Don't Forget These 3 Things During Your Garage Door Installation

Most garage doors are sturdy and built to last for many years. But if yours is starting to show signs of wear and tear, and you find yourself making quick fixes a little too often, it might be time for a new garage door installation. The best solution if you find yourself in this situation would probably be to hire a professional contractor to take care of the garage door installation for you. However, if you are going to attempt the installation yourself, keep these tips in mind.

An Opportunity for Insulation

if one of the reasons you want a new garage door is because the old one is letting too much air in or out of the house, you might be interested to know that there is special insulation you can buy just for your garage door. Sure, installing a new door properly will probably be an improvement regardless, but if you were to also install a layer of insulation all along the new door, you will likely see a notable improvement in your energy costs. When looking at materials for your new door, inquire about recommended insulation options for that door type.

Don't Forget the Weather Strip

The weather strip is the length of rubber that sits along the bottom of the door. This helps seal the door shut, and also provides additional insulation. A common mistake some homeowners make is to try and reuse the old weather strip from the old door on the new one. The seal will simply not be as strong if it is used in this way. The weather strip is probably the easiest and least expensive part of the job, so don't skimp here. Get a new weather strip to go with your new door.

Invest in a New Safety Sensor

New garage door systems today come with a built-in safety system to prevent the door from closing if someone or something runs underneath it. But if you are only replacing the door itself and not the electronics behind the system, you might overlook this key area. This is especially true if your garage door is very old and never had a safety system installed. Make sure your new garage door can benefit from the latest safety technology, so you'll never have to worry about a small child or pet getting too close to an open garage door.

If it's time for a new garage door installation, it can't hurt to at least get a quote or two from local contractors. But if you decide to go it alone, remember that a well maintained garage door system is about more than just the door itself. Consider your options for insulation, including the weather strip, and take care to ensure that the new door is up to current safety regulations.