Garage doors play a large role in your home’s functionality and aesthetics however, they often are not paid as much attention to as other aspects of the home when it comes to home improvements. Upgraded hardware on your garage door can be a way to enhance the functionality of the door, but is the added cost really worth it?
Garage Door Hardware
The hardware of your garage door is composed of a number of different components, like the springs, rollers, hinges, tracks, and the automatic opener. It is normal for all these parts to eventually become worn out from regular wear and tear. Once these parts begin to show signs of wear, the efficiency of your garage door can be impacted, and in some cases even the door’s safety can be compromised. Investing in the extra cost of upgrading the hardware can have benefits in terms of performance, longevity, and security.
Upgraded Hardware Benefits
- Quieter and smoother garage door operation
Garage door systems can be noisy, which can be problematic if you need to operate your door at odd hours of the day or have a bedroom or home office sharing a wall with the garage. High-quality parts can truly reduce the amount of noise produced. Better-quality parts will also reduce wear and tear and will extend the lifespan of the door system.
- Improved security
Upgraded hardware will enhance your door security, as standard hardware can be more easily compromised. Upgrading locking mechanisms and investing in a higher-end opener with more advanced features can provide more security and offer you better protection.
- Greater energy efficiency
The temperature of your garage can have an effect on the temperature of your home if you have an attached garage. Better hardware can improve the insulation of your garage, for example, by providing better seals around the door to reduce drafts from outside.
- Long-term savings
Upgrading your garage door’s hardware may be an expense that you didn’t previously consider, but it can definitely save you money down the road. Better-quality hardware should last you much longer than the standard, which will help you reduce repair and replacement costs over the lifespan of your door. A good example would be the garage door springs. Standard springs are normally 10 000 cycles, while upgraded premium springs are 20 000. This means that they should last you about double the time.
- Aesthetics
Your garage door is a large, pronounced feature of your home’s exterior. Upgrading decorative hardware such as hinges and handles can give your door a huge boost aesthetically. Upping your curb appeal with high-quality decorative elements can increase property value.
What to Consider When Upgrading Garage Door Hardware
- Cost. Determine your budget to see whether upgraded hardware is something that you can or are willing to invest in. Get quotes from a few different suppliers/garage door companies as pricing can vary.
- Hardware compatibility. It is important to speak with a professional if you are unsure about any hardware. Not all hardware is compatible with every garage door, and not all hardware is compatible with each other.
- Professional installation vs. DIY. Be sure to factor in the cost of professional installation if you feel the work is above your skill level. You can certainly save money going the DIY route, but if you aren’t sure, it is best to let a pro handle it. Some hardware components can be dangerous to install, plus if you don’t install it properly, you can create problems with your door.
- Long-term plans. Think about your long-term plans in your home. Upgrading garage door hardware can increase value and be appealing to buyers if you are planning on selling your home in the foreseeable future.
So is upgrading garage door hardware worth the extra expense? Yes! There are several benefits to making these upgrades! These benefits, along with the long-term savings, will outweigh the initial costs. To learn more about hardware upgrades and to get a quote in Toronto and the GTA, contact The Door Master! We are here to answer all of your questions!