Garage doors are an essential part of homes and commercial spaces, providing security, convenience, and curb appeal. However, like many household fixtures, they are often surrounded by misconceptions and myths that can lead to costly mistakes or misunderstandings. We’ll address and debunk some of the most common Cleveland garage door myths to help you make informed decisions about your garage door’s care, maintenance, and functionality.

Myth 1: All Garage Doors Are the Same

One of the most common misconceptions is that all garage doors are the same. People often assume that there’s no significant difference between types, styles, or materials of garage doors. However, garage doors vary greatly in terms of quality, functionality, and durability. Key differences include:

• Materials: Garage doors can be made from wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or composite materials. Each material offers different benefits in terms of insulation, appearance, maintenance, and lifespan. The cost of each types varies, as well as the weight and durability.
• Insulation: Some garage doors are insulated, offering better energy efficiency, noise reduction, and temperature control, while others are not. Insulated doors are ideal for garages attached to homes or for businesses that require controlled temperatures.
• Styles and Designs: Garage doors come in a variety of styles, including sectional, roll-up, and tilt-up designs. Each has different benefits in terms of space-saving, aesthetic appeal, and security.

Ultimately, the right garage door for your home or business will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

Another widespread myth is that garage doors require little to no maintenance. While garage doors are generally durable and built to last, they do need occasional regular maintenance to operate smoothly and safely. Failing to maintain your garage door can lead to issues such as:

• Broken Springs: Garage door springs are under constant tension and can wear out over time. Regular inspection and maintenance can prevent sudden spring failure, which can be dangerous and costly to repair. According to Clopay, a leading garage door manufacturer, springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, defined as one open/close of the door, or 7 years, at which point you should have your door springs and hardware checked. You can contact the pros at Advance Door and we can check to be sure your door continues to work perfectly no matter what brand door you own.
• Misalignment: Tracks can become misaligned, causing the door to open or close unevenly. This can put strain on the garage door opener and other components, leading to more significant problems down the line.
• Lubrication: Hinges, rollers, and springs need to be lubricated periodically to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Without proper lubrication, these parts can wear out prematurely. Lubricate the guide wheel axle rod/bearings. Lithium grease or silicone spray is a good choice of lubricants. Wipe any excess grease from hinges or rollers as it can otherwise drip and attract dirt. Sometimes heavy grease was used for older doors with steel wheels but this is unnecessary with newer nylon rollers. This grease attracts dirt and contaminates surfaces, as well as being messy. 

Scheduling regular inspections and performing basic maintenance tasks can help extend the life of your garage door and prevent expensive repairs.

Myth 3: All Cleveland Garage Door Repairs Can Be DIY

The rise of DIY culture has led many homeowners to believe that garage door repairs are simple and can be handled without professional help. While there are some basic maintenance tasks that can be done by homeowners—like lubricating hinges or tightening screws—most garage door repairs should be left to professionals.

• Torsion Spring Repair: Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and require specialized equipment and training to handle safely. Most residential doors have torsion springs which usually require special winding rods to install. It is crucial that the correct spring is installed for the size and weight of the door. The door manufacturer will specify a certain spring size for the specific model of door. Using the wrong spring can lead to disaster, such as a door that can crash down, leading to property damage or injury. 
• Extension Spring Repair: In the event that you have a door with lower headroom, you might have the older style extension springs which attach from the front of the door track to the rear using a long spring. These springs can be less risky to install as they do not require winding rods to put the spring under tension. However, there is an inherent risk with extension springs, as they can break when under load, which is when the door is down. Be sure to have an expert such as Advance Door inspect or install any safety cables and hardware.
• Electrical Repairs: Garage door openers are powered by electricity. Many homes were built without being fully wired for a garage door opener, due to budget constraints or the age of the home. This has led to many garages being wired by unqualified persons. Aging or damaged outlets can cause unreliable or unsafe operation due to loose electrical connections. The experts at Advance Door can easily identify electrical issues with your garage door. 
• Track Alignment and Door Balance: Fixing a misaligned track or an unbalanced door requires precise adjustments. If done incorrectly, it can cause further damage or make the door unsafe to operate. It is important to be sure that hardware is tightened occasionally to be sure that the door hardware and tracks work as intended. Sometimes, rotting or deteriorating framing members are present, which causes issues with the door as the components are no longer properly secured and may become misaligned. This can lead to eventual door malfunction or failure.

For major repairs, it’s best to hire a licensed technician who has experience working with garage doors to ensure the problem is resolved correctly and safely.

Myth 4: Insulation Isn’t Necessary for Garage Doors

Many people believe that insulation is only necessary for interior walls or that it doesn’t make a difference for a garage door. However, insulated garage doors offer better energy efficiency in both residential and commercial settings, especially in extreme climates.

• Energy Efficiency: An insulated garage door helps regulate the temperature inside the garage, which can prevent heat from escaping in the winter or excessive heat from entering in the summer. This is particularly important for garages that are attached to homes, as they can impact the temperature of adjacent rooms.
• Noise Reduction: Insulated garage doors are much quieter when opening and closing compared to non-insulated doors. This is beneficial in residential neighborhoods where minimizing noise is a priority or in commercial settings where constant use can create disruptive sounds.
• Durability: Insulated doors tend to be more durable than non-insulated models because they have additional layers of protection. They are less likely to dent or warp, offering greater longevity.

Choosing an insulated garage door can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost savings, especially in areas with significant temperature fluctuations. If you have a Cleveland home with an attached garage door in need of repair or replacement, contact Advance Door Co for a free consultation!

Myth 5: Garage Doors Don’t Impact Curb Appeal

Some homeowners underestimate the importance of garage doors in terms of curb appeal. In reality, garage doors often make up a large portion of a home’s exterior, and their design can significantly affect the overall look of the property.

• Custom Designs: Modern garage doors are available in a wide variety of styles, finishes, and colors. You can choose a door that complements your home’s architecture, whether you prefer a classic wooden design, a sleek contemporary look, or something in between.
• Boosting Home Value: Replacing or upgrading your garage door is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal. A worn out garage door just doesn’t look good or work well, and given it’s high replacement costs, can turn off potential buyers. According to real estate experts, a new garage door can yield a high return on investment (ROI), increasing the resale value of your home.
• Matching with the Rest of the Property: Coordinating the garage door with the windows, trim, or front door can create a cohesive look that enhances the visual appeal of your home. It’s often smart to match the architectural style of the neighborhood, or you can add your own stylish touch. Choosing the right garage door helps to maintain your home’s value, preserving your valuable investment .

Myth 6: Garage Doors Aren’t Secure

Some people mistakenly believe that garage doors are a weak point in home security. However, modern garage doors come equipped with advanced security features that make them highly secure.

• Rolling Code Technology: Most modern garage door openers use rolling code technology, which changes the code every time the door is operated. This prevents potential intruders from using code-grabbing devices to access your garage.
• Smart Garage Door Openers: Many garage doors now come with smart technology that allows you to monitor and control the door remotely through a smartphone app. These systems can alert you if the door is left open or if there’s any unauthorized access.
• Reinforced Doors: For added security, commercial-grade or reinforced garage doors can be installed. These doors are designed to withstand forced entry attempts, making them ideal for both residential and business properties that require enhanced protection.

Myth 7: A New Garage Door Opener Will Always Work with an Existing Door

Not all garage door openers are compatible with every garage door. Newer models of garage door openers may have different specifications, and older doors might not support the features of a new opener.

• Weight and Power Requirements: If you’re upgrading your garage door to a heavier or larger model, your existing garage door opener may not have enough power to lift it properly. Ensuring that the opener is rated for the weight and size of your door is essential.
• Technology Compatibility: Smart garage door openers may not be compatible with older doors that lack the necessary sensors or safety features. In some cases, you may need to upgrade both the door and the opener to incorporate modern safety features.

Garage doors are more complex than they may appear at first glance, and many myths surrounding them can lead to misunderstandings about their maintenance, security, and functionality. By debunking these common myths, homeowners and business owners can make informed decisions about their garage doors—whether it’s selecting the right style, keeping up with maintenance, or ensuring proper security features. Ultimately, understanding the facts about garage doors can save time, money, and frustration while helping you choose the best solution for your needs.

Advance Door Co. provides commercial door products, services, repairs, and replacements to customers throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Parma, and surrounding communities.

Additional Resources:

Garage Door Spring Replacement 101 n.d., Buyer’s Guide, Clopay® Garage Door Co.

More Blog Entries:

Keeping it Cool With Cleveland Insulated Garage Doors For Better Energy Efficiency  July 10, 2024, Ohio Commercial Door Blog