Incorporate an Above-the-Garage-Door Arbor or Trellis

Arbors or trellises are decorative accents that transform the area above garage doors and exterior walls for added character and beauty. Elevating a home’s curb appeal, arbors for garage doors add interest with filtered sunlight, provide overhead protection, and soften architectural lines.

Adding a trellis or Arbor is easy; you can hang flowering vines as decorations. Consider a beautiful combination of yellow climbing hydrangeas and Red Trumpet Vine or White Star jasmine for an eye-catching effect that will add curbside appeal to your home.

Greenery

Your yard should complement your home and garage in color, style, scale, and materials. Trees can frame your house and garage, but it is essential not to have them conceal or overwhelm your garage door. Also, certain plants can help ward off pesky bugs in spring and summer.

Landscaping ideas for enhancing your garage structure:

• Install plant boxes on garage window sills.
• Lay stones or bricks down to create a path around the garage.
• Choose plants that require little to no maintenance. Some plants that look great year-round with little maintenance include Ornamental Grasses, Lilies, and Annual or Perinal Flowers. Or California Native Plants.
• Place birdhouses among the flowers and other plants.

Add Lighting

Garages are the main entry for the people who live in the home. They also serve as accessible entries for burglars who want to get inside. Adding lighting will automatically draw attention to your home at night. Using light in your garage landscaping project improves the aesthetic appearance of the garage and your safety.

Add hanging lanterns and lamps to your carriage-style garage door or sconces with various metal tones and clean lines to accentuate your door’s contemporary appearance. If glass is incorporated into your door design, you might also consider lighting your garage exterior from within the garage.

Add motion sensor lights that turn on in response to movement that serves a dual purpose. When someone approaches your garage at night, the lights alert you of their presence. They also provide safe coverage for you when entering or exiting the garage at night.

Another option is lighting along your driveway, guiding eyes toward your home. Lights lining your driveway give you a Warm Welcome Home feeling. Whether you use driveway lanterns or subtle light stakes, accent lights to spotlight plants or architectural features provide an instant glamour to your garage.

Before & After Garage Door Transformations

Thermacore® Insulated Steel Garage Doors

Thermacore® Collection Insulated Steel Garage Doors feature superior insulation construction and design, which provides maximum thermal efficiency and reduces air infiltration in your garage space. This durable line of Steel Garage Doors gives you many years of reliable operation while delivering comfort to your home, even in extreme climates.

Modern Flair:

Consider a garage door with clean lines and translucent glass panels if your home is more contemporary. Without sacrificing security, a glass-paneled door admits light during the day and radiates like a jewel at night.

Full-view garage doors are an eclectic and dynamic choice for modern homes and work well with mid-century houses.

Garages make an excellent workspace, but not when they’re uncomfortably hot – especially if you live in a climate prone to extreme heat. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep your garage cool. Why is my garage so hot? That is a popular question we’ve all contemplated when temperatures rise. Learning how to cool a garage is often necessary for the summer and has benefits beyond just keeping you cool

Best Ways to Keep Your Garage Cool This Summer

As the summer heat begins to kick in, you may wonder, what is the best way to cool a garage? A garage is a great asset for your home, but it can easily be wasted if the space is too hot.

Benefits of Keeping Your Garage Cool

Protects Personal and Seasonal Items

Like every homeowner, you store personal and seasonal items in your garage. Yet, doing this can be risky if your space isn’t insulated properly.

Multipurpose Space

Keeping your garage cool in the summer allows you to repurpose the space. You can turn it into a workshop, gym, man cave, or studio area, making it more practical and purposeful. In return, this helps maximize your indoor space, benefiting your daily life.

These tips make it easier to control the temperature inside your garage all year round.

Insulate: Use insulation materials like foam board, fiberglass batts, or spray foam to prevent heat transfer from outside. You can also insulate your garage door to keep it 22–26°F cooler in the summer.

Use fans: Place fans throughout your garage to help circulate cooler air. Ventilation fans are inexpensive, reliable, and use less electricity than air conditioners. You can also use an attic fan to vent hot air out and draw in cool air from outside.

Use a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, especially if you live in a humid area.

Use air conditioning: Install an air conditioning unit to keep your garage cool. Portable A/Cs Don’t need ducts to function.

Open doors and windows: Allow airflow by opening doors and windows.

Park your car outside: Let it cool off outside instead of parking in your garage.

Leave your vehicle parked outside after driving it on a hot day if you plan to use the garage after getting home. Heat will radiate from a car long after it’s been shut off, which can add a few degrees to your garage’s temperature.

Use your garage wisely: Avoid going in and out of your garage all day, as this can trap hot air inside.

Paint Your Garage in Light Colors

Dark colors absorb heat from the sun. In the summer, a garage painted dark may be warmer and more uncomfortable than a garage painted light. You can reduce the temperature of your garage this summer by repainting it to a lighter, brighter color that will reflect heat from the sun.

Almost all garage doors feature a manual release function that bypasses the opening mechanism during power outages, malfunctions, or emergencies. Locate the short rope from the garage door track to trigger the manual release. It usually ends with a red, T-shaped handle. Pull this cord to release the door from the drive chain or belt. Below are some tips on how to open a garage door manually

For safety reasons, you should avoid pulling the manual release cord when the garage door opens. The red emergency release cord on a garage door system is a crucial feature designed to disengage the door from the opener, allowing you to manually move the door during power outages, malfunctions, or emergencies.

How to Open a Garage Door Manually

If you must leave your home during a power outage or while the opener is malfunctioning, you need a way to open and close it from the inside.

Here’s how to open the garage door manually.

Unplug the opener: Unless the power is out, unplug the opener first. This safety measure will prevent someone from getting hurt if the motor activates while you’re near the door.

Disconnect the opener: The red emergency release cord hanging from the automatic opener disconnects the garage door from the opener. Pull the cable away from the door; you should feel and hear it disconnect. When the opener disconnects successfully, the trolley, or the moving component that connects your door to the track, should have an extended spring.

Lift the door: With the door disconnected from the opening mechanism, it should be relatively easy for one person to raise it to the fully open position.

If the door is impossible to lift or opens unevenly, you may have a broken tension spring or cable that needs to be addressed. These can be dangerous to repair yourself, so contact a garage door repair technician to fix the problem.

Because opening the garage door by hand is an effective way to uncover issues, we recommend doing this task a few times yearly, even if the power isn’t out.

Reattach the Door to the Opener

Once your opener’s electricity is restored, you need to plug it in and reconnect the garage door so it can open automatically again.

Run the opener for a complete cycle to re-connect the trolley to the opener. That is, all of the way up and all of the way down. You should hear a loud click when the trolley and carriage pass one another. They are now connected, and you can open and close your garage door electrically again.

Safety Tips for Manually Opening Your Garage Door

When you open a garage door by hand, stay safe.

• Unplug the automatic door opener.
• Know when to call a technician: If you disengage the trolley and the garage door is difficult to move, you might have a problem with your springs.
• Don’t pull the emergency release when the door is open
• Don’t leave the open door unattended, as nothing is in place to keep the door from slamming shut.
• Use the manual lock
• Watch for issues. If the door shakes or moves unevenly after reconnecting it, something might have gone wrong.

The desire to save money and be self-sufficient is ever-increasing in today’s world. It’s no wonder many homeowners take the DIY Garage Door Repairs approach to various tasks around the house. Working through a maintenance checklist can help extend your garage door’s lifespan. However, things happen, and repairs are needed from time to time. When that time comes, knowing whether it can be repaired DIY or if you should call the professionals is essential.

DIY Garage Door Repairs

Knowing what is needed for your garage door and using your experience will extend its lifespan and prevent further damage. Fit the seal.

DIY Garage Door Repair:

Cost-Effectiveness:

One of the main appeals of DIY garage door repair is the potential cost savings. You can save on service fees by handling minor issues like tightening loose hardware or lubricating moving parts.

Learning Opportunity:

DIY repairs provide a chance to understand your garage door’s mechanics better.

Simple Fixes:

Some common issues like replacing batteries in the remote, aligning safety sensors, or lubricating squeaky parts are often simple enough for homeowners to tackle independently.

Time Consumption:

DIY repairs can be time-consuming, especially if you are unfamiliar with garage door systems.

A well-functioning garage door is crucial for the security and convenience of any home or business. When issues arise with your garage door, it’s essential to know about maintenance and minor repairs; a DIY Garage Door repair approach can save you time and money.

Here are some specific DIY Garage Door Repairs you can tackle on your own:

Replacing Weather Stripping

If you notice drafts or water seepage around your garage door, it may be time to replace the weather stripping. This flexible rubber or vinyl strip is a barrier against the elements and can quickly wear out with age. Measure the length needed, remove the old weather stripping, and install the new one for better insulation and energy efficiency. Replacing a damaged weather seal can improve insulation, prevent water intrusion, and keep unwanted critters out of your garage.

Replacing a garage door seal is a simple DIY project

• Purchase a garage door seal that matches your door type and size.
• Remove the old seal by carefully pulling it away from the door.
• Install the new seal by attaching it to the bottom edge of the door.
• Ensure a snug fit to prevent any gaps or openings.

 Tightening Loose Hardware / Moving Parts

If you’re hearing a rattling sound when your garage door moves up or down, loose hardware could be the problem. Inspect the hardware and tighten any loose components with a wrench or screwdriver.

This DIY task can prevent more significant problems, such as noisy operation or misalignment. A little elbow grease can go a long way in eliminating the rattling noise and restoring the quiet to your garage

Lubricating the Moving Parts

One of the simplest maintenance tasks is lubricating your garage door’s moving parts. Applying a household-grade cleaner to hinges, rollers, and tracks will help reduce friction and keep the door running smoothly.

Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dust and debris, causing more harm than good. If you notice large chunks of debris that completely jam the door, you might be better off having your tracks professionally cleaned.

Garage Door Opener

It can be frustrating if your garage door doesn’t open or close correctly. The issue can be as simple as a malfunctioning remote or dirty sensor “eyes” near the bottom of the door.

• Check the batteries in your remote control and replace them if needed.
• Inspect the sensor “eyes” near the bottom of the garage door for dirt or obstructions. Clean them thoroughly to ensure they function correctly.
• Make sure the sensors are correctly aligned and facing each other.

Sometimes, a simple reset of your garage door opener can resolve issues with the door not opening or closing correctly. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions to find the reset button on your opener and follow the steps to reset it.

Exercise Safety During Repairs

Most garage door repairs are inherently dangerous, whether it’s fixing a garage door that came off the tracks, a broken cable, or a broken spring.

The best way to avoid injuries during repairs is to be aware of your surroundings, identify the risks to avoid potential hazards and familiarize yourself with safety procedures relevant to the repair process.

Know Your Limits

Consider whether you can safely complete the repair work yourself or if it requires specialized knowledge. Weigh your options and consider the injuries it can cause and the cost versus the benefit.

The garage door industry is constantly evolving, and 2024 promises to bring some exciting trends and innovations to the forefront. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade your garage door or a builder planning for the latest trends in residential construction, Garage Door Trends 2024 will provide insights into what to expect in garage door design, technology, and features.

Garage Door Trends 2024

This year’s garage door style trends are all about blending aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Whether you’re building a new home or looking to upgrade your existing garage door, these trends offer exciting possibilities to enhance your home’s curb appeal and functionality.

Sleek and Modern Designs

In 2024, garage door designs will continue to embrace minimalism and sleek aesthetics, reflecting the latest trends in contemporary architecture and home design.

Flush panels, subtle textures, and a preference for bold, monochromatic color schemes. These garage doors complement modern homes and add a touch of sophistication to more traditional exteriors. Using contemporary materials such as sleek glass panels, brushed metal finishes, wood plank, and eco-friendly composites will add a touch of sophistication to garage door designs.

These materials contribute to modern aesthetics and offer durability and longevity, ensuring that your garage door remains visually appealing and functional for years to come.

Smart Technology Integration

Another top garage door trend in 2024 is smart garage door openers, which are making homeowners’ lives more convenient and secure.

This feature will enable homeowners to seamlessly connect their garage doors to their home networks, opening up a world of possibilities. With a smartphone app, you can remotely monitor and control your garage door from virtually anywhere. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply in another part of your home, you can open or close your garage door with a tap on your mobile device.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Materials

Sustainability has become a lifestyle choice influencing home improvement decisions, including garage doors. This year, we see a surge in demand for eco-friendly materials such as recycled wood, composite materials, and doors with superior insulation properties.

These options reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency, keeping your garage cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Energy Efficiency

In 2024, energy efficiency will take center stage in garage doors, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability and eco-conscious living.

These garage doors will be designed with high R-values, which measure the thermal resistance of the insulation material. This high R-value insulation serves as a barrier, preventing heat transfer between the garage’s interior and exterior.

Bold Colors and Unique Finishes

Gone are the days of the white garage doors. This year, homeowners are moving towards vibrant colors and unique finishes. Deep blues, striking blacks, and even rich greens are making their way onto garage doors, providing a pop of color that enhances curb appeal and sets your home apart.
Flush wood planks or textured finishes, such as wood grain, frosted glass, or metal accents, add an extra layer of visual interest and sophistication.

Customization and Personalization

Custom garage doors continue to be a significant trend in 2024. Homeowners are looking for garage doors that reflect their style and the unique character of their homes. The possibilities are endless, from custom panel designs to window placement and decorative hardware. Exceptional in every way, our custom garage doors bring your dreams to life.

Garage doors are one of the essential elements of your home. They provide security for your home and can occupy up to 30% of your home’s curb appeal. A new garage door could be the answer if you want to refresh your home’s curb appeal. But if aesthetics are not your concern, how do you know if it Is time for a new garage door

While regular maintenance will go a long way in expanding its lifespan, some concerns will call for changing it. As a homeowner, it is essential that you are aware of these instances that might warrant the need to reach out to us for a new garage door.

Is it Time for A New Garage Door?

Understanding your priorities when deciding between garage door repair and replacement, start by considering your specific needs: Are you looking at a particular issue, enhancing the overall functionality, or simply updating the appearance of your curb appeal?

Budget constraints play a vital role in any home improvement decision. Evaluate the costs of repairs against the investment required for a new garage door. It’s crucial to weigh these against potential recurring issues and the long-term value of a replacement.

Short and Long-term goals should also guide your decision. If you plan to stay in your current home for an extended period, investing in a new garage door might offer increased durability, modern features, and enhanced curb appeal. However, repairs may be a more suitable solution if you have short-term plans.

Here are Some Signs That it Might be Time to Replace your Garage Door:

Structural damage

If your door is cracked, warped, rusted, or has faded paint, it might be time to replace it. You might also notice damage to the hardware, such as the springs, tracks, or pulleys.

Functional issues

If your door is difficult to open and close, gets stuck, or makes loud noises, it might be time for a replacement.

Safety Standards:

Over the years, safety standards for garage doors have evolved. If your door doesn’t meet current safety requirements, a replacement may be necessary to ensure your family’s well-being.

Materials and Location:

Garage doors made from lower-grade materials will wear out faster than their high-quality counterparts. If you have a cheaper garage door, look for wear and tear as it ages. Additionally, if you live in a harsh climate with extreme heat, cold, or frequent storms, your garage door can wear out faster than a garage door in a temperate climate.

Technological Advancements:

Modern garage door technology offers enhanced security features, smart functionalities, and improved energy efficiency. Upgrading to a new system may provide added convenience and peace of mind.

Age

Garage doors and their parts typically last 15–30 years, so if your door is older, it might be time to replace it.

Energy Efficiency:

If your garage door is not closing properly, you could be letting cold or hot air into your garage and negatively impacting your home’s thermal efficiency. If you notice unexpected hikes in your energy bill, look at your garage door to see if you can fix the problem or if it’s time to upgrade to a new one.

The wood grain texture, rich look, and natural feel make wood garage doors a desired addition to many homes. Yet a wood garage door may not be for everyone, as natural wood doors can be more expensive and, most importantly, require more maintenance. View Overhead Door™ top wood garage door alternatives

The wood grain texture, rich look, and natural feel make wood garage doors a desired addition to many homes. However, a wooden garage door may not be suitable for everyone. Real wood doors can be more expensive than those made with other materials like steel and fiberglass, and they typically require more maintenance.

Top Wood Garage Door Alternatives

With a high demand for wood doors, these realistic top wood garage door Alternatives will make your home stand out. A Thermacore, Carriage, traditional steel, or Fiberglass garage door for your home will improve your curb appeal and increase its value.

Along with low-maintenance, faux wood doors:

• It’s more affordable than real wood doors.
• The models come in various styles, designs, and finishes, so homeowners can choose different wood grain patterns, windows, colors, and decorative hardware and colors to match their home’s architectural style and preferences.
• Are well-insulated and can help reduce your energy bill
• They tend to have a longer lifespan than real wood garage doors

Here are our top Overhead Door™ brand simulated wood garage door options to consider:

Thermacore® Insulated Collection

The embossed wood-grain texture adds beauty and sophistication to a door made of two layers of corrosion-resistant steel built to last. To customize the style of your door, the wood grain finishes can be paired with optional vertical or horizontal windows and decorative hardware, including handles and hinges.

The wood grain finishes provide homeowners with an attractive and low-maintenance option for those who love the look of stained wood but desire less maintenance.

Thermacore® Collection Insulated Steel Garage Doors feature superior insulation construction and design, which provides maximum thermal efficiency and reduces air infiltration in your garage space. This durable line of Steel Garage Doors gives you many years of reliable operation while delivering comfort to your home, even in extreme climates.

Artisan Wood Grain™ Finish Collection

Captivating New Plank Door Finish with Artisan Wood Grain™ Finishes: Our new Artisan Wood Grain™ finishes provide the look of natural wood on our flush panel doors with a digitally printed, non-repeating grain on select Thermacore® and Windstorm™ insulated steel doors.

You can now achieve the timeless beauty of natural wood without compromising its durability. These innovative finishes combine the best of both worlds by offering the stunning look of wood with the strength and insulation of steel.

Available in four-grain patterns and many window placement options, you can personalize your garage door to blend seamlessly with your home. Whether you want a modern, contemporary look or a traditional, timeless appeal, these finishes create a visually stunning focal point.

Impression Fiberglass Collection®

Fiberglass exterior captures the finest wood grain texture with less maintenance than natural wood. Built Better from the Inside Out! Our fiberglass doors will add warmth and ambiance to the façade of your home.

It features a classic horizontal or vertical raised panel design with an oak wood grain pattern. You can also emphasize a vertical slat design with a cherry wood grain pattern or select a stunning horizontal V-groove design with a mahogany wood grain pattern. After selecting the panel style and stain, add more personal touches like window and glass design and decorative hardware. The finished garage entry will reflect the best personal style and unmatched elegance.

Courtyard Collection®

Wood overlay doors are one of the best options if you’re looking for authentic wood garage doors. They are constructed of insulated steel and are designed to resemble the elegant wood designs of rustic carriage house doors.

While showcasing the allure of wood, they have exceptional insulation properties, an R-value of up to 12.76, helping keep your garage warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They also come in 18 standard designs with five insulated window options, an array of colors, and many decorative hardware options.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Carriage House Collection

Overhead Door™ combines distinctive carriage house designs and superior insulated steel construction to create a harmonious blend of elegance and strength.

Our Carriage House Collection has an embossed wood-grain texture on the exterior and is offered in eight stained and painted finish options. The Stained color options include Mahogany, Walnut, Oak, Green, Gray, Clay, Honduran Mahogany, and Red Oak.

The Carriage House Collection is another thermally efficient choice for homeowners seeking added energy efficiency.

Wood Garage Door Tips

When choosing a wood garage door, you can consider things like:

• Climate: Different woods react differently to different climates.
• Maintenance: Some woods require more maintenance than others.
• Customization: The type of wood you choose affects the customization options available, such as the door’s design, stain, and finish.
• Style: You can choose a style that complements your home’s architectural style, period, design, and finishes.
• Cost: The price of a garage door can vary widely depending on factors like size, material, style, insulation, and additional features

Our Wood Garage Door Collection

Signature® Carriage Collection

Amish craftsmen inspire the Signature® Carriage Collection and use premium wood to create the finest garage doors. The result is a world-class door made from the best wood species available.

High-quality wood enhances the door’s appearance and durability. Another advantage of these wooden garage doors is their customization options.

Multiple designs and options are available, allowing you to choose the perfect complement to your home. You can select from various window, glass, and decorative hardware options to create a door that matches your home’s architectural style and personal taste.

Other Features:

• The doors also feature polystyrene insulation, which can diminish street noise and provide quieter door operation.
• This insulation also offers an R-value* of 4.75 for select models, contributing to your home’s energy efficiency.
• Both paint—and stain-grade options are available, giving you further control over the final look of your door.

Wood

Our carriage house wood doors feature your choice of quality stain-grade or paint-grade woods such as Hemlock, Cedar, and Mahogany.

Overlay trim options are available in Hemlock, Spanish Cedar, Meranti Mahogany, Western Red Cedar, Knotty Cedar, African Mahogany, and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).

The T1-11 Plywood and MDO are paint-grade woods, while Smooth Plywood, Rough-Sawn Plywood, Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Knotty Cedar, and Mahogany are all stain-grade woods.

The Traditional Wood Collection

The wooden doors in this collection are hand-crafted, providing a distinctive look that enhances curb appeal.

The customization options are plentiful, with various window options and embellished hardware.

Construction:

• The construction of these doors is robust and designed to last.
• The door sections are made of 1-3/8” thick finger-jointed wood rails and stiles, with the option for solid stain-grade rails and stiles.
• The mortise and tenon joints are glued and steel-pinned, increasing strength and durability.
• The shiplap section design ensures a weather-tight fit and smooth operation, and the track and hardware are made of hot-dipped galvanized steel and rust-resistant.

The timeless style of carriage garage doors: Carriage Style garage doors have been the hot trend and are still popular for homeowners. It’s funny, as they are historic versions of barn doors before garages were garages. With its timeless elegance, Carriage House Garage Doors epitomizes the beauty of the old world and rustic charm. Yet, it adds value and beauty to your home.

To accommodate the lifestyles of today’s homeowners, carriage style garage doors have gone through an overhaul and open like a standard sectional garage door. The newly renovated Carriage Style Garage Doors are ideal for classic and historic homes but also complement modern and traditional homes exceptionally well.

Timeless Style of Carriage Garage Doors

Overhead Door Brand offers an extensive collection of carriage house style garage doors to suit your taste while enhancing your property’s curb appeal. Various hardware and accessories, like decorative hinges, door handles, and window grilles, can be incorporated to make them truly stand out.

History of Carriage House Style Garage Doors

The earliest known examples of carriage doors date back to medieval times in Europe, where they were commonly used on large estates and castles. In the United States, carriage houses became more common beginning in the mid-1800s, as roads developed and the use of horse-drawn buggies expanded. Due to their animate and inanimate contents, carriage houses tended to be relatively large outbuildings (think a small barn or a detached garage).

Unlike barns and standalone garages, however, carriage houses were often designed to match the appearances of the primary homes to which they corresponded. But the main occupants of carriage houses — horses and coaches or wagons— demanded more oversized doors.

As architecture changed, so did people’s ideas of garages. As garages were used for cars or household items, garages were moved close to their homes. So, architects decided to incorporate them right into the design of the house themselves, giving them the same style and color as the rest of the house.

Carriage-style garage doors remain popular for several reasons, including:

Aesthetic Versatility

Carriage-type doors can complement a variety of home architecture styles. In the past, Carriage Style Garage Doors were ideal for classic and historic homes. Yet, the newly renovated carriage house garage doors can complement modern and traditional homes exceptionally well. Their elegant lines and pattern options align beautifully with various home styles, as they can be painted or finished in an array of colors or wood stains.

Panel Design Choices

In addition to the rustic x-covered panels, newer carriage garage doors have different panel options to suit a home’s exterior. For instance, carriage-style garage doors can be made with smooth or woodgrain overlay and various vertical or horizontal design options.

Window Options

Carriage-style garage doors can also be solid or crafted with windows to allow natural light when the doors are closed. Like the carriage paneling, windows are available in different forms and configurations.

Hardware Options

Add a touch of authenticity to your carriage house-style garage doors. Inspired by the artistry of traditional blacksmiths, hammered knockers, lift handles, and corner brackets are a nod to the rustic yet beautiful metalware craftsmen have used to accent doors for centuries.