North Carolina.

What Are Glass Garage Doors?

Glass garage doors are just that — garage doors with sturdy glass panels. While it may sound like a weak material to make a garage door out of, it can be quite resilient, especially when framed by other strong materials like aluminum. Glass paneled garage doors come in many colors and opacities, which allow you to bring as much or as little light as you want.

Pros of Glass Paneled Garage Doors

Glass garage doors have several benefits, including the following:

• Modern designs: The sleek design of a glass garage door can make your home look contemporary and elegant.
• Increased curb appeal: Glass garage doors can increase your home’s curb appeal and, in turn, increase your home’s value.
• A greater sense of size: See-through garage door windows can make the room feel larger.
• Greater efficiency: With glass panels, natural light can come through, reducing the need for interior lighting.
• An uninterrupted line of sight: Depending on where your garage is located, you can see beautiful scenic views while the door is closed.
• Security: Tempered glass and optional insulated glass will keep your garage secure against the elements and potential breakage.
• Low maintenance: Glass garage doors require little maintenance other than the occasional cleaning with glass cleaner.

Cons of Glass Paneled Garage Doors

While there are many pros to glass garage doors, they have a few concerns as well. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Heaviness: Glass paneled garage doors can be weighty and require an upgraded garage door opener to handle the extra heft.
• Higher costs: Glass garage doors tend to be more expensive compared to traditional garage doors.
• A very specific appearance: The minimalist design of glass garage doors may clash with homes that don’t already possess a similarly modern look.
• A lack of insulation: Regular glass garage doors don’t offer much insulation. While optional insulated glass can offer increased insulation, it’s not quite as effective as traditional doors.
• Noticeable defects: If your glass garage door starts to break, the cracks will be noticeable.

How Much Does a Glass Garage Door Cost?

Glass overhead doors can often cost close to and over $1000. While you may occasionally find a garage door for a price closer to a thousand, the most common price range is over a thousand to several thousand dollars. Custom sizing requests and nonstandard materials could drive the price up even more. In addition, the average garage door installation can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars, so you’ll have to consider that when you start budgeting.

How Can I Customize My Glass Garage Door?

We understand that everyone has their own tastes and visions for how they want their home to appear. It’s for this reason that residential glass garage doors come with many parts that can be customized.

1. Framework

A garage with glass doors generally incorporates a metal frame for each glass panel to help strengthen the overall door. Oftentimes the metal used for this framework is aluminum, and you can customize the color to your desired design.

2. The Glass Itself

The options for the glass used in glass panel garage doors are often tempered glass or clear acrylic, offering the appearance of glass. Tempered glass is much more resistant to breaking than standard glass. If it does sustain damage, it will break into smaller connected pieces that will present significantly less danger to nearby people. Acrylic is also more shatter-resistant than standard glass, although it’s more likely to scuff.

If these options still don’t sound strong enough, you could also install insulated glass to add an extra layer of protection. Insulated glass can make your garage more comfortable and conserve electricity during the heating and cooling seasons.

3. Glass Garage Door Window Styles

If you don’t want a garage door entirely made of glass, glass garage door windows come in many shapes and sizes based on your preferences. You could get windows that stretch the entire width or small windows to accent a portion of the door. Windows let you add glass elements to wooden and steel garage doors.

4. Opacity

The opacity of the glass can be adjusted to produce a variety of effects. Perhaps you don’t want to let in much light, or you want to increase privacy in your garage while enjoying the sleek look of a glass door. Whatever your reason, there’s an opacity option for you. Some popular options for glass garage door opacity include:

• Clear: Clear is the standard appearance of glass, completely transparent for full view doors.
• Obscured: This option uses textured glass that lets in some natural light without revealing anything inside the garage.
• Frosted: Frosting gives the glass a white appearance that diffuses natural light while obscuring visibility.
• Tinted: Tinted glass appears dark and semitransparent, allowing some visibility through the glass.
• Mirrored: Glass doors can also have a one-way mirror application. The outside face has a metallic appearance, while the inside face offers visibility outside.

5. Other Features

Here are a few other features available for glass garage doors: 

• Insulation: Insulation is an optional upgrade for glass garage doors that can be customized to some degree. While standard doors are uninsulated, insulated glass panels can increase energy efficiency.
• Color: The color of a glass garage door, also known as tint, can be customized to compliment whatever colors are already present in your home.
• Texture: The texture of the windows can be customized to have a non-smooth surface which can add an extra degree of gravitas.

What Are the Best Windows for Glass Garage Doors?

Many people stick to obscured or textured glass garage doors with aluminum framing that incorporates tempered, insulated glass. This can provide a sleek design to your garage that provides some of the key benefits of having a glass garage door while maintaining your privacy. The tempered or insulated glass will also make sure that your garage can resist the elements.

Where to Get Glass Garage Doors in North Carolina

Glass garage doors require professional installation. If installed improperly, they can cause potential harm to people and your belongings. Thankfully, you can trust the experienced team at Garage Door Specialists. which has been installing garage doors for over 45 years. Our team in North Carolina will be sure to carefully install the door to make certain that it’s secure and functional. 

Take a look at some of our modern glass and aluminum garage doors in our catalog to see what we have available. Then, request an estimate or give us a call so we can figure out how to best meet your needs.

Single Panel vs. Sectional Garage Doors

Single Panel vs. Sectional Garage Doors

Most people can spot the design differences between a single panel garage door and a sectional garage door, but what are the pros and cons of owning one versus the other? There are slight operational and functional differences between the two garage door styles that make them suitable for different types of homes and homeowners.

To help make your garage door choice more clear, this article will cover the nuances of single panel and sectional garage doors along with the benefits and drawbacks of owning each kind.

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What’s the Difference Between Single and Sectional Garage Doors?

Before comparing single panel garage doors and sectional garage doors, we need to understand what they are. Let’s look at what makes a garage door single panel and what classifies it as sectional:

What is a Single Panel Garage Door?

A single panel garage door comes in one large piece that slides up into the space above the car once opened. Typically, single panel garage doors are hung on a strong hinge system attached to the jamb instead of on overhead tracks. This type of garage door is typically found on older homes or newer homes with a vintage look.

What is a Sectional Garage Door?

The layout of a sectional garage door includes several horizontal panels joined together by hinges that enable the door to bend and curve as it goes up and down. Sectional garage doors are more modern and have a smaller opening clearance.

Pros of Single Panel Garage Doors

Even though it’s an older style, there are still plenty of benefits to choosing a single panel garage door for your home. Check out these main advantages of single panel garage doors:

1. More Variety

When it comes to design and material, single panel garage doors offer more of a selection of both. Although sectional garage doors come in many styles, they tend to be more limited to designs that function well within smaller segments and seams. Because single panel garage doors give you one giant palette to work with, you can use virtually any material without having to worry about additional panels interrupting the look of the door. 

2. Less Expensive

Typically, single panel garage doors cost less than sectional garage doors made from similar materials. And your single panel garage door will continue to save you money when you don’t have to worry about frequent garage door cable or torsion spring repairs. With fewer moving parts, single panel garage doors can be less expensive to install and maintain in the long run.

3. Simple

Because it is one big panel, a single panel garage door is much simpler to properly install than a sectional garage door. A single panel door has fewer parts, which means there are fewer bits to potentially wear down and break over time.

Cons of Single Panel Garage Doors

Along with its great benefits, a single panel garage door can come with some drawbacks. If you’re considering getting a single panel garage door, be aware of these factors:

1. Safety

The main reason single panel garage doors have gone out of fashion is their lack of safety features. As opposed to more modern garage doors, single panel garage doors use extension springs, which can fail drastically if not properly maintained. Old springs can fly off rusted connectors and cause damage to drywall, car windows or whatever else is in your garage.

2. Expensive Repairs

Single panel doors may require less maintenance and repairs, but when they do break down, there is potential for the whole door to fail at once. A sectional garage door that’s been crushed or dented in a single section can have just that section repaired, but a single panel garage door must be entirely replaced each time.

3. Space Restrictions

Smaller houses in tightly packed communities may not be the best fit for a single panel garage door. Single panel garage doors do not allow for quite as much space inside the garage due to the angle at which they operate. A single panel garage door will also need to tilt a few extra feet to open, which means you’ll need to be parked farther back as the door begins to open.

Pros of Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors offer their fair share of benefits. Here are some of the top advantages of a sectional garage door:

1. Security

Sectional garage doors offer some extra security because they have rubber seals around their perimeter, which block wind drafts and prevent dirt from blowing into the garage. Because they don’t have an obvious target point of entry, sectional garage doors also offer more security and protection from potential intruders.

2. Durability

A sectional garage door typically stands up to harsh weather conditions better than a single panel garage door. Sectional garage doors also grant you more control over how much the door is opened, so you can open it incrementally to allow for ventilation while cutting down on any glare from the sun.

3. Compact Operation

Unlike single panel garage doors that need a certain clearance space to operate properly, sectional garage doors move within a compact vertical plane. A sectional garage door’s narrow range of motion means you get more room for vehicles to come and go without restrictions. Sectional garage doors do not kick out at all when they open, so you can drive right up to the face of the door before opening it. This feature comes in handy for those with a short driveway or whenever a car needs to be parked close to the garage.

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Cons of Sectional Garage Doors

With the benefits of sectional garage doors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the negatives:

1. Continual Maintenance

A sectional garage door will require a bit more upkeep than a single panel garage door. The many components of a sectional garage door may need to be repaired and replaced when necessary to keep your garage door operating properly. If you choose a sectional garage door, you will need to develop a regular maintenance routine that includes lubrication and cleaning. 

2. Cost

The operational mechanism of sectional garage doors paired with their higher routine maintenance costs makes them a more expensive alternative to single panel garage doors. With more parts to repair or replace periodically, the maintenance costs of owning a sectional garage door can quickly add up.

3. Complicated Installation Process

Installing a sectional garage door is more complicated than installing a single panel garage door. Because the various parts of a sectional garage door make it a more complex mechanism, it is always recommended to have a professional install the door. Although sectional garage door installation can be tricky, hiring a garage door expert will ensure you get a safe and smooth installation.

Choose the Best Garage Door for You From Garage Door Specialists, Inc.

Now that you know the different appearance and performance characteristics of single panel and sectional garage doors, you can make an informed garage door decision. For a timeless traditional garage door or classically elegant carriage garage door, check out the variety of products from Garage Door Specialists, Inc. We even offer a selection of specialty garage doors.

To find out more about which garage door style is right for your house, contact Garage Door Specialists, Inc. for a free consultation in Western North Carolina today.

View Garage Door Styles in North Carolina

What Are The Benefits of Garage Door Replacement?

7 Benefits of Getting a New Garage Door

Garage door replacements provide a variety of benefits to your home. Today we’re going to dig into what these benefits are and how they affect your decision to buy a new garage door. Here are 7 benefits of installing a new residential garage door:

1. MORE PROTECTION AND SECURITY

In many cases, garages are attached directly to the home and we all store valuables in our garages that we’d like to keep protected from theft. Replacement garage doors by Garage Door Specialists, Inc. are designed for a precision fit, keeping the outside, out. Keep your garage secure by replacing older doors with newer ones designed to prevent criminals from gaining access. A sturdy, insulated replacement garage door offers better protection and improved home security.

2. INCREASED HOME VALUE

According to Remodeling Magazine, replacing your garage door is the #1 home renovation for getting your money’s return. In other words, garage door replacement has the best ROI of any other home improvement. If you’re looking to sell your home or just fix it up for the long-run, installing anew garage door is the most cost-efficient way to add value to your home! Learn more about new garage doors increasing home value.

3. BETTER APPEARANCE

Your old garage doors have been through their share of winters and probably look like it too. Replacing your overhead doors improves your home’s appearance. Better appearance, security and insulation all contribute to a higher home value. If you’re thinking of selling your home, replacement garage door panels are a cost-effective way to add value to your home.

4. SUPERIOR INSULATION

Today’s garage doors are engineered to keep your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Replacing older doors with upgraded models allows you to enjoy your garage comfortably and save you money on your energy bill.

5. SAFETY AND LIABILITY

Modern doors are equipped with a range of safety features to protect you, your family and your guests from accidental injury. Replacement doors may also help you save on insurance.

6. REDUCED MAINTENANCE

Many older garage doors require repairs and fresh paint annually and in some cases, more often. Free up your time and eliminate this chore with doors built to withstand the elements.

7. INCREASED UTILITY

Broken or damaged overhead doors can discourage garage use, preventing you from accessing valuable square footage. Replacing garage doors can lead to more — and better — use of your space.

Garage Door Replacement in Western NC

Contact the professionals at Garage Door Specialists, Inc. today if you live in Western North Carolina. Our experienced team will give you plenty of high-quality options to choose from when selecting your new garage door!

View Residential Garage Door Styles in North Carolina

How Does a New Garage Door Increase Home Value?

When it comes to home improvement, a new residential garage door is one of the best investment decisions you can make. New garage doors increase home value through better design and visual appeal immediately after installation, so the average return on investment for a new garage door is remarkably high. The most recent cost vs value report conducted by Remodeling Magazine ranked garage door replacement as the number 1 return on investment for your home! Here are 4 ways a new garage door will increase your home’s value:

1. LOWER ANNUAL HEATING AND COOLING COSTS

Reduce air transfer between your garage and the outdoors to save on your annual heating and cooling costs. Customizable, modern and available with optional insulation, today’s garage doors offer improved energy efficiency over older doors. Our professional installation service ensures a tight and proper fit, keeping your climate under control.

2. GET BETTER PROTECTION AND SECURITY

Most modern doors have the latest security and safety features. Often, garages offer direct access to the home, vehicles and all valuables stored within. Intruders want in and new doors help keep them out. Modern garage doors are made from strong and durable materials and are equipped with the latest technology to prevent unwanted guests from gaining access. 

3. IMPROVE CURB APPEAL

Depending on size, garage doors can account for up to 30% or more of the home exterior on the street-facing side. New garage doors are designed to flow with the architecture and aesthetic of your home, which can have a massive impact on curb appeal. We have seen countless examples of homeowners installing a new garage door and coming away with a more valuable and attractive home. Check out some of our before and afters.

4. INCREASE HOME VALUE

New garage doors are smooth, quiet and selected to complement your home’s exterior. New, energy-efficient garage doors with the latest security measures can increase your home value to potential buyers. If you’re looking to sell your home anytime soon then installing a brand new garage is the best possible way to increase your home’s value.

Shop New Garage Door & Increase Your Home’s Value

Garage Door Specialists Inc. offers affordable garage doors, installation and services for adding beauty and elegance to your Statesville, Lenior, and Hickory homes. Contact us to discuss adding value to your home with a new garage door!

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