This Overlooked Detail Could Cost $3000 To Fix—and Lowers Your Home’s Value

Your garage door might seem like a minor part of your home.

However, it likely takes up nearly 40% of its front exterior. If your garage door is outdated, worn, or malfunctioning, you may spend anywhere from $500 to $3,000 or even more to replace it. 

And, if and when you decide to sell, buyers may be turned off and continue their search. 

“Maintaining your garage door system is similar to getting your car serviced regularly. Many homeowners don't think about it until some type of failure occurs,” explains Alan Bernau Jr, owner and garage/ outdoor storage-shed expert at Alan's Factory Outlet in Luray, VA.

By recognizing the importance of a well-maintained garage door and taking the right steps to keep yours in good shape, you can save a great deal of money and headaches. 

Why neglecting your garage door can cost you

Safety, inconvenience, and poor curb appeal are the greatest issues of a vulnerable garage door. 

“If a door is warped or the track is misaligned, the garage won’t open or close smoothly. It may get stuck in the track or, even worse, come out of it and collapse,” says Justin Evans, vice president of marketing at Clopay, North America’s largest garage door manufacturer based in Mason, OH.

Also, a rotted wooden door, rusted-out steel door, or door that doesn't fit tightly and securely in the opening invites water, air, wind, debris, and even critters to come inside the garage, creating a mess and damaging the items inside. 

“Plus, broken lock mechanisms or deteriorating panels can create an entry point for burglars and increase the risk of theft,” Evans explains.

Additionally, a poorly insulated or uninsulated door can affect the temperature inside the garage as well as rooms over and next to it, leading to discomfort, reduced energy efficiency, and higher utility bills.

Lastly, if you list your home and your garage door is long past its prime, potential buyers will notice and may walk away, especially if they view the garage as an extension of usable living space. 

“The garage has become much more important nowadays. I’ve found that many buyers aren’t even considering the garage as something they can park their cars in. Today, the garage represents storage space, exercise rooms, and hobby rooms,” says Charissa Bright, real estate professional and owner at Bright Buys Houses in Watkinsville, GA.

How to maintain your garage door

Fortunately, it doesn’t take a lot of time or money to keep your garage door in optimal condition. Here’s what you can do:

Clean the surface 

All types of garage doors require surface maintenance to prevent a premature replacement.

If you have a wooden garage door, for example, a fresh topcoat or sanding and painting every few years should do the trick.

“If you have a steel garage door, clean and wax it with a spray-on car wax at least twice a year or more if you live in a coastal region with salt air or a winter climate with high road salt and chemicals,” says Evans.

Wash your door and clean the windows

To wash your garage door, use a wet cloth, sponge, or soft bristle brush. Then, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Don’t forget about the windows. Evans recommends cleaning them with a nonabrasive cleaner like dish soap or vinegar and water.

Schedule inspections after severe weather 

If you live in an area that experiences hurricanes or high winds, get your garage door professionally inspected after a large storm to make sure there’s no warping or loose hardware. 

“High winds can cause a pressure buildup in the garage and blow out the roof of the home, allowing water in and causing serious damage,” explains Evans.

Know when to call a pro

“Any repairs that involve torsion spring assemblies, frayed cables, significant track realignments, or doors that jerk or shake during normal usage are not DIY-friendly,” explains Bernau. 

If you notice any of these issues, call a pro to avoid further damage and life-threatening injuries that may occur if you try to replace springs under a lot of tension, for example.