How to Know When to Replace Your Garage Door

How to Know When to Replace Your Garage Door

Garage doors last a long time due to their robust construction. With proper care and maintenance, they can last well over a decade. Like most mechanical systems, garage doors experience wear and tear with every cycle. Eventually, you’ll need to go beyond performing repairs and upgrade your door. 

So, how do you know if you need a new garage door? This guide takes you through key considerations for updating your garage door system. 

How Often Should a Garage Door Be Replaced?

How often you’ll need a complete garage door replacement depends on various factors, such as:

• Door quality: Garage doors with high-quality construction and top-of-the-line technologies are designed to be more durable and are less likely to break down prematurely than lower-quality options.
• Materials: Garage doors can be made from wood, fiberglass or metal. Each of these materials wears out differently.
• Frequency of use: How often you use a garage door determines how long it will last. If you operate it frequently, its parts will likely wear faster.
• Maintenance: Garage doors without proper routine maintenance may break down sooner than those regularly cleaned, inspected and repaired by a professional. 
• Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions can shorten garage door life spans.

When to Replace Your Garage Door

So, should you replace or repair your garage door? Several factors determine repairs and replacements. Usually, when the door is relatively new, doesn’t have major issues and is in fairly good condition, all it needs are repairs, like damaged garage door springs or tracks.

The following factors indicate that repairs are not enough and that it’s time to replace your garage door.

Expired Service Life

What is the average life span of a garage door? Most garage doors last 15 to 30 years when properly cared for. 

As your door experiences wear and tear, it becomes more vulnerable and costly to repair over time. If the door is nearing or past its service life, repairs won’t restore optimal performance. It’s time for a replacement. Look out for serious signs of wear and tear consistent with age, such as corrosion, decay, warping and multiple worn parts.

Extensive Damage

Usually, professional service and repairs take care of issues associated with regular use and exposure to the elements unless the extent of damage is beyond repair. Severe damage that weakens the door’s structure makes a replacement more ideal.

It’s also best to replace the door if it has suffered deterioration to multiple key components, such as panels, tracks and springs. Since severe structural damage and multiple failures tend to be costly to fix, installing a new garage door can be a more reliable and cost-effective solution.

Frequent Malfunctions

If your garage door continuously breaks down, it’s time to consider a replacement. Having to frequently fix broken parts is not reliable or cost-effective in the long run. Keep in mind that with each malfunction, the door may weaken and reduce efficiency. Investing in a new system is probably best for your household and wallet.

Poor Performance

Your garage door may appear fine but with a noticeable difference in performance. While you may still operate the door, performance issues like difficulty opening and closing can be a sign of significant wear and tear. You may also notice that your garage door produces excessive noises like grinding, knocking and squealing during operation.

If the unusual noises are accompanied by other issues, such as shaking or dragging, it’s likely to be a serious mechanical failure. A total upgrade is your best option here. 

Outdated Style and Technology

A garage door that’s more than a decade old is likely to be out of style. Even with a timeless design that matches your home’s aesthetics, after many years of use, your door may show obvious signs of age that a paint job alone won’t conceal.

Due to frequent advancements in the garage door industry, older models are likely to possess outdated technologies that impact performance, safety and security. A replacement is the best way to enjoy the latest garage door features, like multi-layer construction, that enhance durability and noise reduction for quiet operation.

High Energy Bills

Are you noticing higher utility bills? Is your garage especially hot and humid in the summer or cold in the winter? Older garage doors may lack quality insulation and seals to keep conditioned air in and outside air out — that translates to high costs and wasted energy. If your garage door is not energy-efficient, it’s best to replace it with a top-performing insulated garage door to save on energy costs.

Why Is a Garage Door Replacement Important?

It’s tempting to prioritize repairs over a replacement if your garage door looks like it can serve you a little longer. So why opt for a new garage door? Here are some of the benefits of a garage door replacement:

• Improved performance: A garage door that’s at the end of its working life reaches a point when no amount of maintenance will restore its previous functioning. Installing a new door comes with more advanced features that improve overall performance, efficiency and convenience.
• Better insulation: Garage doors today have better design and insulation. By upgrading to a model with advanced insulation technology, you enjoy better temperature regulation throughout the hot and cold months, translating to reduced energy bills.
• Improved appearance: Over time, your garage door will show signs of wear due to years of use and exposure to the elements. A new door has a fresh and updated look, enhancing your home’s overall appearance.
• Increased home value: Since a garage door takes up a significant portion of your home’s exterior, its appearance contributes to your home’s overall curb appeal. Replacing your garage door increases your property value, offering almost double the return on investment. As a result, a garage door replacement is the most profitable remodeling project for homeowners.
• Reduced maintenance: New doors run for a long time without much maintenance because they have parts that are not yet worn. Compared to an older garage door that is more susceptible to maintenance issues, a new unit saves you the costs and time you invest in frequent breakdowns.

Contact Southeastern Garage Doors for Your Garage Door Needs

Garage doors thrive with proper maintenance, which includes basic upkeep and professional servicing. However, excessive damage, wear and tear, and other inconveniences like frequent repairs indicate it is time for a new garage door installation. For residents of the Charleston Trident area, Southeastern Garage Doors offers top-of-the-line garage doors and expert-driven same-day service. 

With 100 years of combined experience under our belt, you can count on our ability to match you with a product that complements your home in addition to reliable services. Fill out our contact form to request an estimate for a new garage door or a service!

A Guide on How to Hurricane-Proof Your Garage

A Guide on How to Hurricane-Proof Your Garage

Living along the Atlantic coast of the United States means being familiar with tropical storms and hurricanes. They’re a fact of life, with hurricane season bringing an average of 14 storms big enough to have names, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes per season.

Garage doors guard the largest opening of your home, and if they aren’t specially reinforced to hurricane standards, they can lack the strength to withstand high winds and debris impacts. The following guide will answer common questions about how to hurricane-proof your garage, detail storm preparation for your garage door, and explain how a hurricane-rated upgrade will help minimize potential storm damage.

The Role of Garage Doors in Hurricane Protection

A stylish garage door boosts curb appeal and secures the garage opening. This opening is normally the biggest in the house, making it critical that it’s protected with a strong, durable cover to shield against inclement weather. While perfectly suited for non-hurricane weather, standard garage doors can become a structural weakness against gale-force winds and rain.

If a garage door fails during a storm, it could result in:

• Home flooding: Weather seal failure or gaps from door damage can allow water to enter your home.
• Pressure buildup: The sudden rush of wind into your home that results from a broken garage door can cause structural damage to your walls or even cause your roof to lift.
• Damage to belongings: If the wind compromises your garage door, personal belongings like vehicles, electronics, clothes and more can be lost or destroyed.

How to Prepare Your Garage Door for a Hurricane

Whether your garage door is reinforced or not, it’s important to take the following steps to prepare it for hurricane conditions:

1. Inspect: Check for any signs of damage and make repairs if possible. You should also confirm that the door operates smoothly and that its lock works. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garage door in the best condition possible when facing a hurricane.
2. Reinforce: Use temporary supports and braces like steel pipes or wood posts. You can use your vehicle to provide more stability and weight behind the door— the better you can brace it, the more likely it is to hold up.
3. Secure: Use the manual locking mechanism and disconnect the automatic openers to prevent accidental openings during the storm.
4. Clear: Clear as much as you can out of the garage, as anything left during the storm could sustain damage or turn into a projectile.

After the storm has completely passed, inspect your garage door again and note any changes. This includes the area around the door, like the weatherstripping.

Stylish and Strong Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors

When you’re looking to upgrade, there is a range of garage doors available from industry-leading manufacturer Clopay® that have a WindCode^® rating between 1 and 9 based on building codes, roof height and structure exposure. When figuring out which garage doors are hurricane-proof, check out the following lines of garage doors. They use strong materials, and there are multiple insulation options to choose from:

• Canyon Ridge® designs
• Coachman® designs
• Gallery Steel
• Bridgeport Steel
• Classic™ Steel
• Modern Steel™
• Avante®
• VertiStack Avante
• Reserve® 

Benefits of Upgrading to a Hurricane-Rated Garage Door

You can enhance your home safety and peace of mind during storms by upgrading to a hurricane-rated garage door. This will benefit you in several ways, including:

Energy Efficiency and Smart Features

Hurricane-rated models of garage doors include durable weather seals and are well-insulated. These protections help keep the temperature inside stable, increasing energy efficiency and storm protection. Modern openers include integration with smart home systems, allowing remote operation, real-time alerts and more.

South Carolina’s Hurricane Code Requirements

As South Carolina’s southeast border is the Atlantic Ocean, which is the birthplace of many storms, it has developed some stringent state building codes to protect property and people. Statewide, exterior doors must withstand local wind speeds and loads specified in the International Residential Code (IRC), which South Carolina uses for residential construction codes.

Doors need to follow impact resistance rules, especially in coastal areas like Charleston. New and existing garage doors must comply with these regulations and are tested and certified to ensure they do.

Reinforcement Systems

Hurricane-rated doors have built-in reinforcement systems that subtly add the strength they need. You’ll find steel-reinforced struts, end stiles and hinges. Wind-bracing mechanics like removable posts or even an automatically engaging bracing system within the door are available. Windows have impact and pressure resistance. The tracks are hardy, securing the door to the home’s structure.

Increased Curb Appeal

These doors come in multiple styles and have custom decorative features you can choose from, so you will get weather protection and enhance your curb appeal and overall home aesthetic, especially with a luxury or custom option. 

Frequently Asked Questions

See the following common questions people ask about hurricane-rated garage doors:

Which Garage Windows Are Hurricane-Proof?

If your door has a WindCode rating, every part of it needs to withstand the same impact and wind load standards, including the windows. These windows use reinforced, impact-resistant or laminated glass or acrylic, which can withstand the pressure and impacts at the same level as the rest of the door.

Will a Hurricane-Rated Garage Door Help With Insurance Costs?

As these doors reduce the risk of storm damage, insurers see them as benefits that will cost them less money in claim payouts, so you’ll often get a discount on your premium.

How Much Do Hurricane-Rated Doors Cost?

There’s no one single price for these doors. Total costs vary based on the material, size, insulation and customization options you choose and whether it’s a luxury door. It will be more of an initial investment than a standard door, but you’re paying that extra to keep your home and possessions safe, potentially costing you less money and stress in the long run.

Contact Southeastern Garage Doors 

Located in Charleston, South Carolina, and with over 100 years of combined experience, we leave our customers satisfied with their new garage door installation and repairs. We specialize in same-day service, so instead of writing down your information and waiting for a technician to contact you, we can be with you on the same day you call.

We are a proud provider of Clopay garage doors, with more WindCode-compliant options than anyone else in the industry. Increase your curb appeal and prepare your home for the hurricane season today. You can call (843) 747-6622 or contact us online to get started!

How to Choose the Right Garage Door Style for Your Charleston Home

How to Choose the Right Garage Door Style for Your Charleston Home

As a proud property owner, you want to give your home the best. When choosing a garage door, there are so many considerations, including the garage door material, finishes and more. 

Navigating garage door options for your South Carolina home can be tricky, but with the right information, it’s easy to choose a durable, reliable garage door.

Key Considerations for Charleston Homeowners

Your garage door does more than cover your garage. It helps secure your home, boosts its curb appeal and protects your car from harsh weather. Here are some things to consider when getting a new garage door in Charleston:

• Local climate: The best garage doors for South Carolina homes are reinforced to protect against the area’s high winds, salty air and humidity.
• Neighborhood aesthetics: To create a cohesive look, try to balance your own taste with the general style of your neighborhood. 
• Homeowners association (HOA) guidelines: If your home is in an HOA, it may have regulations that will influence your choice of garage door design.
• Your home’s architecture: Consider your home’s architecture and look for a door that complements it. Classic designs blend well with almost any home style. 

Windload and Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors

Charleston is a coastal city prone to strong winds and storms, making hurricane-resistant garage doors crucial. Even if your garage door is heavy, it’s still vulnerable during hurricanes and intense storms. 

Materials like steel and aluminum are both durable options, but the door’s hurricane rating is more important to consider. Check the label to see if it’s wind-load or hurricane-resistant. Most labels will read “Impact and Cyclonic Rated.” 

This downloadable guide from Charleston County Government provides more information on protecting your garage door and home during hurricanes.

The Importance of Insulation

Your garage door plays a big part in keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter, helping to reduce your utility bills. When choosing garage doors for humid climates like Charleston, look for insulated options. These seal in conditioned air to keep your home comfortable all year. They also help keep moisture out, protecting your car and garage. 

Exploring Garage Door Styles

Your taste and your property’s architecture can help guide you in deciding which garage door style to choose. Opting for a door that blends with your home can boost your property’s value and appearance, making the right design crucial. A few popular styles include:

• Carriage house: This type of garage door blends a classic look with modern operation. It’s designed to resemble old-fashioned carriage house doors that open on the sides.
• Traditional: Traditional garage doors feature rectangular panels with raised sides. These doors are classically stylish and blend well with most homes. 
• Contemporary: Sleek, clean lines and glass material usually characterize modern garage doors. They pair best with contemporary or unique architectural styles.
• Craftsman: If you prefer a blend of modern and traditional, craftsman doors are elegant and simple. They usually have wood or wood-look designs with handcrafted detail. 

Customization and Features

Many garage doors are customizable — you can add a smart opener, incorporate windows, choose the door’s color and more. 

Smart Features for Extra Convenience

Smart features are a great reason to upgrade from an older garage door. Many new garage door opener models work best with new garage doors, offering modern features like real-time alerts and remote control from your preferred device. 

Hardware and Windows

If you want to add windows to your garage door, opt for tempered glass or impact-rated laminated glass. These materials are less likely to break during a storm. As far as positioning, higher windows offer more security and privacy. 

The hardware material you choose is also important for the local climate. Rust-resistant metal or stainless steel are excellent options for handles, decorative hinges and other elements. You can have them powder-coated for added protection.

Garage Door Finishes

The color you choose can add to your garage door’s character and style. Opt for a shade that complements the rest of your home’s exterior or choose something that pops for extra character.

Applying the right finish is also key. It can provide additional protection from the Charleston climate. UV-resistant paint is ideal, as it helps block the sun’s rays, protecting your garage door from peeling and cracking.

Faux wood finishes give steel and aluminum garage doors the classic appearance of wood while maintaining durability. Another option is powder coating, which protects against rust and corrosion. 

Understanding Garage Door Materials

Material selection is one of the most vital choices when choosing a garage door. In Charleston, the best materials are durable to resist the coastal climate, high humidity and storms. Some of the top choices include: 

• Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, but needs added insulation to keep cool during the summer heat. 
• Fiberglass: These garage doors resist humidity, rust and moisture and offer the classic appearance of wood. 
• Steel: This material is another robust choice. It can withstand impact but will do best with a rust-resistant coating.
• Faux wood: Faux wood provides the style of wood with simpler maintenance, making it a durable, stylish option.

Finding the Right Size

It’s essential to have the right size garage door. Whether you’re renovating or building a new home, the new door will need to fit the opening precisely. It’s best to have a professional take measurements. You’ll need to consider the opening along with the sideroom and headroom, which are spaces next to and above the garage door.   

Choose the Right Partner for All Your Garage Door Needs

At Southeastern Garage Doors, we provide quality garage doors and garage door services to Charleston, South Carolina, residents. We carry a large selection of stylish Clopay® garage doors, renowned for their robust features and timeless appeal. 

With over 20 years of experience in the area and a deep knowledge of the local climate, our team has the expertise and skills to recommend the right garage door for your Charleston home. If you’re in the market for an upgrade and need guidance on the right options, you can trust our technicians for expert service.

Get started today by calling us or contacting us online to request your estimate.

Linked sources:

1. https://www.southeasterngaragedoors.com/blog/coastal-garage-door-guide/
2. https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/building-inspection-services/files/ProjectImpact/Hurricane-Protection.pdf
3. https://www.southeasterngaragedoors.com/collections/residential/garage-doors/
4. https://www.southeasterngaragedoors.com/contact-us/request-estimate/ 

Top Garage Doors for Coastal Climates: Durability & Style

Living on the coast is a dream come true for many. When you own a home, it is important to consider how the climate impacts your property’s various aspects, including your garage door choice. Your garage door needs to be durable and reliable for several reasons — it is your home’s biggest entry point, so it must help secure and protect your home, insulate it for greater energy efficiency, provide privacy and add curb appeal to your property. 

On the coast, there are also extra considerations to keep in mind because of the humid, salty air. This coastal garage door guide explores top considerations, including the best garage door materials for coastal homes. The guide also takes a look at coastal garage door styles and how to balance style with function. 

Important Considerations for Garage Doors in Coastal Climates

Consider these tips for choosing a coastal home garage door that will last: 

• Look for rust-resistant materials: The humid, salty air of a coastal climate can quickly cause materials to rust. Choose a garage door made from corrosion-resistant materials to withstand the conditions.   
• Find a garage door with a high-quality finish: A high-quality finish provides an added barrier against salt, moisture and strong winds. A UV-resistant finish can also prevent paint and other coatings from fading and cracking, so your garage door retains its appearance for longer. 
• Consider the correct R-value: The R-value measures how insulating garage doors are. It is important for making your home more energy-efficient, especially in coastal areas that experience a range of weather conditions throughout the seasons. A good R-value for coastal garage doors is R-12 to R-18. Doors in this range offer a fairly good amount of insulation and energy efficiency, as well as wind resistance and moisture protection. 
• Look for wind-resistant features: Coastal regions generally experience high winds, so you need a garage door that can withstand the constant battering. Look for doors with a reinforced structure that includes bracing, heavy-duty hinges and rollers, a reinforced track and weatherstripping that helps seal your garage against wind.

What Garage Door Material Is Best for Coastal Homes?

A garage door for a coastal house must be weather-resistant and hold up against rust, corrosion and mold. Here are some of the best materials for coastal garage doors.

Aluminum 

Aluminum is an excellent material for components around a coastal home. It has a low iron content, so it will not rust. It is also a lightweight material, which means the overall weight of the door places less strain on the garage door system’s other mechanisms. The lightweight construction can help other components last longer. 

Despite the lightweight construction, aluminum has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio that can withstand strong winds. Additionally, aluminum is UV-resistant and does not fade or weaken with prolonged exposure to the sun. It is also moisture-resistant. Aluminum is a lower-maintenance material than steel and has a long lifespan, offering a good long-term value. 

Steel With Protective Coatings

Steel offers superior strength and impact resistance to aluminum. It is an ideal choice for durable applications, but it has to be treated to be an effective option for coastal homes. Galvanized steel has been treated with a zinc coating to improve its corrosion resistance. Steel can also be coated with other anti-corrosive materials. The protective barrier allows you to have a durable, reinforced steel door and helps protect the steel from moisture and salt. Be sure to ask your garage door specialist for doors with a thick galvanized coating for your coastal home. 

Composites and Other Materials

Composite materials like wood and urethane may suit coastal home garage doors. Wood composites use wood fibers but combine them with more durable materials to have a more weather-resistant, long-lasting door. Urethane, or faux wood, is similar to wood composite. You may also explore fiberglass and vinyl door options.

Which Garage Door Materials Are Hurricane Rated?

Exploring hurricane-rated garage doors is essential when you are in a coastal region that is prone to experiencing strong winds. Various materials provide a good level of wind and impact resistance, the best being steel, followed by aluminum, wood and urethane composite. Look for hurricane ratings on a garage door’s label, which will say whether or not it is “Impact and Cyclonic Rated.”

Style Considerations for Coastal Doors

Finding the right garage door style for your coastal home is as important as any other consideration. Your garage door is part of your property and one of the first elements you and your guests notice. With the right style, you can use your garage door to create a beautiful focal point for your property’s facade and add intrinsic value that you love and appreciate every time you pull up to your home. 

Garage doors are available in a range of styles to suit your preferences. You can find garage doors in various finishes, shades and colors that complement a beach-style house. The best garage doors for beach homes are those that balance style with functionality and durability. You want good materials, coats of paint, and finishes that all last, especially in coastal conditions. 

Tips you can keep in mind for aesthetically pleasing garage doors for coastal homes include:

• Choosing UV-resistant finishes to prevent rapid fading. 
• Exploring lighter colors to hide salt residue and reflect heat. 
• Experimenting with coastal-inspired palettes for the door’s accents, like blues, teals, sandy beiges and coral. 
• Exploring garage doors with accents that are reminiscent of beach homes, like Mediterranean-inspired arches and decorative panels.  
• Choosing composite garage doors with steel and a faux wood look for a natural beach style, while still enjoying durable, weather-resistant properties.  

Get Quality Garage Doors and Services From Southeastern Garage Doors

A reliable garage door made with the right materials is an essential investment for coastal houses. The best types of garage doors for coastal area homes will have impact ratings and rust-resistant finishes that make your home more energy-efficient and last longer on the coast.

At Southeastern Garage Doors, we offer high-quality garage door products and outstanding garage door services. With over 100 years of combined experience in the garage door industry, you can rely on us to provide durable garage doors that can withstand coastal climates. We also offer garage door openers and professional garage door repairs for private homeowners and contractors across the Charleston Trident area.

Browse our products for coastal garage door ideas for South Carolina homes, and contact us at 843-747-6622 to discuss your garage door needs. You can also reach out online to request an estimate or request a service.

Why Won’t My Garage Door Close?

Garage doors enhance security and provide insulation for your home, but regular wear can cause operational issues that prevent them from functioning properly. If your garage door is not closing, it’s important to figure out the problem.

While you may first consider do-it-yourself methods to fix a garage door that won’t close, it is highly recommended to seek professional help. Garage doors have systems of parts that must properly work together, and some may be hazardous if you try fixing them yourself. Southeastern Garage Doors’ trusted technicians have over 100 years of combined experience. We can diagnose your problem and use specialized tools to fix it.

Symptoms of Garage Door Not Closing

When you try to determine why your garage door is not closing or going back up, confirm the sensors aren’t blocked or dirty. If there is nothing in the way and you notice any of these signs, there may be a damaged or broken part that needs a professional inspection:

• Loud banging or squeaking noises
• Misalignment
• Defective bearings
• Fallen cables
• The door falling too quickly
• Crooked or bent garage door
• Worn-out springs

The garage door cables, springs and opener are common culprits of these symptoms. Count on Southeastern Garage Doors to repair or replace them.

Broken Garage Door Cables

Garage door cables are responsible for smoothly lifting and lowering the garage door. When these snap, fray or are otherwise faulty, further damage can happen to the rest of the system, making the garage door unable to operate. 

Broken Garage Door Springs

Broken springs are another culprit as to why your garage door won’t close when there’s nothing in the way. Torsion and extension springs twist to raise and lower your garage door, but these can weaken or deform. We can replace the springs so your garage door has the right amount of tension. 

Broken Garage Door Opener

The garage door opener allows you to raise and lower your garage door. It consists of a motor unit, track and remote control. It is possible that the motor has overheated or the gears have worn out. The vertical or horizontal tracks may be bent — we can repair those and other concerns. 

Other Possible Reasons

If your cables, springs and opener are in good shape, there are other possibilities why your garage door is not closing or going back up. The sensors may need to be realigned, the wires may have short-circuited or the rollers need to be lubricated. 

No matter the symptoms, it’s best not to attempt using your garage door until it has been repaired. Doing so can cause more damage to the part or overall system.

Let Southeastern Garage Doors Repair It 

When your garage door is not closing, it could be due to a number of causes, but the best solution is always to contact an expert. When you reach out to our team in Charleston, South Carolina, we deliver convenient same-day service and will work with you to find a time that fits your schedule.

For more information or to request a quote, fill out our contact form or call (843) 747-6622.