Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets anymore. In fact, the concept of refreshing the old with repairs and renovation applies to the entire house and indeed to life itself. As the weather becomes warmer and winter rains become a thing of the past, spring is a great time to take stock with renewal. One of the best places to start is with your garage by either doing a cleaning, renovation or a new garage door replacement or repair.
The fact is that doing regular garage door maintenance can significantly reduce your repair costs overtime. Most people don’t think much about their garage door until there’s a problem that necessitates repair — but the fact is that repair was likely avoidable with regular garage door maintenance. Here are a few things you should put on your annual to-do list — like cleaning out the closets or cleaning gutters — that will keep your garage door in top working order and performing beautifully.
Garage Door Inspection
That’s why spring is one of the best times to do a garage door inspection, which you really should do every year. They can check for rollers that need to be replaced and check on the condition of your springs and cables. This way you can spot repair issues before they become garage door emergencies.
Winters might not be cold in Sacramento, but the rain and weather can be harsh. It’s the season where garage doors tend to take their harshest beatings. Your garage door may have broken springs, damaged panels, dents and other malfunctions.
Oil Your Garage Door
It’s also a good idea to go over the springs, rollers and moving parts of your garage door with a coat of oil specially designed for garages. Don’t use WD40 as this can cause your door to rust. Keeping your garage door oiled is a DIY maintenance task you should keep on your annual to-do list.
Replacing Missing Panels
If you have broken or damaged panels, you’ll want to get these replaced immediately. For one, they make your garage door look like it’s falling apart, which can actually bring down the value of your home. For another, it can be a huge security risk. These panels can be used to fit a crowbar or provide a thief with visual access to what’s inside your garage.
Painting and Other Garage Door Repair
If you have a wooden garage door, you might consider repainting it in the spring if the paint is peeling. If you have a metal or aluminum door, be sure to gently hammer out any dents with a rubber mallet. This can make damage left by a hail storm much less noticeable.
Ready for a New Door?
You also might consider outright replacing the entire garage door. It’s a great home investment that improves the value as well as the security of your home. In fact, experts suggest it can be one of the best returns on investment for your home. If you ever plan to resell, a new garage door can practically pay for itself by helping to increase your home’s reappraisal value.
Why a New Garage Door is a Great Way to Invest Your Tax Refund
While new garage door installation has one of the highest returns on investment for all home improvements, it’s important to note that you get what you pay for. Since the ROI comes in the improved equity value of the home itself, the better door you are able to afford, the more value it will give your home. It’s worth investing and saving for. That’s why a new door is a great way to invest this year’s tax refund. Spend it on a vacation or clothes, and the money just drifts away. Invest it into a new garage door and you accrue it into your property.
Because a new garage door is such a great investment, it’s also worth talking to your bank about a home improvement loan. Quality is always a good investment.