Garage doors are a staple in most homes, yet many misconceptions surround their maintenance, functionality, and safety. These myths often lead to costly mistakes or missed opportunities to properly care for one of the largest moving components of your home. In this post, we’ll tackle some of the most common garage door myths and set the record straight.
Myth 1: Garage Doors Don’t Need Regular Maintenance
Reality: Like any mechanical system, garage doors require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently. Components like springs, rollers, and tracks wear down over time, and neglecting them can lead to costly repairs—or even dangerous accidents.
Truth Tip: Schedule annual professional inspections and perform regular tasks like lubricating moving parts and checking door balance.
Myth 2: All Garage Doors Are the Same
Reality: Garage doors vary significantly in materials, insulation levels, and security features. Steel doors offer durability, wood doors provide aesthetic appeal, and insulated doors help with energy efficiency. Choosing the right door depends on your home’s needs and climate.
Truth Tip: Consider factors like insulation (R-value), material durability, and aesthetic preferences when selecting a garage door.
Myth 3: A Garage Door Opener Can Lift Any Door
Reality: Garage door openers are designed to assist, not carry the full weight of the door. Springs do most of the heavy lifting. If the springs are broken or worn out, the opener will struggle and eventually fail.
Truth Tip: If your garage door opener seems to be straining, have your springs inspected by a professional technician.
Myth 4: Insulated Garage Doors Aren’t Necessary
Reality: Insulated garage doors are essential, especially if your garage is attached to your home. They help regulate temperature, reduce energy bills, and provide noise insulation.
Truth Tip: If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, invest in a garage door with a high R-value.
Myth 5: Garage Door Springs Last Forever
Reality: Garage door springs have a limited lifespan, typically around 10,000 cycles (one cycle = opening and closing once). Over time, they weaken and may break, potentially causing damage or injury.
Truth Tip: Don’t wait for springs to snap. Have them inspected regularly and replaced proactively.
Myth 6: It’s Easy to Fix a Garage Door Yourself
Reality: Garage door repairs, especially involving springs and cables, can be extremely dangerous. The high tension in these components can cause severe injuries if handled improperly.
Truth Tip: Always leave complex repairs to trained professionals.
Myth 7: Garage Doors Are Secure Enough on Their Own
Reality: While modern garage doors have advanced security features, they can still be vulnerable if not properly secured. Intruders can exploit weak emergency release mechanisms or use outdated remotes.
Truth Tip: Install smart garage door openers, reinforce emergency release systems, and ensure your remote codes are secure.
Myth 8: Manual Garage Doors Are Safer Than Automatic Ones
Reality: Modern automatic garage doors are equipped with advanced safety features, such as auto-reverse mechanisms and motion sensors, making them safer than older manual systems.
Truth Tip: Regularly test your garage door’s safety features, such as the auto-reverse function.
Myth 9: Garage Door Replacement Is Too Expensive to Be Worth It
Reality: While garage door replacements require an upfront investment, they offer one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) for home improvement projects. They enhance curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency.
Truth Tip: Think of a new garage door as a long-term investment in your home’s value and safety.
Myth 10: Garage Doors Are Just for Cars
Reality: Today, garages serve multiple purposes—workshops, home gyms, storage areas, or even entertainment spaces. A well-maintained garage door contributes to the functionality and versatility of the space.
Truth Tip: Consider insulated, durable, and secure garage doors to make your garage more versatile.
Final Thoughts
Garage door myths can lead to poor decisions, unnecessary repairs, and even safety hazards. By separating fact from fiction, you can ensure your garage door operates efficiently, safely, and reliably for years to come.
At State Line Garage Doors, we’re here to provide expert advice, reliable maintenance, and professional repairs. Contact us today for all your garage door needs and experience service you can trust!