Your overhead garage door is likely the biggest mechanical device in your home. It is important not only in protecting your cars from the elements, but also in guarding them (and your house as well) from burglars and intruders. Care in using your overhead garage door will guarantee its continuous function for years to come.

A typical overhead garage door normally weighs four hundred pounds. Springs are installed to make it easier to lift. Newer models come in wood, steel, aluminum or fiberglass. The most popular choices nowadays are wood and steel. Owing to its natural look and affordability, wood is still a top choice, although it is not as durable as steel and requires more maintenance. To keep a wooden overhead door looking good, you have to paint over it several times.

On the other hand, steel doors provide greater strength and security. Because of advances in manufacturing, you now get the same elegant wooden look even if your overhead garage door is actually made of steel. The best part is, theres never any need for regular upkeep. A steel overhead garage door has its setbacks -- it is not very easy to repair and is easily dented.

Installing an overhead garage door

Due to safety concerns, manufacturers recommended that those who want to do their overhead garage door installation themselves limit their involvement to periodic maintenance, allowing experts to do the installation and spring maintenance.

Openers for overhead garage doors

The newest safety feature in automatic overhead garage door openers is the use of an infrared and receiver installed at the bottom of each of the tracks. Once the infrared has been transmitted between the transmitter and the receiver, the garage door stops and fully opens. Be sure to test the rollers and hinges of your overhead garage door for wear and tear and proper lubrication, so that the openers can work properly.