Reasons to Install a Garage Side Door

We partnered with a home improvement company. for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

The garage side door is growing in popularity, showing up on more carports across the country and beyond than ever before. The garage door and side door combination offers a range of functional and aesthetic benefits to homeowners. It’s the kind of addition that might feel inconsequential, yet can make a massive difference in practice.

This piece will explore the main reasons why you might want to install a garage side door for your home, touching on practical and style-based reasons. 
Increasing convenience and accessibility

The side garage door is a great way to enhance the structure’s accessibility, making it far more convenient for pedestrians to exit and enter the space. Without an external side door for garage access, you must open the full garage door whenever you want to get in or out (from the outside), in the car or on foot. This can be time-consuming, especially if you’re only popping in and out to grab something small. 

This kind of convenience is particularly relevant if you use your garage as a workshop or hobby space, ensuring you can get come and go as you please without disrupting the space. A garage side door can also be linked with another that leads to the back garden, creating a smooth passageway for moving tasks. Perhaps most importantly, the additional door also acts as a secondary exit, important to the home in case of emergency evacuations. 

Better ventilation for the garage

Garage side doors are an effective way to increase the ventilation in your garage. Activities like working out, welding, woodworking, detailing cars and more all create fumes of varying stench levels, with some even resulting in dangerous emissions. You can keep the space ventilated with a garage side door, without having to keep the main door open the whole time. Similarly, the side door can be used to control the temperature in a more gradual, controlled manner on hot days. 

Technological/energy efficiency

A side door for garage access will help your household to conserve energy, while also maintaining the quality of your main garage door and its opener for longer. Being able to enter and exit the garage through a manual door means you won’t have to use the opener as often, saving electricity (especially important amidst the energy crisis) and offsetting wear and tear. 

Aesthetic benefit

Garage side doors are an attractive addition to homes and can do wonders for enhancing kerbside appeal. It’s worth considering how well the specific door you’re interested in will complement you’re existing home features. For example, it could be used to match with your front door or even full-scale side-hanging garage doors. Make sure to properly think about the colour, material and placement of the door to make sure it meshes with the visual scheme of your property.

Search for the perfect garage side door now

With all of these benefits in mind, it’s also important to note that a simple garage side door upgrade will also likely increase the value of your home. Whether you plan to sell the property or not, investing in building your assets like this is always wise. That’s why we recommend searching for the best dealer of household doors and finding the right garage side door today! 

5 Essential Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly

A garage door is more than just an entryway to your home; it’s an essential part of your daily routine and a critical component of your home's security. Whether you’re rushing out to work in the morning or returning home after a long day, a malfunctioning garage door can quickly become a major inconvenience. This blog post will delve into five essential maintenance tips that will keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come.

Conduct Regular Inspections and Add Lubrication

The first step in maintaining smooth-operating garage doors is regular inspection and lubrication of their moving parts. This process should ideally be done every six months to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Begin by visually inspecting all components such as springs, rollers, tracks, and hinges for signs of damage or rust. Look for loose bolts or screws that might need tightening. Once inspected, apply a high-quality lubricant specifically designed for garage doors on all moving parts including the torsion springs and metal rollers. Avoid using grease as it can attract dirt and lead to build-up over time.

Balance the Door Properly

A well-balanced garage door is essential for smooth operation. If the door is unbalanced, it can strain the automatic opener, causing early wear and tear on parts like cables and springs. To assess the balance, pull the release handle to disconnect the opener, typically red, to allow manual operation. Lift the door halfway and release it; if it remains steady without moving up or down, it's properly balanced. If it doesn't, consider contacting a professional technician to safely adjust the spring system's tension.

Test Safety Features Regularly 

Modern garage doors come equipped with various safety features such as photo-eye sensors, emergency release handles, and auto-reverse mechanisms. These features are designed to protect you and your family from accidents or injuries. To ensure that they are functioning correctly, regularly test the photo-eye sensors by placing an object in their path while closing the door. It should reverse immediately upon detecting an obstruction. Also, test the emergency release handle by pulling it while the door is in operation to make sure it disconnects properly.

Keep Tracks Clean and Aligned

The tracks on either side of your garage door play a crucial role in its smooth operation. Over time, dirt, debris, and even small objects like leaves and twigs can get lodged in the tracks, causing them to become misaligned. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the tracks regularly and remove any obstructions that may hinder the door’s movement. If you notice any bent or damaged sections, it’s best to call a professional technician for repair. Attempting to fix it yourself can be dangerous and may cause further damage.

Don’t Ignore Strange Noises or Movements

Your garage door should operate smoothly and quietly without any unusual noises or movements. If you notice grinding, scraping, or squeaking sounds, it could indicate an issue with the components such as worn-out rollers or loose hardware. Similarly, if you see your door jerking or shaking during operation, it could be due to misaligned tracks or damaged cables. Ignoring these signs can lead to further damage and costly repairs down the line. As soon as you notice any unusual noises or movements, call a professional technician to diagnose and fix the problem promptly.

Regular garage door maintenance is crucial for efficient operation and longevity. By following these five essential tips, you can keep your garage door running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns that can disrupt your daily routine. Remember to always prioritize safety by hiring a professional technician for any repairs or adjustments that require specialized knowledge and tools. With proper maintenance, your garage door will provide reliable and secure access to your home for years to come.

Signs You Could Benefit From a Pegboard in Your Garage

Garages: they’re a convenient and necessary part of our homes, but unfortunately, they can often become cluttered and disorganized. Are you tossing your gardening tools here and there, stacking up boxes of holiday decorations, and letting old sports equipment pile up in the corner? It’s easy to see how quickly a garage can become a mess.

One simple solution to this issue is installing a pegboard in your garage. Here are some signs you could benefit from this affordable, space-saving, and efficient organizational tool.

What’s a Pegboard?

A pegboard is a large, flat panel made of wood, metal, or plastic with evenly spaced holes drilled throughout it. These panels come with various sizes and shapes of hooks that fit into the holes. This allows you to easily hang and organize your tools, sports equipment, and other items on the pegboard.

Signs You Could Benefit From a Pegboard

If you’re still on the fence about whether a pegboard is right for your garage, here are some signs you could benefit from one.

Your Tools Are Scattered and Hard To Find

If you often find yourself searching through piles of tools in your garage, desperately trying to locate the one you need, then a pegboard can save you time and frustration. You can organize your tools on a pegboard so they’re easily visible and accessible.

Your Garage Floor Space Is Limited

If you use your garage to store more than your car, then chances are you don’t have a lot of floor space, and what you do have is cluttered. A pegboard can help you take advantage of vertical space by hanging items on the wall instead of stacking them on the floor.

You Have a Lot of Small, Loose Items

Do you have a collection of screws, nuts, bolts, and other small items you can never seem to keep track of? A pegboard is the perfect solution for keeping these items organized and in one place. You can use tiny containers to store these items on the pegboard.

Your Garage Feels Cluttered

If you feel like your garage is constantly cluttered and overwhelming, a pegboard can help create a sense of order and organization. By hanging up your tools, sports equipment, and other items on the pegboard, you’ll free up valuable floor space and create a more open, organized environment.

Your Current Organization System Isn’t Working

Maybe you’ve tried various storage bins and shelving units, but nothing seems to keep your garage organized for long. A pegboard offers versatility and flexibility that allows you to rearrange and customize your storage as necessary.

If your garage isn’t working for you and is in need of some organization, consider installing a pegboard. It’s an affordable, practical solution that can help you reclaim your garage. Use it to hang your tools, store small items, and create a clutter-free space you can actually use.

Tackling Garage Clutter Hotspots: A Practical Guide

Garages often become the default storage space for items that don’t fit elsewhere, leading to clutter that can quickly spiral out of control. Addressing common problem areas not only keeps your garage organized but also ensures it remains functional for its intended purposes.

The Overflowing Tool Bench

Tool benches are notorious for accumulating more than just tools. Spare parts, loose screws, and miscellaneous items pile up, creating a chaotic workspace. Start by sorting and categorizing your tools, then use wall-mounted organizers or pegboards to maximize vertical storage. Keeping the bench clear makes future projects more efficient and enjoyable.

The Unsorted Storage Shelves

Storage shelves are essential for organization, but without a system, they become cluttered catch-alls. Group items by category, such as sports gear, holiday decorations, or gardening supplies. Label bins and containers for easy identification. Regularly review the shelves to ensure you're only keeping items you truly need.

The Forgotten Corners

Corners of the garage often become dumping grounds for items like old paint cans, broken equipment, or boxes from long-forgotten projects. Dedicate time to declutter these areas and dispose of hazardous materials responsibly. For larger items, consult local recycling programs or donation centers.

Around the Garage Door

The space near your garage door can quickly fill up with seasonal tools, bikes, or even cobwebs. Keeping this area clear ensures your garage door operates smoothly and reduces wear and tear. If you notice issues like difficulty opening or closing, consider consulting professional garage door services for maintenance.

An organized garage improves functionality and provides peace of mind. By addressing clutter hotspots systematically, you can create a space that’s efficient, safe, and ready to meet your storage needs. Regular maintenance ensures your efforts remain effective, keeping chaos at bay for the long term. For more tips and tricks, check out the infographic below.