We know replacing your garage door might not be at the top of your “exciting projects” list, but here’s the thing: it should be!

A brand-new garage door doesn’t just improve your home’s curb appeal—it transforms the way your home functions, enhances its energy efficiency, and even boosts its property value. Imagine coming home to a garage door that complements your style, works seamlessly every time, and keeps your home more secure.

If you’re here, you’re probably ready to make a change or figuring out where to start. As a team of garage door experts, we’re excited to guide you through every step of this rewarding upgrade, from choosing the perfect door to understanding the installation process so there are no surprises!

Let’s get into it.

Step 1: Decide Why You’re Replacing Your Garage Door

First, get clear on why you’re replacing your garage door. Are you dealing with an outdated design, frequent breakdowns, or safety concerns? Maybe all of the above?

Here are some common reasons Las Vegas homeowners reach out to us:

• Outdated Aesthetic: Your current door might clash with the rest of your home or look worn and outdated.
• Frequent Repairs: If you’re constantly calling for repairs, replacement is usually more cost-effective in the long run.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: An insulated garage door can help maintain indoor temperatures and lower your energy bills.
• Enhanced Security: Older doors with outdated locking mechanisms can make your garage vulnerable to break-ins.

Once you know why you’re replacing your door, you’ll have a better sense of what to prioritize.

Step 2: Choose the Right Material

Garage doors come in a variety of materials, and each has its pros and cons. Let’s break them down:

• Steel: Durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective. Steel doors are a popular choice for homeowners who want a sleek look and don’t mind a modern aesthetic.
  • If you live in Las Vegas, a steel door can withstand the heat while requiring minimal upkeep.
  • Pros: Highly durable, minimal maintenance, cost-effective, and energy-efficient when insulated.
  • Cons: Prone to dents if hit, can rust without proper coating, and limited customization options.
• Wood: Offers a timeless, classic look but requires regular maintenance like staining or painting to prevent warping.
  • For a rustic or traditional home, a carriage-style wood door can be a perfect match.
  • Pros: Unique aesthetic, fully customizable, and adds a warm, traditional appeal.
  • Cons: High maintenance with staining/painting, prone to warping in humidity, and more expensive than other options.
• Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to rust, but not as durable as steel.
  • Aluminum doors with frosted glass panels add a modern touch to contemporary homes.
  • Pros: Rust-resistant, lightweight, and great for modern designs.
  • Cons: Less durable, can dent easily, and offers less insulation compared to other materials.
• Fiberglass: Resistant to dents and scratches but can fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
  • This is a great choice if you’re near the coast or in areas with high humidity.
  • Pros: Durable, dent-resistant, low maintenance, and can mimic wood at a lower cost.
  • Cons: Prone to fading and discoloration in strong sunlight, less energy-efficient than steel or insulated doors.

Step 3: Pick a Style That Fits Your Home

The right garage door style can elevate your home’s curb appeal. Consider these options:

• Traditional Raised-Panel Doors: Classic and versatile, these doors fit most home styles.
• Carriage-Style Doors: Evoking a vintage feel, these doors often swing out or mimic that appearance.
• Contemporary Doors: Sleek and minimal, often incorporating aluminum and glass for a modern look.

Pro Tip: Take a photo of your home and use online visualizer tools to see how different door styles would look on your house. A lot of garage door manufacturers offer these tools for free!

Step 4: Don’t Overlook Insulation

If your garage is attached to your house or you use it as a workspace, insulation is a must. Insulated doors help regulate temperature, reduce noise, and increase energy efficiency. Look for doors with a high R-value (the measure of insulation effectiveness).

Example: In Las Vegas, where summer temperatures soar, an insulated door can make a noticeable difference in cooling costs.

Step 5: Understand the Installation Process

Knowing what to expect during installation can make the process less stressful. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of how we install garage doors at Good Golly Garage Doors:

1. Initial Inspection: We’ll inspect the space to ensure it’s ready for the new door, checking for structural issues or obstacles.
2. Removing the Old Door: Carefully detaching the old door, springs, and tracks to prepare the area for the new system.
3. Installing New Tracks and Springs: Precise alignment is crucial to ensure the new door operates smoothly and safely. This step often involves adjusting the spring tension to balance the door’s weight perfectly.
4. Hanging the New Door: Each panel is fitted and secured in place. If the door includes windows or decorative elements, extra care is taken to ensure alignment.
5. Connecting the Opener: We’ll attach your garage door opener and program it for seamless operation. Smart openers with Wi-Fi connectivity are increasingly popular.
6. Final Safety Checks: Testing auto-reverse sensors, spring tension, and opener functionality to ensure everything is working flawlessly.

Step 6: Budget for Your New Door

Garage doors vary widely in price depending on the material, size, and features you choose.

Instead of giving ballpark estimates, we suggest reaching out to the team at Good Golly Garage Doors to get a free quote!

Step 7: Maintenance Tips to Make It Last

Once your new garage door is installed, you’ll want to keep it in great shape. Here’s how:

• Lubricate moving parts every six months with a silicone-based lubricant. Focus on hinges, springs, and rollers. Wipe away any excess to avoid attracting dust, ensuring smoother operation.
• Inspect and clean weather stripping annually to maintain a proper seal and prevent drafts or debris from entering your garage. If you notice cracks or wear, replace the stripping immediately.
• Test safety features like auto-reverse sensors regularly by placing an object, like a block of wood, under the door. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, clean the sensors and ensure they are aligned. Call a professional if the problem persists!
• Schedule professional tune-ups once a year to have experts check spring tension, inspect tracks, and tighten hardware. A quick inspection can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your door.

Ready to Install the Best Garage Door for Your Las Vegas Home?

A new garage door can transform your home’s look, improve functionality, and even boost its propety value. Whether you’re ready to start the process or just have questions, the team at Good Golly Garage Doors is here to help.

Call us today for a free consultation and let us help you create the perfect garage door for your home!