Do Upgraded Garage Doors Increase Home Value: What You Need to Know
As a homeowner, you know that your re
sidential property represents an investment. One surprising way to protect your investment involves your garage door.
You may be wondering, “Do upgraded garage doors increase my home’s value?” Yes, they can. Did you know that even if your older garage door looks good and works well, it could be dragging down the value of your home?
At Madison Local Garage Door Pros, we help our customers improve the value and comfort of their homes. We provide professional garage door services in Madison, WI, and we have answers to all your questions about how garage doors impact the overall value of your residential property.
How Home Value is Calculated
Value can mean different things to different people, but when most consider a home’s value, they think of the property’s market worth.
The market worth or value of a property depends on several factors. For example, real estate agents may approximate a home’s market by considering:
- Location
- Current market trends
- Square footage
- Number of rooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Size and amenities in bathrooms
- Kitchen size and features
- Outdoor accommodations
- Build date
- Materials used
- Current condition
For homeowners considering placing their residential properties on the market, the property’s current condition helps determine a reasonable asking price. Homes in disrepair or featuring outdated amenities and appliances may fetch less than a property owner hopes.
Small home improvement projects provide an easy way to boost your home’s market value without the need for expensive renovations. You can start by updating older or outdated appliances, such as the door on your free-standing or attached garage.
Impact of Garage Door Quality on a Home’s Value
When most people consider updating their homes, the garage door may not even enter their minds. However, this often-overlooked appliance greatly impacts your home’s comfort, convenience, and selling potential.
Aesthetics
Simply put, homes in disrepair that look rundown don’t sell as quickly or for as much money as better-looking properties.
If you want to sell your home, you may consider updating the paint, window trim, and roof. However, an updated garage door adds an air of high-tech modernity to your home while completing a charming exterior look. A cleaner, updated look for your home may translate to a higher market price in the long run.
Functionality
When we hear the question, “Do upgraded garage doors increase home value?” a big factor in the answer is functionality. New garage doors offer a variety of features that older models may not, such as portable or automatic garage door openers, improved insulation, heavy-duty tracks, and more.
Modern features and an improved exterior automatically boost your home’s selling potential and thus its base price.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Garage Door
In truth, any improvement you make to your home has the potential to boost its market value. Upgrading your garage door, however, helps your home sell more quickly and offers many other benefits.
Improved Security
Upgraded garage doors often come packed with new security options, including thicker glass, automatic closing, and rotating security codes.
Boosted Energy Efficiency
Like most modern technologies, new garage door models offer energy efficiency improvements compared to their older counterparts. With better insulation and seals, an upgraded garage door can reduce your home’s energy costs and improve comfort.
Warranties
New garage doors come with manufacturer warranties as well as optional service warranties. Whether you decide to sell your home or not, these warranties help improve the value of your home by reducing the financial burden of unexpected repairs or damages.
Safety Features
Older garage door models may pose safety risks as they age and components fail. In many cases, new garage door models offer protective sensors that detect obstructions and automatically stop the door’s movement, preventing accidents.
Professional Garage Door Installation and Repair in Madison
Do upgraded garage doors improve home value? Absolutely. Swapping out your older garage door for a newer model significantly improves security, safety, aesthetics, and convenience. Each of these boosted features adds a selling point for your home, increasing its selling potential.
At Madison Local Garage Door Pros, we have what it takes to handle any garage door project. We empower our Madison customers to make informed decisions about their garage door installation or repairs. Learn about reconnecting garage door openers after an outage and much more by exploring our blog or giving us a call at 608-515-1449 today.
Prepare a Garage Door for Winter
Winter in Wisconsin can hit us, and it can hit us hard, especially when we’re not prepared for it. Thus, we should always aim to prepare your most valued possessions in time for winter. Obviously, we want to prepare our house, including the garage for it. So how do we prepare a garage door for winter?
Make sure the hardware is in place
Your garage door has a lot of moving parts and movement to do, so the hardware can become a bit loose. To prevent this from causing problems it would be smart to tighten them all up. All you need to do is get a socket wrench and use it to tighten all the roller brackets and the bolts. This will keep your garage door in a better shape during the cold winter times.
Keep the springs lubricated
The springs can get quite stiff when the cold hits, and if you don’t want them to break, it would be smart to lubricate them about once a month. You can easily do this yourself and it can save you from having to replace the springs, which is one of the most common repairs for garage doors.
Get a new weather stripping
When it starts getting colder and even starts snowing, the last thing you want is to have a bad weather stripping that will allow the cold air and perhaps snow to enter the garage. Therefore, it is smart to get a new weather stripping, if yours is old, to prepare your garage door for the winter. You don’t want any snow entering your house in the midst of winter.
Prepare your outdoor faucets
You don’t want your pipes to freeze during winter, so it’s important to prepare your outdoor faucets. First, you want to disconnect and drain all hoses. You also want to drain the exterior faucets and apply all the shut-off valves to protect your pipes from the cold winter temperatures.
Check if both cables are in good condition
The cables that get your garage door up and down should be in good condition, so it is smart to check for damage or any broken strands or rust are showing. If something does turn out to be out of place it is best to get this fixed before it becomes really cold.
Check the condition of your rollers
Rollers need to be inspected regularly, and they also need to be replaced every 5-10 years on average, or sooner when they’re in a bad condition. When you do notice that they’re chipped, cracked, or just worn out, you should replace them as soon as possible and prevent the door from coming off the tracks.
Clean up the garage
You may be dreading to do this, especially when you’ve put it off for a long time, but it’s probably the smartest thing to do. Not only will your garage be a lot cleaner, you will also be able to pull out the tools you might need for winter, like a shovel.
When you’ve done all this, your garage door should be completely ready for the winter and your car and any of the appliances in your garage should be safe. We recommend you prepare this well before winter. It’s no fun trying to prepare a garage door in the cold snow.
How to Reconnect a Garage Door Opener After an Outage
Garage Door Opener Won’t Work After a Power Outage? Here’s What To Do
In a society which thrives on electricity-dependent technological advancements, it should come as no surprise that power outages have become the bane of our existence. Nearly every aspect of modern life relies on a source of electricity. How many times per day do you simply turn on a light or use a computer? Or perhaps plug your phone into charge? One aspect of daily life which is not difficult to neglect in the event of a power outage, however, is your garage door opener. Suppose a lightning storm tears through your small suburban area and destroys a transformer down the block. Depending on whether you left the door open or closed prior to the resulting power outage, your car and possessions are now either trapped in the garage or exposed to the elements and anyone passing by. We sympathize with this and understand that it is simply unacceptable. Here’s how to fix just such a problem:
How to Reconnect Your Garage Door Opener After a Power Outage
1. First you must disconnect the garage door opener from the door itself. It’s best to unplug the opener from its power source beforehand.
2. Pull the emergency disconnect cord hanging from the opener. This is the only way to disconnect the opener and allows you to fully open the door. This is especially important if you’re trapped in the garage.
3. Manually close the door all the way. The opener will not reconnect properly if the door isn’t completely shut.
4. After the power has been restored, press the button you typically use to close the door. Give the opener ample time to connect on its own. The chain of the opener will move the corresponding trolley to its correct position until it connects with the arm of the garage door.
5. If the trolley of your garage door opener is not automatic, you will have to manually attach the trolley to the garage door’s arms after pulling the emergency release.
6. Your opener and door should be connected and functioning as good as ever!
To prevent further issues, consider investing in a surge protector for the outlet your garage door opener is plugged into.
Still Not Working? Contact Us – We’ll Be Happy to Help!
If you continue to have issues re-connecting your garage door and opener, do not hesitate to contact us to help you diagnose the issue!
If you’re in Madison, Wi or live in the surrounding areas, give us a call at (608) 515-1449 or complete our online form to request service.
Adjust Opener Limits
Having a new garage door opener installed is an important venture. It guarantees that your garage door will open and close smoothly and safely every time as long as it is properly maintained. You are given the freedom of choosing whether you want a chain, belt, or screw opener, whether you would prefer a name brand such as Genie or LiftMaster, and multiple other aspects of what opener you would prefer. It’s not just an opener, it’s your opener. However, it is easy to overlook the limits set on the garage door opener. Did you know how far up or down your garage door opener takes the door?
Adjust Opener Limits
If you notice that every time you attempt to open or close your garage door it’s either not performing a full cycle (i.e. opening/closing halfway) or reverses its motion mid-cycle, you may have to adjust the limits of your garage door opener. In order to adjust the limits, first locate the limit adjustment screws on the opener and retrieve a corresponding flathead or Phillips head screwdriver for them. Cycle your door one time by opening and closing it. If the door does not open completely and stops at about 5 feet (typically the halfway mark), turn the “Up” adjustment screw clockwise one full turn. Every complete turn of the screw corresponds to two inches of movement. Continue to turn the screw until you are able to fully open the door.
If the door will not close completely, turn the “Down” adjustment screw counterclockwise one full turn. Again, each full turn will add two inches of movement to the door, so continue to turn the screw until the door fully closes. If the door closes fully but reverses its motion after touching the ground, turn the “Down” adjustment screw clockwise until you are able to close the door without it attempting to open up on its own. For any of the above methodologies, be certain to open and close the door after each full turn of an adjustment screw. If you are still having issues with your opener’s limits after trying all of the above, be sure to contact your local garage door company.
How to Program Your Garage Door Remote
It’s a secure feeling to have a new garage door opener installed. It guarantees you will no longer have to wonder whether your garage will function properly or not. One detail which is easy to overlook in amidst the process of choosing the proper opener and having it installed (unless bold enough to do it yourself) is how to program your opener to a remote. It’s a relatively simple but necessary process. So, how to program your garage door remote?
The Process
First, identify whether your opener has a smart-learn button (most newer models do). The button should be located near the light of the opener or in the case of the wiring of the opener. Press the Learn button and look for a blinking light. The light will blink for approximately 30 seconds, within which you should choose a button on the remote you would like to open the door and hold it. The light of the Learn button should flicker twice or you may hear two clicks, both of which indicate the remote and the opener have successfully been linked. If the light does not flicker and there are no clicks, simply try again.
Older Openers
Maybe you have an older garage door opener which does not have a Learn button. Suppose you purchase a remote corresponding to this older model but do not know how to program it. Chances are the opener will have Dip switches located behind the light cover or maybe even in a separate box depending on the model. The remote will also have these switches in the battery compartment (as many as 12 of them). To program a garage door opener and remote with dip switches, simply choose a unique pattern for the switches which can only be in the on or off positions. Make sure that the pattern of the switches matches on the remote and the opener. When they match, test the remote to see if it works properly, which it should.
Typically, you will not have to worry about dip switches due to the fact that manufacturers ceased their use between fifteen and twenty years ago to ensure each opener possesses its own unique frequency.
Programming a remote to a garage door opener is not too daunting of a task and hopefully, this tutorial is able to clear up any issues one may be having!
Garage Door 101
Garage Door 101
Your garage door is the largest moving part in your entire home and is used multiple times per day at any hour and in all seasons. To keep your garage door operating smoothly for decades to come, it’s important that you take the time to perform regular preventive care and garage door maintenance. Here are 10 things that all homeowners can do:
Listen & Keep an Eye
The most important preventive step you can take is to observe your garage door in action every time you use it. Is it moving smoothly or is it jerky in places? Does it operate silently or does it make grinding or scraping noises? Do both sides of the system (springs, pulleys, and cables) look symmetrical?
Tighten up the Hardware
The average garage door moves up and down more than a thousand times a year. That’s a lot of movement and vibration, which can loosen the hardware. Examine and tighten all roller brackets and bolts with a socket wrench.
Test the Garage Door Balance
If your garage door is not properly balanced, the garage door opener will have to work harder, and it won’t last as long. After you disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle (usually a red cord), manually move the door about halfway up. If it doesn’t stay put, the counterweight system (springs) are improperly balanced. Garage door spring adjustment is best left to the professionals.
Inspect and Replace the Rollers
Make sure to inspect the rollers, whether steel or nylon. You need to inspect them twice a year and replace every seven years or so, and even more often if you use your garage door many times a day. You should replace worn, chipped or cracked rollers as soon as possible. You do this by removing and reinstalling any roller brackets that are not directly attached to the cable system.
Replace the Weather stripping
If the rubber weather seal strip on the bottom of your door is brittle or cracked, you’ll need to replace it right away to keep the elements out of your house. Weather stripping is sold by the foot at hardware and home improvement stores. Just cut to size and insert into the grooves with the wide angle of the flange inside the door.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
Keeping your garage door parts greased up will add years of seamless operation to your system – and it takes just 10 minutes a year! Use white lithium grease on the opener’s chain or screw, and a spray lubricant, available from your garage door specialist, to coat the overhead springs.
Check the Cables
You should never tinker with the high-tension cables that lift your door because they have enough force to maim and kill. But you can check their condition so you know when to hire a pro. Check for broken strands and damage near the bottom roller bracket.
Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Features
There are two mechanisms: mechanical and photocell. In order to test the mechanical feature, place a piece of wood or a brick on the ground in the path of the door. When the door touches that object while coming down, it should reverse direction and go back up again. To test the second, the photoelectric system with beams at each side, close your door and just pass your leg in the door’s path. Your door should reverse. If your opener is more than 20 years old, it may lack this basic safety features –so it’s time to buy a new garage door opener.
Clear the Tracks
Make sure the tracks on either side of the door are free from debris. You can use a level to check the plumb. Any major adjustments to tracks must be done by a professional garage door technician.
Groom Your Garage Door
Don’t forget to examine the door itself. You will need to check wooden doors for water damage and warp, as well as chipped and peeling paint. Steel doors may have rust spots that you will need to sand, prime, and paint. Wash your garage door regularly with a mild all-purpose cleaner at the same time you do your car. Remember, your garage door makes up about one-third of the exterior of your house, so keep it fresh and clean. If you don’t have time to do a check-up, call our garage door professional to schedule a tune-up service. He will fix it all… perfectly!
Garage door maintenance is extremely important. Make sure you follow the above garage door maintenance tips to ensure your garage door will last to its maximum!
For more information about garage door repair and maintenance, check out DDM Garage Doors website.
Garage Door Lubrication
Every garage door, whether operated electrically or manually, contains metal parts that require lubrication occasionally. Lubricating the moving parts, such as door’s rail, springs, hinges, and rollers, prevents them from rusting or becoming squeaky, as well as keeps them in functioning order for years to come.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake homeowners do is using a standard lubricating oil such as WD-40, which is actually a degreaser that takes away the grease, rather than serve the right purpose. Rather, you should use a lithium-based lubricant, which you can find at the local hardware store. If you cannot find any, aim for a silicon-based lubricant. It isn’t as good, but it’s better than oil.
Another mistake homeowners do is lubricating the garage door opener’s chain. Garage door openers come out of the factory with a protective coat that should last for as long as the opener is running. The most you should do to aid the chain is use a rug with a tiny bit of WD-40 to help smooth it out.
The third mistake is lubricating the tracks. Tracks don’t need to be greased, but rather need to be cleaned.
The process:
1. Start by standing inside the garage and close the garage door shut. Pay attention to all the moving parts (springs, rollers, drums, and hinges).
2. Make sure you blow all the dust, dirt, and cobwebs that may have accumulated on the door’s moving hardware. If necessary, climb a step stool to help cleaning the upper rollers, as well as the garage door overhead tracks.
3. 
Spray small amounts of lithium/silicone spray into the moving parts on the garage door. If your bearings are sealed (e.g. on rollers and drums) you don’t have to do so, they don’t require maintenance. Open and close the door a few times to make sure all parts are lubricated evenly. Spray additional lubricant if needed. Wipe away lubricant leftovers that drip.
4. If you have an electric opener, climb a step stool and spray the lithium/silicon spray on the top of the rail, which is where the trolley goes back and forth and creates friction.
Making sure your garage door is well groomed and maintained can add many years of functionality to it. If you have an owner’s manual for the electric garage door opener and/or door itself, read it thoroughly, since the manufacturer may provide specific maintenance recommendations. Garage door openers operate in various ways depending on manufacturer and style.
During lubrication check all hardware for looseness and tighten necessary bolts. Also, make sure you use spray cans with a straw nozzle to be more accurate and reach tight spots.
Remember to use a lithium or silicone based lubricants rather than degreaser; degreasers may dry out rather than lubricate surfaces.