Ah, spring! The season for new beginnings has sprung. For most, the home feels like the most logical place to start, and with good reason. Improving curb appeal by cleaning or replacing the garage door; maximizing space through organization; and safeguarding your vehicle from damage can decrease costly repairs and add value to your home.
Here are some things you can do for your garage door this spring.
Organize the Space
Is your garage a catchall for stuff? Optimize space by selling, donating or trashing what you don’t need, and installing organizational products. Wall and overhead storage racks work great for getting stuff off the floor. As you’re organizing, store like items together, keeping those you use the most easily accessible.
Clean the Garage Door
Cleaning the garage door is an easy chore that with the right products (i.e., a detergent with <0.5% phosphate and soft sponges/cloths), takes only minutes. Begin by wetting the door using a hose, then washing from top to bottom, rinsing thoroughly. Allow to dry completely. Avoid using a pressure washer as it could damage the door.
Replace the Garage Door
If your garage door is worn, damaged or in need of constant repair, replace it. A new steel door with two coats of factory-applied paint and R-12 foam insulation has a 98.3% return on investment. New doors are available in a variety of colors and styles to compliment any architecture. They are also safer and energy efficient!
Install an Easy Parking Aid
Have you ever bumped the wall by pulling too far into the garage? A parking aid is an inexpensive way to save you from damaging your car and home in the future. A laser parking assist works by directing a laser light to a location you determine is safe. The aid is automatically activated whenever you pull into the garage.
Perform a Safety Check on the Door
To test the automatic reversal feature, open the garage door and place a 2×4 or roll of paper towels on the floor, directly in the door’s path. Press the “close” button. The door should reverse direction as soon as it contacts the object.
To test the photoelectric sensors, the door should be open. Press the “close” button. As the door is descending, pass a broom in front of the sensors (attached 6” from the floor on both sides of the horizontal track). The should immediately reverse direction.
Should the door fail either of these tests, the door can become a safety hazard for pets and children, and you should contact a local garage door professional for repair. Note: Disconnect the opener from the door until repairs have been made.