If your garage door looks like it has seen better days and you want to revitalize it rather than replace it, this guide is for you. We have 5 great ideas for you to consider, any of which could help to revitalize your existing door and postpone the moment that you have to seriously consider a brand new garage door installation. As garage door repair and installation experts in Loveland, CO, we have plenty of direct experience in the renovation and refurbishment of older overhead doors and, as always, we are more than happy to share this experience with you.
Garage Door Repair and Revitalization Tips from the Experts
Before you write off an old garage door and invest in a new one, you may like to try one or more of the following ideas, to see if you can revitalize it instead:
Upgrading With a Remote Control & Receiver – One of the easiest and most effective ways to revitalize an old garage door that can only be operated with a wall switch is to invest in a remote control & receiver package for the garage door opener. The ability to open and close a garage door remotely will certainly not be undervalued by anybody who currently has to get out of their vehicle in all kinds of weather in order to open their garage door. You should easily be able to find a company in your area that is able to supply and install such a package. Just search for garage door installation and repair companies, and make a note of the contact details you turn up.
Installing Exterior Lighting – In some cases, a simple cleaning, followed by the installation of some bright new exterior lighting, is enough to completely transform the appearance of an overhead door that is currently looking a little unloved and uncared for. This idea tends to work best on metal and timber doors that are basically still in a good state of repair. Such doors can be cleaned and polished up to a shine with a little effort, and then showcased with strategically placed spotlights or floodlights. If you are handy with tools, you may be able to tackle many garage door improvement projects by yourself but because this one involves making new electrical connections, it will need to be completed by a fully qualified and insured electrician.
Adding More Insulation – It might not do anything to improve the appearance of your garage door but it could extend its useful lifespan. Extra door insulation will make it easier for you to control the temperature in your garage, which is particularly useful if it doubles up as a home workshop or hobby space. Bubble foil insulation and insulation boarding are two examples of extra insulation that can easily be applied to a garage door by anyone who possesses basic DIY skills. Alternatively, if you don’t want to tackle the job yourself, you can contact a local garage door maintenance team and ask them to take care of it instead.
A New Coat of Paint – The easiest way to revitalize a painted metal or wooden door is to treat it to a new coat of paint. You can choose any color you like but we recommend sticking to tones that will complement the exterior décor of your home and blend in well with the rest of the properties in the neighborhood. Before you repaint the door, you should sand it down to ensure the new coat of paint adheres properly. In some cases, it may be necessary to apply a new primer first. In others, a couple of coats of a new color can often be applied straight over the top of the existing finish. The one note of caution we would like to add here relates to the operation of your door after it has been repainted. You need to ensure that it is still able to move freely and does not stick at any point, due to the finish rubbing against the frame. You might be surprised to learn that the cause of many a stuck garage door can be traced directly to a new paint job that made the finish just a little thicker than it really should be.
Replacing the Hardware – If the finish on your door still looks good but the metal hardware has started to deteriorate, you could revitalize it with some shiny new hinges, handles, screws, nuts, and bolts.
As none of these ideas are mutually exclusive, you can try any or all of them on your own garage door. And, if you happen to be in the same part of the country as us, please don’t hesitate to take advantage of our services, which include garage door repair in Loveland and the surrounding area.
