Looking for a classy, renewed look for your home’s exterior? Consider upgrading to a faux wood door or including one as part of your home renovation project. Faux wood garage doors look like genuine wood, but are actually made of steel. That way, you get all of the gorgeous texture and look of wood without having to deal with the maintenance and upkeep that comes with real wood garage doors.
If you are split between wanting the look and luxury of a wood door, but don’t have the budget or time for the upkeep of wood, then a faux wooden door is your answer.
Genuine wood doors are notoriously difficult to maintain because they need regular maintenance including a new coat of paint or stain and sanding. You’ll have to keep an eye on warping, cracks, rot or at the very least color fading as well.
Painting wood doors takes lots of time and patience to maintain them after a certain amount of time.
Let’s take a look at a more reasonable solution that achieves the look of a wood garage door without breaking the bank.
Benefits of a Faux Wooden Garage Door
Durability
Amarr’s doors are made with steel or aluminum and are able to maintain their integrity through harsh storms, particularly wet seasons and severe weather. In the summertime, steel doors can withstand humidity and extreme meteorological conditions, making them a great choice no matter where you live. Faux wood doors will easily keep your home safe and comfortable.
Pest Free
As long as you maintain the balance and mechanics of your steel wood-like door, you won’t have to worry about pests entering your home through your garage. With a wood door, it’s not uncommon for rodents to chew through small corners of a garage.
Easy Maintenance
Faux wood doors are insulated and made of steel meaning they’re easy to maintain. You won’t have to worry about moisture seeping into your garage unlike if it were a wood door. Furthermore, surface-level maintenance is fairly easy and straightforward. After a freezing, salted winter, for example, you’ll only have to hose off the door or grab a sponge and soap to spruce up the appearance.
While a traditionally wooden garage door might not be the best choice for your lifestyle, faux wood doors could be the solution you’re looking for.
Increased Curb Appeal
A garage door has an incredible cost-to-value ratio and can help improve the look of your home. If you’re in the market for a new home or just want to spruce up your exterior, a faux wood door can perform all of the magic of a real wood door for likely a quarter of the price.
Deciding on the Right Garage Door
A faux wood garage door doesn’t have to have your average, run-of-the-mill look. You can customize faux wood garage doors in the same way as any other door from Amarr. We offer a wide variety of beautiful wood colors from Walnut and Golden Oak to Mahogany. Or if you have decided the wood look just isn’t your thing, you can choose from a number of other door colors.
For design inspiration, pull from the natural colors of your surrounding landscape such as brown or deep green. Depending on your style, you have endless color choices to choose from within with the Amarr Color Zone selections.
Adding windows to your door can invite some natural light into your home as well. Amarr windows are just as strong as the rest of the door so you don’t have to worry about breakage, even after years of use.
Our custom wood garage door features allow you to make it as unique and as you’d like. With Amarr, the sky’s the limit.
Easy Garage Door Service and Maintenance Help
Not only are faux garage doors easier to maintain than real wood doors, but dealers are more versed on how to install them as well as how to best maintain steel wood doors. When you purchase a garage door from an Amarr dealer, you get a maintenance partner you can trust. It’s important to take a look at all of the mechanics of your door for debris build-up, loose parts or rust so you can ask them about any concerns you may have.
If your garage door is making any strange noises it hadn’t before, not operating as smoothly as it should or acting up in any other way then they can also provide services to assist in fixing the problems. You can contact your local Amarr dealer to come out and check on your garage door so they can easily repair the pieces necessary.
If you end up needing replacement parts, garage door installation is straightforward and could be covered with your warranty.
With Amarr, you’re never on your own when it comes to your garage door. Our friendly, professional technicians can help you pick out a new faux wood door when you are ready. Design your new Amarr garage door today and look forward to the possibilities ahead.
Designing a custom door is easy and fun with our design tool; get started today.
Your garage door maintenance is just as important as taking care of your lawn, your plumbing and electricity. Repair and maintenance are necessary to keep your home, possessions and loved ones safe. Imagine needing to leave for work and your garage door refuses to open. Or as you back out of your garage, the door suddenly closes on your car. These and many other issues could arise if you do not maintain your garage door's functionality.
Here's what you need to know about garage door repair services to ensure all is working properly.
Garage Door Repair Services
Garage doors need maintenance and servicing just like every other household machine. Because it acts as a barrier to the outdoors, debris, critters and weather conditions, your doors need to be secured and solid. It's important to keep up with not only the actual garage doors, but the parts as well including the track and cables.
Here are a few signs of potential problems to keep an eye on to know when your doors may need servicing:
Opening or closing the garage is louder than normal.
Gunk on the tracks, opener, lift cables or hinges.
Rust on any metal components of the door.
Clanking or rickety sounds are heard as the door operates.
A brittle or worn weather seal.
The light in the opener flickers or goes out completely.
Dirt build-up on the garage door.
While some of these you could fix on your own, you should reach out to your local Amarr dealer for professional assistance. Cleaning or fixing a lightbulb is one thing, but when it comes to a garage door tune-up, you should call in the experts.
Repair Services Can be Simple or More Complicated
Professionally trained technicians will come by your home and inspect all the working parts of your door system. They'll look closely at the joints and moving parts for any cracks, rust, wear and tear to create an estimation for repair service.
Amarr dealers are trained professionals who can help you determine how to best handle your issue.
Structural damages like replacing damaged sections will require garage door repair. Your technician will let you know if the door just needs a repair or if a full replacement and garage door installation is necessary. The cost differences between repair and replacement vary by complexity and a dealer will be able to help you make the best decision about which option is better.
Installation Services
Installation by Amarr garage door repair service professionals is quick, straight forward and offers you a properly functioning garage door. All you need to do is explore the type of custom door you want and then reach out to your local Amarr dealer to start the process. If you're not familiar with customizing your new door, a professional can walk you through the steps.
When your door is showing signs of serious rust, holes or other deterioration, you should call an Amarr dealer immediately for an assessment and possible full replacement. An older wood garage door, for example, could be splintering, running up energy costs for your home and be a highway for unwanted pests after long years of use. Trusted dealers can help you pick out a new garage door and pair it with modern garage door opener models to fit your needs.
Where Can you Find Advice and Guidance for Garage Door Service?
Extending the life of your garage door is a simple way to ensure repair and replacement costs remain at a minimum. Here are four ways to extend your garage door's life to avoid needing major garage door services:
Read your owner's manual: You'll know exactly what to look for when you think your garage door needs servicing and what you can do on your own.
Lubricate: The nuts and bolts of your metal garage door need to remain properly lubricated throughout the year to ensure optimal performance.
Clean the door panels often: Although a clean garage door is aesthetically pleasing, dirt and grime build-up on the door can affect the rest of the operation as well.
Clear up the tracks: Even though the tracks are inside the garage, they can still collect dirt and debris. Regular cleaning can help ensure the rollers do not jump off the tracks,
Your garage door opener works to keep your garage operating normally. They typically have a long life but like all machinery, they malfunction or get old and need repair or replacement. You don’t realize what you’ve got until it’s gone, and when your opener stops working, this can shift your day-to-day dramatically.
This article will help you understand the signs of a malfunctioning opener and whether you need garage door opener repair.
Signs It May Be Time To Replace Your Garage Door Opener
It happens to the best of us, we notice something is off about our machinery, yet we leave it till the last minute to repair. The trouble with doing this for any part of your garage is that it can put a lot of people in danger. Whether it’s something minor like your car getting locked in or out of your garage or a torsion spring bursts, a garage door repair is nothing to mess around with.
To prevent anything like this from happening to you, here are a few signs that your garage door opener may need a repair:
Your garage door opener is making unusual noises
If your machinery is making odd noises like humming, you can take that as a sign it’s telling you to take a closer look. It may sound like your garage is louder than usual or making a sound you’ve never heard before. However, if your garage has always been fairly loud, it may just be an older model and your technician may recommend getting it replaced.
Your garage door gets stuck or stalls while opening
When your garage door doesn’t open or close all the way, this is a sure sign that it needs repair. An unreliable garage door can put you and everyone else at risk of getting stuck or damaging your car. If it doesn’t close all the way, this can also invite unwanted weather, critters or even intruders. Additionally, an open garage door can ruin your home’s energy efficiency, letting out the heating or cooling of your home.
Your garage door randomly functions
A garage door that opens or closes randomly can be just as dangerous as one that stalls or gets stuck. The worst part of one that opens at random is that you almost never know when it’s going to work. This is likely due to a problem with the wiring and a garage door repair services professional can come in and correct the issue.
Your garage door reverses when opening or closing
If you’re closing or opening a garage and it suddenly reverses its direction, you could have a problem either with the opener or the sensors.
The sensors, also known as the photo safety eyes, typically sit at the very base of your garage door frame and feature sensors that detect anything that may be directly underneath the door. Make sure this isn’t the case and check there is nothing in front of the sensors as you’re trying to close the garage.
If the path is clear, then it may be an issue with the opener.
Your door won’t open at all
The lights on your door opener wall button may blink or fail to trigger your door, signaling it’s time for a repair.
When your garage door opener no longer works, call an Amarr dealer for assistance.
There may come a time when you press down on the garage door opener and the door doesn’t move at all no matter how many times you try. This could mean one of two things: The opener batteries are dead or the door is no longer connected to the opener.
If your batteries are dead, be sure to replace the batteries in all of your remotes to avoid inconsistencies in performance.
If the garage door is no longer connecting to the opener, you may have forgotten to reconnect the two together after a power outage. Check your Amarr garage door opener manual for guidance or call your local Amarr dealer for door opener service.
Troubleshooting Easy DIY Repairs
There are some problems that are easy to identify and fix on your own, whereas others require professional help. Knowing the difference will help you and your loved ones stay safe. Additionally, if you try to DIY repairs on your garage door, you may invalidate your warranty.
The first step to troubleshooting your garage door opener issue besides observing its functionality is to take a look around the inside of your garage. Look for broken or dislodged pieces, listen for strange noises or sporadic function — these will tell you if you need to call in a professional.
There may be a circumstance where you will have to replace the entire garage door system. Take a look at the garage door you currently have and notice if it is making a lot of noise, doesn’t have photo safety eyes or parts of it looks rusted. If these sound familiar, you have an opportunity to upgrade your garage with the newest garage door opener technology.
Make sure nothing is blocking the photo safety eyes located near the bottom of the track
How Professionals Fix Your Garage Door Opener
A garage door that doesn’t work never comes at a good time. But professionally trained technicians have the experience and tools necessary to get the job done quickly and safely. The biggest point that a technician can help with — and the reason you should call in a professional right away — is potential damage to the motor that runs the entire machine. New garage door opener installation is fast, reliable and sometimes necessary.
Worn gears or reconnecting the cables back to the motor are easy fixes when put into professional hands.
Your garage door has about 10,000 cycles — opening and closing — before it starts to wear down. After garage door installation, the door itself should last around 30 years depending on where you live and the weather conditions.
However, the parts like the motor, opener, springs and so on need garage door maintenance as often as any other part of your home. While you should clean dirt and debris, professionals will take care of grime build-up on the motor or more technical areas of the garage door system.
Ignoring signs of damage or wear could take a simple repair up to a full garage door replacement. A new Amarr garage door comes with a comprehensive warranty package that can help you take care of your door and ensure machinery longevity.
Find a Technician in Your Area
Amarr has a network of 4,000 independent professional garage door dealers that can help you determine your garage door issue. Amarr has helped homeowners repair or replace their garage doors for over 70 years. Our dealers are knowledgeable and can help guide you through the service and repair process. Get in touch with your local Amarr garage door dealer today.
In the market for a new overhead garage door? There’s a lot to consider. Since your garage door is typically the biggest door in your home and can be located in the front, it could set the aesthetic for the entire exterior. If you’re looking for a new garage door as part of your renovation project or simply considering a new garage door, consider these helpful tips as you shop for garage doors made by Amarr.
Choose the Material, Style, and Features You Want For Your New Garage Door
With a custom garage door, you’ll find there are a plethora of options to choose from between materials, insulation, windows and more. Let’s take a look at a few steps you can use to narrow down your search.
Step 1: Choose Your Door Material
Where in the world do you live? A home located around extreme winter weather may choose a steel or aluminum door that can seal out the elements yet still provide you with a stylish product — especially if you live in an area that salts the roads.
A wood residential garage door can bring together a warm, cottage feeling for your home. Garage door service comes complete with a coat of paint in any color you want and sealant to ensure its longevity.
Aluminum doors offer you a chance to modernize your home. A glass garage door can bring in some natural lighting and make your garage another open space of your home. New garage door installations should be simple, and your Amarr technician can ensure it is insulated for optimal energy efficiency and safety.
Step 2: Pick Your Style
With us, the sky’s the limit. You can choose from three distinctive styles: modern, traditional or carriage house doors. If you want to express some creativity, you can also paint the door any color or organize the windows in any way that meets your expectations.
Modern-style doors offer you the chance to add unique designs to your exterior. Choose from an array of window patterns, or take your indoor space outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows. No need to worry about energy efficiency or privacy — our windows are both insulated and you can add privacy features like tempered or frosted glass panes.
As an overhead door company, Amarr can offer quality traditional doors that are both reliable and stylish. This option can stand the test of time and fits in with most home aesthetics. You can even switch up the panel lengths and colors to fit your exterior tone.
Carriage house doors offer your home a quaint look that calls forth a time when garages were built to hold horses instead of powerful vehicles. They’re built to open overhead for convenience and easy maintenance. Choose from a two-door or single-long-door style depending on how much time you have to perform maintenance. We even offer an easy online door designer tool to help you visualize what the door would like on your home.
Along with a garage door you can also purchase garage door opener models that offer great service, are easily installed with professionally trained technicians, including emergency service and create an energy-efficient door.
Step 3: Select Your Features
If you’re looking for more natural lighting, insulation or noise reduction, we can help you choose the best design for your needs. We have incredible options that can help maintain the temperature in your garage if it’s attached to your home. The difference will all depend on your budget.
Overhead garage door styles are available to fit all homes from single garages to multiple garages.
Staying within your budget
The number of features and customizations will shift the cost of your new garage door. From the garage door openers and garage door repair expectations to the parts included, each piece will increase or decrease the cost of your garage door. Keep in mind that your overhead door will be a focal point of your home if it’s positioned in the front and attached to your house. Garage door installation comes complete with sizing and quality checks.
We’ve included a convenient design feature on our website to see exactly what your garage will look like before you place an order. We carry major brands for a completely reliable garage door installed by expertly trained technicians. With Amarr, you’re always taken care of and never left in the dark with questions about your residential garage door.
Looking for a unique garage door design to bring together your cottage-style home? A Carriage garage door can do just that. This garage door aesthetic brings forth memories of a country home, warm rooms and snowy backyards. It could be the perfect solution to tie together a one-of-a-kind home.
We’ll break down what a carriage door is, how to choose the right style for your home and why it may be the best choice for you!
Carriage Doors Explained
A Carriage door appears like an old ranch-style door meant to hold horse-drawn carriages. These doors would open by swinging in and out of the door frame. More modern carriage doors look just like the traditional doors, but they function like any overhead door by sliding up and down. This ensures the garage remains energy efficient, safe and free from unwanted critter guests.
Amarr Carriage doors are made of steel and are coated using a multi-step rust prevention process for optimal durability. This type of door is designed and painted to look like a traditional wood door with artificial wood grains and colors.
Carriage Door Benefits
Carriage-style homes give you the brilliance of a style you’d find in the French countryside without all of the difficulties of maintaining a wood door. Steel or aluminum garage doors are easier to keep up, don’t need regular repairs and won’t shrink or swell throughout the year depending on the weather. Steel doors are also more durable against anything that may fly into the door during high winds.
Furthermore, a Carriage door from Amarr can be installed to work with an automatic garage door opener — adding convenience and reliability to your home. Traditional Carriage doors are typically manually operated and require you to get out of your car to open and close the door each time you enter and exit your home. This can put you at risk of slipping and falling during icy or rainy weather. The chances of closing the door incorrectly could also put your home in danger.
Amarr Carriage doors come in all shapes, colors and sizes to fit your personal aesthetic.
A Carriage garage door is typically found on a more country-style home. Think French countryside vineyard, craftsman homes or even a Cape Cod home. It’s a traditional-style garage door with a bit more style and customization.
This ranch-style home aesthetic could come full circle with a carriage garage door. Choose from a variety of colors and styles, such as:
True white
Almond
Sandtone
Black
Walnut
Because the door hardware is customizable as well, you can choose styles and colors that work perfectly with the look of your home.
The window designs are customizable to fit your needs and style as well. Where the Stockton style offers more natural light and a traditional look, the Jardin turns toward a more Mediterranean aesthetic instead. You can build out the exact style door you want in no time at all. Take advantage of our online door designer tool by taking a picture of your home with your current garage door and uploading it to see different styles of garage doors on your home before ever making a purchase.
Uses and Placements
These types of garage doors offer more space in your garage that you can use for anything. Not everyone stores their cars in their garage or has additional space to build out another room. You can use the Carriage garage door as a ranch-style entrance to another room. Bring the indoors outdoors to create a more open space that incorporates natural light and dynamic areas in your home.
Add an elegant look to your home with Carriage doors.
Installation and Maintenance
When you purchase Amarr Carriage doors from a dealer, you not only get a quality product but installation and a solid warranty as well. This means you can skip the DIY installation project and hire a professional.
There are many different parts of your home you can DIY with ease or just by watching a how-to video online. When it comes to your garage door installation, it’s important to rely on professional technicians who have experience and tools to support you. Garage doors are heavy and involve tons of pressure to operate. A wrong installation can mean a door that doesn’t work and puts you in danger.
After contacting a professional carriage door technician, you can rest assured they will install your door properly. Once installed, you can increase the longevity of your new garage door by creating a simple maintenance routine. Every one to three months, check for debris, loose screws, salt build-up and more. And make sure to clean the decorative hardware so it can continue to look as nice as your new carriage garage door.
Why Choose a Carriage House Style
Carriage garage door design can improve curb appeal while adding a completed look to your home renovation project. Maintenance and cleanliness of this style garage door is also easy making this design choice a no brainer. Explore our many Carriage House style garage doors today by contacting a trusted Amarr dealer near you.
Generic garage doors are a safe option that almost everyone on your block probably has. Instead of fitting in, you can customize your new garage door to fit your style, blend your home aesthetic or improve your home’s value.
Here is everything you need to know about customizing your garage door and showcasing your personal style.
Custom Garage Door Styles
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to focus on other parts of their home before considering their garage door. Maybe you just redid your windows, painted the exterior and trimmed up on the hedges. Since the garage is typically the largest door to your home, that also means it’s a major focal point for the exterior.
Personalizing your garage door to fit your home’s architecture will not only enhance your curb appeal even more but give your home that last needed upgrade to make it really pop.
After owning your home for a while, you may notice nicks, dents and system malfunctions in your garage door that needs to be addressed. Let your creative style flow with your own personalization with these garage door styles:
Traditional Garage Door
If you’re looking for something completely timeless and classic, a traditional garage door could do the trick.
Sectional door installation is straightforward and can still offer you some unique design options such as short or long-panel designs. At Amarr, you can pick out the color you want and the window styles for a look that is truly yours.
Carriage Garage Door
A carriage garage door offers a unique style all on its own. Add a country-style touch to your home with a Classica or Carriage Court garage door. This is a sectional door that appears to have two swinging doors instead. It’s a call to when horse-drawn carriages were used, but now with an about 200 horsepower upgrade. These steel doors are low maintenance, look stylish and will last you a lifetime.
Glass Doors
Switch up your style and bring in the sunshine with glass garage doors. These offer a unique look and feel to your home that is unmatched by any other. You get natural light throughout your home without having to worry about losing any heat or cooling in the process. This insulated garage door includes glass panes that are tempered and we provide the option for tinting, frosting or modifying the window so you have as much privacy as you need.
Additionally, while most of our other custom door frames are made of steel, Vista and Horizon Collections are aluminum. This ensures the material is long-lasting and corrosion-resistant to further support the glass panes.
Modern Doors
Switch up your traditional doors with something a little more modern and personalized. Create contemporary garage doors with a wide variety of colors and window styles.
You can choose where the windows will appear on the door so you capture a truly interesting look that stands out from the crowd. With a modern garage door there’s no need to compromise.
Add Your Style with Amarr
There’s no need to stick to the status quo when it comes to your garage door. Our garage door dealers can safely install your new garage door, perform maintenance and even help you pick out the best style for your needs. If you have a question, Amarr dealers are always available for answers around insulation, service, installation and more.
Are you planning to sell your home, or looking to increase its value? New garage doors could be just what you need! In addition to increasing a property’s curb appeal, garage door replacement ranks in the top home improvement projects providing the 2nd highest return on investment to homeowners.
The 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling magazine ranks many different home improvement projects by the percentage of cost recouped when the home is sold. The 2023 report lists garage door replacement as the number two return on investment for your property. With a national average spend of $4,302 and a resale value of $4,418, garage door replacement projects recoup 102.7% of costs.
A “first impression” is a big motivator for potential home buyers; a new garage door is indicative of the overall condition of the property they’re purchasing. This article will examine how Amarr can replace your garage door to improve the value of your home.
Curb appeal is important, but also consider return on investment when deciding between remodeling projects. Garage door replacement gives you both!
4 Ways to know when it’s time for a new garage door
Garage doors can last several years without needing replacing if properly maintained. However, once your garage door is around fifteen years old, repairs on older models often cost more than simply installing new ones. The limited availability of parts, as well as incompatibility with updated garage door opener mechanisms and designs, often exposes your repair project to costly retrofitting and renovation.
Additionally, new garage doors are often quieter, more efficient and a significant aesthetic overhaul for your property. The older your garage door is, the more visually impactful a replacement may be.
There are some obvious signs that your garage door is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Here are some common indicators that it’s time to replace your overhead door:
Loose or bent hinges: If the edges of your metal hinge are bent, frayed or warped, there’s a good chance that you’re going to have loose screws, or that the hinge will eventually break. Sometimes the hinge will begin to damage the door itself. If you have a wood garage door, cracks or splinters are early indicators of misalignment and damage that will only become worse over time.
Worn overhead garage door springs: The speed of your door system can be negatively affected by a worn garage door spring. If your door jerks or shudders along the track, the spring could be harming the travel path. Effective garage door repair considers all elements of your system, and will replace any worn parts or defective elements.
If your garage door gets stuck a few inches from the bottom: Damage to the tracks or a misalignment issue commonly results in a door that won’t completely close. Your tracks or cables could also be causing the fault in your door’s travel path.
Damaged or worn weather stripping: The R-Value of your garage door determines the level of thermal resistance to heat flow, and indicates its energy efficiency. Your garage door represents the largest exterior opening to your home – a high R-Value is an important cost-saving measure that is affected by the quality of your weather stripping. Over time, your garage door weather stripping will become cracked and brittle, eroding the energy bill cost savings it should provide. Weather stripping on insulated doors also keeps the elements out – eroded pieces may fall off entirely and allow water and debris to seep through.
When it comes to calculating garage door costs, keep in mind that repair issues will continue to factor into a renovated garage door over time. New and properly insulated garage doors save on maintenance, and offer the greatest visual impact for your home.
What goes into new garage door installation
According to the Bob Vila website, the national average garage door replacement cost is $1,157. An estimate from a garage door company will likely factor in labor, parts and supplies, as well as the disposal of your old door. Updating a manual garage door to an automatic unit incur extra cost but adds significant value to your property. Whether you choose a wood or steel garage door will impact your cost slightly as well.
Popular Carriage House garage doors incorporate decorative window insert options such as the Trellis design.
An example of a midrange garage door replacement would be a brand new uninsulated Amarr Carriage House or Amarr Lincoln LI1000 garage door. Based on national averages, the average job cost of a midrange garage door replacement is $1,749, and the resale value is $1,345. This means a homeowner would recoup 76.9% of the cost, ranking midrange garage door replacement as the fifth-highest return on investment.
The Amarr Classica CL3000 garage door is not only attractive; it’s also a great investment for any home!
An example of an upscale garage door replacement would be a brand new 16’x7′ triple-layer insulated Amarr Classica CL3000 garage door with insulated glass windows and a lifetime warranty. Again, using national averages, the job cost for this type of door is about $3,304, and the resale value is $2,810. The homeowner would recoup 85% of the cost, one of the highest return on investment in the upscale projects category!
When do you know it’s time to install new garage doors?
When it comes to deciding the best option for your garage door renovation project, the first step is to determine the age of your existing door and opener. Remember, anything around fifteen years or older could be hard to source replacement parts for, and older doors tend to be less efficient.
Newer doors with minor cosmetic damages could easily be fixed – but older units may have hidden cost factors. Track issues produce excessive noise and shudder when closing or opening. In these situations, you’re likely going to get more bang for your buck with the replacement option.
While installing a new garage door incurs a cost, you’ll save in the long run, thanks to increased curb appeal that drives value for your property higher, as well as the energy savings a new door system can provide over time. Installing an insulated garage door with fresh weather stripping will ensure you’re giving your home the most energy efficient option.
Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to select the material, style and design of your new garage door. Whether you choose steel doors or aluminum doors, the options and design elements offer a number of possibilities for your project. Popular styles such as traditional, carriage house or modern allow you the versatility to change the exterior style of your home.
A modern garage door, for example, can alter the architectural influence of your entire property! By offering a fresh perspective on the lines and angles that comprise your home, a sleek new garage door can fundamentally change the visual impact of your property. If you’re looking to sell, freshening the appearance of your home’s exterior facade can create a lasting first impression.
With this in mind, have you chosen the look and feel you want to bring to your home?
The final step is selecting the professional installation service that can bring your ideal garage door look to life!
Amarr has the best garage door for your home
While we appreciate the do-it-yourself mentality, when it comes to guaranteeing the proper installation of your new garage door, it’s always best to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. Garage door installation is an advanced project that can be extremely dangerous. Homeowners run the risk of voiding the warranty of their new garage door if the installation isn’t handled properly – so trusting the completion of your project to a trained garage door technician is always the best course of action.
Amarr is proud to partner with a number of dealers in your area. A sectional garage door requires certain installation techniques to meet safety standards and ensure proper functioning.
There’s more to configuring your door opener and aligning your new garage door than simply hanging them up. Your garage door installation cost will cover all of these hidden elements, as well as the disposal of your old door if necessary. It doesn’t matter if you have a single entry or multiple car entries — your garage door installer will have the know-how to fit your space’s needs and insulation demands.
Regardless of your preferred garage door material or style, Amarr dealers can support all your garage door installation needs.
We’ll leave the design expertise to you, and you can trust the installation to a professional. With over 4,000+ garage door dealers throughout North America, there’s a trusted overhead door company expert near you. Contact an Amarr dealer to get started on the home improvement project with the second highest return on investment today.
Some things have to be like the Goldilocks and Three Bears fairytale — just right. Before designing and installing your new garage door, you must first ensure you have the proper measurements and dimensions of your garage and garage door frame. Let's take a look at everything you need to know about garage door sizes, proper ways to measure for garage doors and how to let your creative juices flowing if you're thinking about fun ways to spruce up a space.
One Size Doesn't Fit All When Looking at Garage Door Sizes
While there are standard styles and sizes for residential garage doors, the creative freedom of custom garage doors is expanding. Whether building a new home or looking for an upgrade, understanding common garage door sizes can give you a launching point for a personalized creation. Here are some standard garage door sizes based on the types of property or vehicle you may have.
Single-Car Garage
The single garage door can vary slightly in height. Typically the standard garage door size is between 7 feet to 8 feet high by 8 to 10 feet wide. This range largely depends on the structure of the home itself. These sizes are suitable for SUVs, cars, trucks and vans.
A single-car garage can offer you a chance to add your own personality to your home's exterior.
Multi-car Garages
You could choose to build a double garage door for two vehicles. A double door would require dimensions ranging between 7 to 8 feet high by 16 or 18 feet. You typically can fit taller cars in this space and use the additional room for storage or extra living space.
This double-car garage door looks incredible and can hold two vehicles or add extra storage space.
RV Garage Doors
An oversized garage door that would hold an RV or a larger vehicle would likely need a custom-built garage to accommodate the size of the vehicle. These doors should be 10 to 14 feet high and wide. In this case, a standard single car garage or double garage door size would not be enough. The garage space height and width would need to be the right garage door size to accommodate the additional size of the vehicle.
Combination Garage Doors
There's no rule that says you have to have either a double or a single garage door. You can create a combined door design that fits your needs and adds some uniqueness to your home. A double and single garage door for your home can help create more space to build an additional room with a garage door as one of the walls. This option will require two different garage door openers.
Combination garage doors offer a plethora of options for your home from storage, an extra room or a third car.
How to Properly Measure For Your Garage Door
It's important to get accurate measurements before purchasing a new garage door. It's not just about measuring the garage door opening, the door's height and width, or just the frame. You'll also need to take measurements of the inside of your garage, leaving room for an opener and the door for both opened and closed positions.
The first step is to take the door width and height of the garage to the closest inch. This will be the garage door size.
2: Sideroom
Next, measure the space to the left and right side of the garage door opening to the closest inch. This is where the vertical track will be. Most track systems require 3.5 inches, but some larger doors will need at least 5 inches of space.
3: Headroom
The headroom measurement will require the space between the top of the garage door and the garage ceiling. Most standard-sized garages will need about 12 inches of headroom, and openers will need an additional 3 inches of space on average. These two requirements add up to at least 15 inches of space.
4: Backroom
No, this is not the space you'll need to install your in-home speakeasy. The backroom measurement for your garage door is necessary to fit the garage door in an open position and the door opener. For this step, you'll need to measure from the front to the back of the garage or the first obstruction on the ceiling. For a standard door, you'll need to cover the height of your garage door plus 18 inches for the opener, depending on its size.
Whether you're renovating your garage to create more space, building a garage from scratch or replacing your old door, measurements matter. You don't want to purchase a garage door and have it arrive at your home only to realize that it's too large or small, not tall or wide enough. This can cause stress and frustration as you figure out your next step and how to budget for a new door.
Understanding how you use your garage will help determine how large of a door or how much space you'll need to accommodate your lifestyle.
For example, you might just want to separate rooms in your home with a garage door. In this case, the measurements will vary largely from a sectional garage door being used for a standard garage. If you need help deciding which door is best for your project, you can always contact an Amarr garage door professional to learn about the different products available as well as discuss the best garage door choice to fit within your desired budget when you are ready to buy.
Are You Building a New Garage?
If you bought your home with a garage, the size of your garage is already complete. However, if you are renovating your garage or even building a garage from scratch, you will need to consider a few points:
For questions regarding the best setup for your home needs, reach out to your local Amarr dealer to get started.
Get Creative When Thinking About Garage Door Styles and Uses
Want to get more creative with your garage door design? You can improve your curb appeal with a unique style and raise your home's value in the process.
One creative way to use garage doors is to switch out your French doors separating your atrium or screened-in porch with a glass garage door. You can invite natural light into your home and make a room feel bigger with this change. Garage doors are weather-resistant and energy efficient, and you can customize the types of glass and material to match your home's decor adding an even bigger benefit.
Customize Your Studio Apartment
Perhaps you've purchased a ground-floor studio apartment and you have a large open-concept space idea that you'd love to bring to life. A garage door can introduce an industrial style that can create rooms and bring the outside in with garage doors. Plus they are completely customizable and unique to fit your very own style.
Use garage doors as a wall to separate the outside from the inside room to add that wow factor.
Add a Fun Garage Door to Your Workspace Building
Garage doors are replacing traditional front doors when it comes to workspaces outside of the home. If you have a small guest house you are thinking about converting into a workspace, a sturdy, steel garage door could make the most sense. A garage door in place of a standard residential front door could offer more opportunities for expansion at a lower cost, allow you to move furniture in without hassle and so much more. Windows in the sectional door can also give you natural light, while a properly installed door offers a safe space to protect your newest project from pests and harsh weather conditions.
What About a Band Room in Your Garage?
Of course, a two-car or single-car garage door design allows for tons of creative ways to use your garage, but have you ever thought about using it as a band room? You can easily use one side of the garage as an entrance and the other for parking cars. You may even want to add an additional room within the garage to give you a quieter space to work or as a private space for a renter. The key is to make sure you choose the right garage door that will help dampen noise from instruments should your creative juices lead you in this direction.
Amarr offers a wide selection of garage doors and openers to help bring your vision to life.
Trust an Amarr Garage Door Dealer
Amarr has been a trusted name in the garage door business since 1951. We offer a wide variety of sizes to fit almost any garage door need. When you are ready for a new garage door, a local Amarr dealer will come take your exact measurements to ensure your door will fit properly while also completing installation when the time comes.
Your garage door has a fairly long life depending on the maintenance and use. But after several years, you could see some straining, door openers not working properly and possible breakage. It happens to almost every garage door after a while no matter the maintenance. We’ll look at common places around your garage that are susceptible to breaking, signs there is an actual break and what to do as a result.
What Could Go Wrong With Your Garage Door: Springs & Rollers
The springs on your sectional door help the machine open and close by making the door lighter. They are the metal cylindrical pieces of your garage door that either run parallel to the garage door or the sides of your garage.
There could be a few things wrong with your springs or rollers depending on the signs of wear and tear. Identifying them long before they break can save you from a lot of danger.
Two Types of Springs
As you or your door repair specialist take a look at the health of your garage door, they’ll be looking for one of two types of springs: torsion and extension springs.
Torsion springs are the ones that run horizontally above your garage door. They typically have cables that loop around a shaft along one end, secured at a fixture on the bottom of your garage door and are crimped at the other, connected at the drum. The springs wrap more tightly as the door opens and loosen as the door closes.
Example of torsion spring above the garage door
Extension springs require a bit more hardware to function. As the spring stretches along both sides of the track, a safety cable and lift cables keep the door stable. The tracks are what your rollers follow as your garage opens and closes. The safety cables help protect against breakage and protect anyone nearby and your belongings if the cable were to break. Lift cables help the garage door lift and down by connecting to a bottom fixture, up through a pulley, to the extension spring and secured back to the track.
What To Do if Your Extension Cable Door Breaks
If you hear a loud snapping sound from your garage, stay inside! The springs hold thousands of pounds of tension within them and releasing that tension could mean serious bodily harm. For this reason, we recommend contacting your Amarr garage door technician to assess the situation and either repair or replace the broken springs and rollers.
Are Your Springs and Rollers Broken?
Even if you don’t hear a loud snapping sound (this is unique to an extension spring), you’ll know your garage door needs repair or replacement because it’s not able to lift off the ground.
However, if the door is opening too fast and closing with a slam or barely getting off the ground, this is a sign that your springs may be on their last leg and you need to schedule a technician to come out.
At the same time, it’s not uncommon for a roller, the circular wheel-like piece, to come off the track. The best way to understand why is by looking at your cable and drum. If the garage door won’t open or close, it could be due to the rollers jumping off the track. They could have inadequate lubrication, the tracks could have come off the wall, the tracks are misaligned or they’re simply dirty.
Garage Door Track Issues
Diagnosing a track problem could prove to be a little tricky as it may look like a lot of other issues.
Here are a few signs that your tracks are the reason your garage door is not functioning properly:
Opening unevenly: There may be debris on your tracks or they are extremely dirty.
Opening and closing too slowly: Another indicator of dirty tracks or that the rollers are not lubricated enough.
Tracks are misaligned: When you see gaps between the roller and the rail or bends in the rail itself, you’ll hear a rubbing noise when it hits this certain spot.
After years of use, inevitably, your tracks won’t function as well. With routine maintenance and service, you can extend the life of your doors. Professionally trained technicians know what to look for and how to diagnose garage door issues, garage opener problems, installation, spring or track issues. When your garage door doesn’t close properly, it can affect your home’s security level and safety. Let a professional offer garage door repair service whenever necessary.
What To Do When Your Remote and Keypad Don’t Work
It’s not always the garage door, springs or tracks that cause issues. Sometimes your remote or keypad are malfunctioning as well. You may be pressing your remote as hard as you can or punching in the right numbers on your keypad, but the door is not responding.
Sometimes this issue is simply a matter of replacing the batteries in your devices. If you’ve done this and the door is still not working, then it may be one of several issues:
Signal is disrupted by an obstruction or out of range.
Accidentally pressed the locked button on your garage door control panel.
Remote needs a reset after years of use.
Door wiring malfunction.
If you’ve tried everything on this list and all that’s left to assume is that the door’s wiring has malfunctioned, you should contact a garage door technician to check it out. Electricians are prepared to handle complicated wiring issues and can conduct the repair with ease and expertise than if you’d done it yourself.
Trust a Professional Amarr Dealer
Whether you need a new garage door replacement, a garage door panel is dented or broken or you need a garage door spring replacement, Amarr dealers have you covered. Amarr dealers take the stress out of mechanical issues and spring danger off your shoulders. Although replacing springs is doable, homeowners often times take the opportunity to upgrade their basic level garage door to a quieter, more durable insulated garage door. Once you make an appointment, they can always walk you through your options to see what best fits your family’s immediate and long term goals.
How Often Should I Inspect My Garage Door?
You should take a look at your garage door once every month:
Look for rusting, debris and useability.
Make sure the door can open manually from the outside without using an opener.
Check that your windows are intact and there are no cracks or signs of broken glass.
Ensure the door can close completely without problems.
Use a broom handle or another object to confirm the eye of the sensor is working, and that the door reopens instead of closing when it catches an object.
Inspect the alignment by disconnecting the opening and attempting to open the door yourself.
If you ignore your garage when it makes noises, this could result in a full replacement rather than minor garage door repairs. Think of your garage like your car: If you ignore one part, the rest will start to fail as well. Keeping up with garage door maintenance — especially on your springs and rollers — can ensure your garage has a long life.
When To Make an Appointment
A yearly inspection appointment by an Amarr professional can make a huge difference in the longevity of your door. A technician can take a look and adjust any of the following:
Lubricating the garage door system.
Inspecting and replacing the rollers.
Ensuring the door is running properly on the tracks.
Tightening or replacing fasteners, bolts, lag screws, hinge bolts and bearings.
Checking that the garage door motor is running properly.
Scanning your weatherstripping for wear and tear.
Property owners have a lot to keep track of around their homes. Even if something isn’t blatantly broken, it’s important to keep track of the different parts around your house as maintenance. Just because your garage door is working and not making loud, annoying noises, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check on the different parts.
Just like getting a primary care doctor for your body, yearly garage door maintenance is a preventative practice that could save you thousands of dollars in costly repairs. Making an appointment is easy, and your Amarr technician can take some of the burdens off your shoulders around your garage door.
As a critical part of your home, yearly sectional door maintenance is crucial.
You may need new garage doors or just a small screw has come loose. Amarr dealers can diagnose the problem, give you a quote and help you make the best decision possible. They even offer garage door installation. Our garage door service people are trained and have seen just about everything. You can call your Amarr service dealer for emergency service, to look at new garage door opener models and to get a garage door repair total quote.
Springs are a major part of your garage door. They keep your garage together and play a significant role in its function. Unlike some other components, if your springs break, you’ll need to replace them. Proper replacement involves making sure you’re sourcing a spring that has the right amount of pull or the correct number of turns.
Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to your garage door springs, outlining what to look for if you suspect they’re beginning to wear down.
Your garage door springs keep it buoyant. Find out what can happen when they break.
Know the Difference: Torsion vs Extension Springs
Before we dive in, it’s important to begin by understanding the difference between torsion and extension springs — the two types of springs you’ll encounter on your garage door. Since this technology is a bit outdated, you’ll likely find springs on your sectional door if you haven’t replaced it yet since moving into your home.
Torsion springs
To start, torsion springs always run above the garage door. They end in metal fixtures, known as cones and connect to metal tubes instead of pulleys.
Torsion springs run parallel to your garage door.
A torsion bar garage door fixture runs along metal shafts that connect to the cable drums in each corner of your garage. Most metal sectional doors have a single torsion spring, although heavy commercial or double garage doors will have two.
Torsion bars turn rather than extend and they have fewer parts and last longer than extension springs. They typically last 20,000 turns or seven years – double the life of extension springs. They have a lot more control over their motion than extension springs, too. The reason for this control quality is so that your garage door can remain balanced and aligned as it opens and closes.
Extension springs
Extension springs are an antiquated technology commonly found in older homes. They generally run along the sides of the sectional door.
Extension springs connect to pulleys that run along the walls of the garage and are connected to cables. They are designed with a single loop, double loop or clip system. They’re more prone to wear and tear and last around 10,000 cycles.
Installation can also be tricky, as they require a balance between springs and pulleys. They need to be connected to more parts than torsion springs. With more components involved in the installation, more things can go wrong if you were to put the system together yourself.
How much does it cost to replace garage door springs?
The cost of replacing your garage door springs varies depending on a few different factors.
The first is damage. If the spring has completely fallen to pieces and you need entirely new hardware, the price for the piece and labor could be as high as a couple of hundred dollars to just a few dollars. For older models or heavier residential garage doors, the door will require specific parts and a skilled professional who has experience in your particular setup.
For a minor break that may only need lubrication and a checkup, the cost lowers significantly.
Can I replace my springs myself?
Like many areas of your home, you may be tempted to just fix the spring yourself if you’ve noticed some abnormal behavior in your sectional door. While you may be able to repair it on your own, this is highly not recommended.
As we’ve mentioned, a spring repair on your garage door has a lot of moving parts like a pulley system, balancing and many other elements. Tension points could cause serious injury if not worked on by practiced hands.
Torsion springs, in particular, carry a lot of energy and you don’t want that strain to lash out in your direction. If you’re not 100% sure what to do, you should call a professional instead of changing them for the first time and following directions either on a manual or, worse, YouTube.
A professional is equipped to handle the risk of repairing torsion springs.
Even if you have extension springs, there’s still the issue of balancing the garage door and putting each piece in the right place. The result of not completing the right steps in the correct order could mean, in a best-case scenario, that the door is just not usable. In a worst-case scenario, without the proper setup, your sectional door could be dangerous to be around.
In the end, you may save a few bucks doing it yourself, but the cost of getting hurt and going to the hospital far outweighs any benefits of DIY.
Are garage door springs dangerous?
A garage door can open and close easily — manually or electronically — because of the tension within the springs that lighten the weight of the door. Springs carry hundreds of pounds of force. When the garage door lowers to the ground, gravity allows the door to fall while pushing on huge load-bearing springs that create necessary strain. This energy is held here until you need to open the garage door again.
Without the springs, the garage door weighs twice as much. When your door springs break, neither your garage door opener, nor your own strength can get it open. Plus you have other safety factors you must consider as well.
All of this is to say that yes, your garage door springs are dangerous to replace on your own because the tightly wound coils that cause the system to function are under an extreme amount of tension. One wrong move or unpracticed hands could result in serious damage to the door, your belongings and your body.
Are garage door springs covered by my home warranty?
A home warranty is a great way to protect your investment and even pay for some upgrades and repairs. But, you may not be fully aware of what exactly the guarantee covers. Generally, your home guarantee covers major appliances and your garage door falls under this category.
In most places around the U.S., a garage is an important part of ensuring your well-being by protecting your car and belongings from snow, ice, wind and rain (sometimes even giving you a space to work). If your garage door breaks, you may wonder if it’s covered by your insurance. Typically, your garage door tracks, springs and door aren’t covered unless something like a natural disaster occurs. In such an instance, you would instead tap into your homeowner’s insurance for coverage.
Funnily enough, though, your garage door opener is covered under your home warranty.
Can I adjust them myself?
Similar to replacing a broken garage door spring, adjusting a spring can be just as difficult and dangerous. Any time you’re interacting with any kind of garage door spring repair — whether that’s a broken spring or just a spring that needs a seemingly minor adjustment — it’s always recommended to work with a garage door expert. With hundreds of pounds of tension behind the springs, a minor mistake could mean life or death.
You’ll know it’s time to call in professional help if the following issues are present:
A garage door may be too loose if your door struggles to open, but closes rapidly.
If the spring system is too tight, the garage door may open too quickly, yet barely close all the way.
When you close the garage door, you’ll know it needs to be balanced if one side doesn’t close all the way.
If any of those signs sound a lot like your own garage door, then you should call in a garage door professional to help you rectify these problems. If you put off a garage door repair, you may face dealing with one or both springs breaking which could cause more damage to your personal belongings and anyone nearby — and that could be more costly than just minor repairs.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
Residential garage door springs are 10,000-cycle springs. A cycle is considered complete when the garage door has opened and closed once. With up to three or four uses a day, you should get at least seven years out of your springs with the right maintenance. However, garage door torsion springs may offer you up to 12 years because they don’t require as much maintenance or use as many other garage door components.
It’s inevitable that, over time, micro-fractures develop in the spring, which will eventually cause it to weaken and break. Weather also plays a role, temperature fluctuations of 20 to 30 degrees can cause it to wear out more quickly.
If you’re wondering whether your garage door is completely broken or just needs an adjustment, the difference will be obvious. When your garage door springs break, you’ll know – the door will be loud and won’t work at all. It’ll be difficult to manually lift it and no amount of new batteries for your garage door opener will do the trick.
Being able to tell if your spring has broken just by looking at it will depend on the type of spring your garage doors use.
If your garage door extension spring breaks, it can be extremely dangerous, causing the parts to pop around the garage, through windows or car windshields. When a torsion spring breaks, you may hear a loud bang, but the piece will stay on the torsion shaft.
However, no matter which spring you choose for your garage door, you should always contact your garage door specialist for assistance.
How do I know whether to replace my springs or the whole door system?
The short answer is that you should have a professional come by to check out your spring system for you. You may need spring replacement if there are signs of wear and tear like slow performance or rusty components. Having a replacement spring installed could be a cheaper and easier repair than replacing the system.
One instance where you may need to replace the entire door may be if you’ve been hit by some sort of natural disaster, or if a random accident occurred, like your teenager backing up a car into the garage door panel.
Spring maintenance can help you extend your door’s link. You could apply a bit of spray lubricant to the spring components twice a year to ensure they’re operating smoothly.
Your Amarr licensed dealer will let you know if you need to replace your springs or your garage door.
Trust an Amarr Dealer For Your Garage Door Needs
A garage door may seem light and easy to DIY, but without the proper installation and maintenance, this 150-pound aluminum panel can be quite dangerous to handle on your own.
The springs that hold the door in place make the door feel light as a feather. The way this is done is by coiling up hundreds of pounds of strain above or parallel to the garage door. With that in mind, contacting an Amarr garage door installer can make a world of difference. They can assess the level of repair necessary to get your garage door back on track and get it done as quickly as possible.
We understand that your garage is a necessary part of your everyday life. Whether you use it for storage, work or anything in between so repairing or replacing your garage door springs is a top priority.
If your door needs maintenance, they’ll start by measuring the inside diameter of your garage and assessing if the system you have installed is optimal for your lifestyle and needs. After diagnosing your garage’s issues, they will offer some solutions and options that will best fit your needs. They may be able to fix the issue that day, or schedule a convenient time to return in order to complete the installation and repair of your Amarr garage door system.
When you work with Amarr dealers, you have a team of experts in your back pocket, no matter what. To find an Amarr dealer near you, simply enter your zip code into our dealer locator and you will have access to a variety of dealers in your area.
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Want to see what a new garage door would look like on your home?
Painting wood doors takes lots of time and patience to maintain them after a certain amount of time.
While a traditionally wooden garage door might not be the best choice for your lifestyle, faux wood doors could be the solution you’re looking for.
Designing a custom door is easy and fun with our design tool; get started today.
When your garage door opener no longer works, call an Amarr dealer for assistance.
Make sure nothing is blocking the photo safety eyes located near the bottom of the track
Amarr Carriage doors come in all shapes, colors and sizes to fit your personal aesthetic.
Add an elegant look to your home with Carriage doors.
Example of torsion spring above the garage door
