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Author: jsanford

Get A Great ROI With A Garage Door Replacement

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Replacement Indianapolis.

Remodeling projects and upgrades are some of the best ways to add value to your home. When considering what upgrades to make to your house, you should consider which components add the most value. There are several remodeling projects and features that deliver a strong return on investment (ROI), but very few offer the investment return that new garage doors offer.

At Garage Door Doctor, we offer replacement and installation of garage doors that will deliver the highest possible ROI in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

Home Projects That Offer The Best ROI

There are plenty of remodeling projects that you can do around the house that will offer a strong return on investment. Over the past few years, the same types of projects have ranked in similar ROI percentiles. Year after year, garage door replacements are regularly at the top of the list. Consider the following home components:

  •     Garage Door Replacement / / 97.5 percent ROI
  •     Manufactured Stone Veneer / / 94.5 percent ROI
  •     Minor Kitchen Remodel / / 80.5 percent ROI
  •     Deck Addition / / 75.6 percent ROI
  •     Entry Door Replacement / / 74.9 percent ROI

Other Reasons To Opt For A Garage Door Replacement

Replacing your garage door has taken over the top of remodeling projects with the highest ROI average. However, in addition to the cost that you recoup, there are plenty of other great reasons to contact a professional garage door company to install a new garage door. Not only will a garage door replacement increase the volume of your home, but whenever the time comes to sell your home, it will sell quicker and for more money.

While this is a significant reason to opt for a garage door replacement, let’s take a look at some other great reasons to get a new garage door.

Increased Curb Appeal

Home exterior upgrades such as garage doors rack up the largest ROI when compared to interior upgrades. Residential garage door installation enhances the curb appeal of your home.

Transform The Look of Your Home

Having curb appeal can really help when it comes to selling your home, but upgrading the whole look of your home is essential when you choose a new garage door. By adding a brand new garage door to your garage, you can transform your home! Consider these options to increase your ROI and transform your home:

  • Create Balance. Balance the exterior of your home by choosing a garage door that matches its style, design, and color.
  • Add Contrast. When getting a new garage door, select one that stands out. Match your garage door to other features of your home – complementary colors are the secret to making your garage one of the leading features of your home.
  • Restore Original Appeal. Restore the original beauty of your garage door by retouching it colors and getting any garage door repairs you may need.

Increase Your ROI With A Garage Door Replacement From Garage Door Doctor

If you want to get the best possible return on investment on a new garage door, contact the professional technicians at Garage Door Doctor. We install quality garage doors from some of the leading manufacturers and we also offer other services to keep your garage door system in tip-top shape. For more information, contact us!

When Is The Best Time For A Garage Door Replacement

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Replacement Indianapolis.

Are you dealing with a faulty, worn, or broken garage door? If you are constantly dishing out money for garage door repairs, a garage door replacement may be worth the investment. But when is the best time to replace your garage door? Well, the best time to upgrade and replace your garage door is actually right around the corner!

The springtime signals a time of change for a lot of people. Spring cleaning kicks off, the flowers begin to bloom, and the days get longer. When the temperatures begin to rise, and the outdoors begin to thaw, it’s the perfect time to start considering replacing worn, weathered, rusted equipment, including your garage door. Spring is not only a convenient time to work on home improvement projects, but it is also the perfect time to contact Garage Door Doctor for a garage door replacement.

Why Spring Is The Best Time For A Garage Door Replacement

While most garage door companies have the best prices of the year for new garage door installation when the weather begins to warm up and the tax returns start coming in. However, there are other reasons to consider a garage door replacement in addition to cost. Every garage door system implements a spring system that counterbalances the weight of the door.

After long, cold winters, like the ones we experience in Indiana, it is common for these springs to lose their resiliency and break. Replacing garage door springs in the winter months is typically not something that garage door contractor recommends. However, the springtime not only offers great weather for inspecting and replacing garage door springs, but it is also a great time to replace the garage door itself, with the assistance of a garage door technician, of course.

Even if you don’t opt for a garage door replacement, you may still want to consider a tune-up at the very least – counterbalancing garage doors is a service that is most commonly performed in the spring.

Signs It’s Time For A Garage Door Replacement

Replacing your garage door can not only save homeowners time, money, and hassle, but garage door replacements can also enhance your curb appeal, improve daily functionality, and modernize your home’s exterior. It is recommended that garage doors are replaced after 10 to 20 years, but if you are still unsure about whether you should replace your garage door, be on the lookout for the following signs of a garage door replacement.

  • Constant Garage Door Maintenance. If your garage door has been put through constant repairs and has been frequently unreliable, then you likely could benefit from a garage door replacement.
  • Noisy Operations. Sure, your garage door makes noise when it opens and closes. However, as the door ages and begins to wear, excessive vibration can become excessively noisy. This is sometimes an indication that certain parts, such as springs or tracks need maintenance, but it could also be a sign that you need a garage door replacement.
  • Appearance. The appearance of your garage door enormously affects the property value and curb appeal of your home. After years of use and exposure to the outdoor elements, your garage door will begin to show signs of wear and tear, such as dents, cracks, and other signs of damage. While some of these damages can be repaired, eventually, the appearance of wear and tear can not be ignored. Replacing your garage door with a modern design to match the rest of your home and increase exterior beauty is a worthy investment.
  • Safety and Security. Garage doors are large objects and weigh enough to cause serious injuries if they slam shut unexpectedly. Not only are new garage door styles more attractive and manufactured from superior materials, but they also feature the latest safety standards, like automatic reversals, added security, and locking capabilities. These upgrades can prevent safety-related concerns.
  • Energy Loss. For homes with attached garages, panels and worn materials can significantly reduce the garage doors overall energy-efficiency. In turn, this can increase heating and cooling costs. Some of the newer garage models include insulation which helps maintain your indoor temperatures and ensure energy-efficiency.
  • Speed. After sending a command to your door, it should respond within a few seconds. If the door takes more than 10 seconds, then you should call a garage door company to inspect the cause and help determine if a replacement is needed.

Choose Garage Door Doctor For Your Garage Door Replacement

If you are a homeowner in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, call the team at Garage Door Doctors for all of your garage door installation and replacement needs. Our extensively trained and experienced garage door contractors can easily help you find and install a quality garage door that enhances the look of your home, improves safety and functionality, and increases the value of your home. Take advantage of our free estimates on any garage door replacement so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Try DIY Garage Door Installation

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

t is no secret that we have become self-sufficient thanks to the ease with which everything is available on the internet. With how-to videos for just about every task out there, people are more enabled to accomplish things right at home without needed to pay for a service. For the committed DIY crowd, garage door installation can potentially seem like a project that could be taken on without the help of a professional. Only a licensed, insured, and experienced garage door company should perform garage door installations.

If you are a homeowner considering attempting a garage door installation on your own, reviewing the following reasons will help you to see why it is best to leave this type of job to a trained garage door technician.

Complicated Job

Although you may be handy when it comes to performing minor repairs around the house, a garage door installation can be difficult and overwhelming for anyone who does not possess the proper expertise. Garage door systems are complex, to say the least. They have numerous parts involved, and this can make it easy to spend a lot of time on the job if you do not entirely understand what needs to be done.

Risk of Injury

The risk of injury is high when you attempt garage door installation without the proper training and experience. It’s important to remember that the installation process is physically strenuous and can be dangerous due to the parts that are involved. Garage doors are extremely heavy, typically weighing 700 pounds. Plus, handling the garage door springs improperly can potentially lead to serious injury. Garage door installation is by no means a do-it-yourself job, you need a professional to handle the work to prevent any injuries.

Garage Door Installation Requires Special Tools

In order to properly install a garage door, you need certain tools and equipment. And trust us when we say that you likely do not have the tools needed sitting around in your toolbox, and before you get any ideas, they can also be expensive to buy. The use of these tools also requires a great deal of mechanical ability, as it is not an easy, intuitive process. For example, most garage door installations require the use of a counterbalance spring system, which is needed to lift the garage door.

Creates a Safety Hazard

There is a very good reason why garage door installation is a job that requires intense training, education, and experience. If a garage door is not properly installed, it creates a serious safety hazard for members of your household and anyone who visits your home. If a garage door opener is faulty, it can cause the door to close on someone or fail to reverse, causing injury or death. Similarly, if the garage door is not installed correctly on the track, it can fall down without warning.

While you may feel that DIY garage door installation is a task you can achieve, it simply is not worth the risk and damages. Your garage door needs to be installed right the first time, which is why you should hire a professional garage door company to handle the work.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Winter Damages for Your Garage

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

Midwest winters are pretty unpredictable. It can seem to be warming up one day, then the next day we are hit with a blanket of snow. During the winter season, we take the extra precautions to rid our driveways, sidewalks, and vehicles of snow and ice, but what about our garage doors?

When the temperatures fall and the snow starts to fall, it can have an adverse effect on your garage door as its operation. At Garage Door Doctor, we have seen many cases where snow and ice lead to costly garage door repairs. Don’t let the winter conditions affect the convenience and operation of your garage door, follow the tips below to avoid garage door repairs.

How Does Snow and Ice Damage Garage Doors?

Protecting your garage from snow and ice is important, especially in Indiana, where winters are often cold and windy, as both can cause issues for your garage door system. Letting snow and ice accumulate around your garage, the following issues are more likely to happen.

  • Garage door tracks can bend and become misaligned
  • The weight of your garage door can shift and become imbalanced
  • Wooden garage doors absorb moisture
  • Rubber and vinyl may harden and crack
  • The garage door opener is forced to lift a heavier load

Tips to Avoid Winter Damages For Your Garage

There are some simple things you can do to help ensure that your garage is operating safely through the winter season. Consider trying the following this winter:

  • Avoid piling snow. Try to keep snow from piling up on your garage doors threshold. Too much snow piled up against your garage door can cause it to dent or have difficulty opening. Plus, the debris in snow can damage the integrity of your garage door threshold, which can mean a lapse in energy efficiency the risk of potential damage to the door.
  • Remove ice. Ice can cause a serious problem for a garage door. Ice often forms along the threshold of your garage door. When ice accumulates on the threshold, your garage door opener has to work extra hard to pull the door away from the ice. This can cause damage to your door or your opener, so clear away the ice first.
  • Clear before closing.  If your garage door has been opened long enough for snow or ice to develop along the threshold, clear it away before closing. If you close your door on snow and ice, the automatic reverse mechanism may kick in. Or worse, your garage door may close and be stuck.
  • Get a weather-resistant garage door. Weather-resistant garage doors can withstand the harsh winter conditions. These doors perform better over the long term and help homeowners avoid expensive repairs that come with cheaper alternatives.
  • Plow carefully. Make sure your plowing service knows to leave some space in front of your garage door. While plowing services are doing their best to do a good job, they aren’t always mindful about the fact that their work and their snow plows could damage your garage door.

Following the above tips will help you avoid garage door damage from ice and snow this winter. Keep in mind, when you need help repairing or maintaining your existing garage door, or choosing a new garage door that can withstand the harsh Midwest winters, contact Garage Door Doctor and our team of experienced technicians.

Tips to Avoid Emergency Garage Door Repairs

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

If you’re like most homeowners, you would rather avoid garage door problems altogether. Unfortunately, garage door systems involve numerous moving parts and components, making them at risk of wear, damage, and other problems that can cause your garage door system to not operate properly and lead to not only inconvenient but also unsafe, situations.

Luckily, if you are faced with an emergency garage door situation, you can rely on Garage Door Doctor to provide a working solution. Garage Door Doctor is always available, offering emergency garage door repair in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. While you can gain peace of mind in knowing that our 24-hour garage door services are always available, it’s still in your best interest to not have to deal with an emergency garage door problem. The best way to reduce the risk of these inconvenient problems occurring is to ensure that your garage door is in the prime condition.

Tips to Avoid Emergency Garage Door Repairs

To help you avoid these stressful issues with your garage door, we put together a list of tips that will help you avoid emergency garage door repairs.

Call a Garage Door Company

As soon as you notice an issue with your garage door or garage door opener, it is important to call a garage door company if you are unable to make the adjustments or repairs yourself. Prolonging repairs could potentially cause the problem to get worse and cost more in repairs. At Garage Door Doctor, our professional technicians will be able to fix the problem quickly to ensure your garage door will operate reliably.

Keep Up with Garage Door Maintenance

Keeping up with regular garage door maintenance is essential if you want to keep your garage door system running efficiently. Regular maintenance will help you detect potential problems before they become too sophisticated or too expensive to fix.

For professional garage door preventative maintenance, contact Garage Door Doctor today!

Clean and Lubricate Components

Garage door systems involve a lot of parts and components, many of which need to be properly cleaned a lubricated. Cleaning and lubricating the essential parts, such as the garage door tracks, rollers, and hinges, is one of the simplest yet most effective steps in garage door maintenance.

Adjust the Garage Door Sensors

Is your garage door not closing all the way? The issue could be caused by out-of-alignment photo-eye sensors. The purpose of these sensors is to keep your door from closing at unsafe or inconvenient moments, however, when the sensors are not properly aligned, this safety feature can become a burden. To prevent major issues from occurring, move the sensors back into their right position with the lenses lined up with each other if they are to come out of place.

The tips above are just a few things you can do to avoid the risk of emergency garage door repairs, which can save you time and money as well as your sanity. However, it is important to remember that emergencies do happen, and when you are faced with a garage door problem that requires urgent repairs, you can count on Garage Door Doctor for 24 hour garage door repairs. If you are in need of emergency garage door repairs, contact our technicians today!

Common Winter Garage Door Problems

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

As we all know, Midwest winters can be harsh. It won’t be long before the snow begins piling up. With the frigid temperatures and snow, it can be easy to forget the effect they can have on your garage door. It is estimated that 71 percent of homeowners use their garages to enter and exit their house, making garage door problems a huge inconvenience.

Before the winter reaches its prime, it is important to be aware of some of the most common garage door problems that occur this time of year so that you can get ahead of them and keep your door running smoothly. Let’s review some of the most common winter garage door problems.

Contracting Metal and Damaged Components

In order for your garage door to be properly functioning, every single part needs to be in the best shape. When one component is damaged or faulty, it can cause the entire system to shut down. This is a serious issue, especially with the cold temperatures make metal contract. A garage door has many metal components. The screws, springs, railing, and other parts can break or cause your garage door to get jammed due to contracting.

Broken garage door springs are one of the most common garage door issues that happen during the winter. And since garage door springs keep the weight of your door balanced, they are essential to a fully operating system.

The metal components of your garage door system should be lubricated throughout the entire year as a part of regular garage door maintenance, but it’s especially essential during the winter months to avoid contracting metal and a malfunctioning door.

Garage Door Frozen To The Ground

One of the most annoying problems that can happen this winter is when a garage door sticks in cold weather. If water accumulates at the bottom of the gate, it can seal and freeze the garage door shut. Does your garage door stick when cold? The best way to avoid this problem is to sweep puddles and snow away from the base of your door right away, not allowing it to accumulate.

Damaged Garage Door Sensors

Believe it or not, the remote sensors can become cracked when the temperatures are harsh. While this is a rare occurrence, if you have cracked garage door sensors you’ll need to call a professional garage door company to find out what’s happening with the sensor and either fix the issue by offering garage door sensor repair or replacement. Before you call anyone, check for simple issues like dead batteries or something interfering with the photo eye sensors.

Damaged Weather Stripping

Garage door weather stripping is a great way to keep the cold air out and the warm air inside your garage during the winter. It also can improve energy efficiency. However, sometimes during the winter, water can freeze around the base of your garage door and trap the weather stripping between the ice and the ground. When you try to open your garage door, it can tear the weather stripping off. Furthermore, as time passes, the stripping wears and tends to harden and crack, eliminating the seal and allowing the cold air to enter inside. With such a large door, losing the weather stripping seal can create your overall heating costs to rise. Again, a good way to avoid this issue is to sweep snow and water away from the base of your door before it has the chance to freeze. Inspect your weather stripping regularly to make sure it hasn’t become too worn or damaged to keep your garage and home warm.

Contact Garage Door Doctor For Garage Door Repair In The Winter

Not only is fixing your garage door in the winter difficult and dangerous to do without the proper knowledge and equipment, but the cold temperatures make it a task you don’t want to have to deal with. By taking the necessary precautions, you can prevent these common winter garage door problems. If you find yourself in need of garage door repair this winter season, you can rely on the expert garage door contractors at Garage Door Doctor! Our team can diagnose whatever problem your garage door system is having, getting it back up and properly functioning as it should. To receive a free estimate, contact our garage door company today!

4 Reasons Why Garage Door Replacement Services Are Worth The Investment

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Did you know that the average garage door takes up about a third of the front of your home? This means, more likely than not, your garage door is the first thing people see when visiting or passing by. However, with a faulty, worn, or old garage door your home’s curb appeal is negatively impacted. A quality, new garage door, on the other hand, has the opportunity to enhance the curb appeal of your home and increase it’s overall value.

Why A Garage Door Replacement Is A Good Investment

There are many reasons to get a replacement garage door, especially if you have a broken garage door that isn’t operational. The additional space a garage offers can’t be utilized without a way to get in and out easily. If you are wondering whether or not a garage door replacement is a good investment, there are both practical and aesthetic reasons to update the look of your garage. Let’s take a look at four good reasons why you should consider investing in a new garage door.

Enhances Visual Appeal

Garage doors are fairly large, both in size and visual impact. An old, worn, or damaged garage door that is in disrepair can make your home look dated. By choosing a garage door replacement service that installs the most modern garage door solutions, replacing your garage door can transform the curb appeal of your home. Whether you want a steel, wooden, or fiberglass garage doors, a new garage door will certainly enhance the visual appeal of your home.

Reasons Why Garage Door Replacement is Worth The Investment

Increase Home Value

Garage door replacements are one of the best ways to increase the value of a home. According to Remodeling Magazine, a new garage door installation offers the best return. It is not only affordable on the front end, but it offers 98 percent return on investment when factored into the resale value of the home. Unusable, worn, or broken garage doors deter prospective buyers away and suggest that there may be other issues with the home. A garage door that is new, aesthetically pleasing, and opens and closes with ease is a huge plus to house hunters!

Safety

A broken garage door puts safety at risk. They often become unbalanced, which can lead to the garage door falling off its track. Additionally, sensor issues can increase the chances of damage to your vehicles and increase the danger to pets and children. A new garage door system will ensure that your garage has the latest safety features.

Security

Security should be one of the main priorities for your garage, especially if it attaches to your home. Burglaries often occur in homes with the least risk to the burglar, so if your house has signs of easy access, such as a broken garage door, you are more susceptible to having your possessions stolen. Updating your garage door will deter thieves from targeting your home as new garage doors are often more secure than older, faulty ones. Today, many of the garage doors from leading manufacturers actually have built-in security features. With stronger industrial materials, code pad openers, or improved locking systems, your garage is more secure and therefore is much more likely to keep your vehicles and other stored items safe.

In Need of a Replacement Garage Door?

If you have a faulty or broken garage door, the reasons to get a replacement garage door far outweigh the reasons not to. Updating your garage is a great investment and a wonderful way to enhance the curb appeal of your home, increase its value, and make it safer and securer.

If you are in need of garage door replacement services, contact the team of garage door contractors at Garage Door Doctor. To receive a free estimate, contact us!

Helpful Tips For Fall Garage Door Maintenance

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

The Midwest is known to have some brutal cold winters, and one of the last things you will want to do when the temperatures drop and the snow starts falling is clean or fix your garage door. That’s why the fall is a great time to finish up any remaining preventive maintenance so you’re not stuck with a faulty garage door system in the winter.

Luckily, we put together four fall garage door maintenance tips to ensure be worry-free as Old Man Winter approaches.

Tip #1: Clean Up

While there is still some sunshine and temperatures are still up in the fifties, make sure to give your garage a good exterior and interior cleaning.

  • Use a power washes to get rid of any dirt, dust, and debris
  • Wash the garage floor with soap and water to get rid of any fluids, dirt and debris from the road, or stains that may be building up.

Extra Tip: Make sure that the lenses of your garage door photo eye sensors are clear, free of any dirt, dust, and debris.

Tip #2: Lubricate Moving Parts

As intricate systems of metal moving parts, garage doors need lubrication to work smoothly. The owner’s manual of garage door system should contain detailed lubrication information.

  • Make sure that the tracks and rollers operate without any issues.
  • Ensure that the torsion spring above the door is well lubricated.
  • Spray all moving parts with a lubricant to help create a quiet, reliable operation.

Tip #3: Check Seals and Weather Stripping

The corners, bottom, and sides of your garage door are most likely to let cold air in during the winter, causing your heating bills to spike when left unattended.

  • Double check to ensure that your weather stripping and seals are in-tack, not worn out, and show no signs of weathering or cracking.
  • Consider adding or replacing insulation to your garage door if it’s not already insulated — some new garage doors even come insulated.

Tip #4: Inspect The Track For Dents

It is common for garage door tracks to be damaged over time, especially after repetitive use. Before the winter season, do your due diligence to make sure that the track is in good condition.

  • Thoroughly inspect the track in search of nicks, dents, and other damages.
  • Ensure that the rack is clear and that the door is running smoothly along the rails as it should.

Get Professional Garage Door Preventive Maintenance

The tips above are just a few ways to ensure your garage door is ready for the upcoming weather, however, you cannot go wrong with professional maintenance from the experts at Garage Door Doctor. Contact us to learn more.

Businesses That Are Using Commercial Garage Doors

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Commercial Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Commercial garages can benefit a business in a variety of ways, from providing storage for inventory to providing a space to park company vehicles. Not to mention, many businesses that transport stock typically have a loading dock, which should have a commercial garage door installation for ease of unloading delivery vehicles. The reality is, a commercial garage is a great investment for various types of businesses. In this blog, we’ll explore certain businesses that are using commercial garage doors.

Commercial Garage Doors

Commercial garage doors are quite different from residential garage doors. Instead of only opening once or twice a day, commercial garage door systems are constantly operating throughout the day. This consistent use demands better hardware, a stronger opener, and stronger springs.

Businesses That Are Using Commercial Garage Doors

Many types of business are already experiencing the benefits of quality and reliable commercial garage doors. Here are five examples of the utilization of commercial garage doors:

Auto Body and Repair Shops

One of the most common commercial garage door applications is an auto repair facility. The commercial doors used in auto repair shops are most likely sectional garage doors, as they are more cost effective. Additionally, sectional doors can be insulated to keep the cold out in the winter, and inside during the summer.

Fire Stations

If you have ever driven past a fire department, you may have noticed the large commercial garage doors. The demands of needing to exit their station quickly in case of emergency demand the use of a commercial garage door.

Restaurants

More and more restaurants are adding commercial garage doors to their building to extend their dining room or allow for a nice breeze to be created during the summertime. Glass panel sectional garage doors allow the doors to close when the weather is unpleasant, and open when it is nice outside for patrons to enjoy open-air dining.

Retail Stores

Many retail stores often use loading docks to receive their times. Commercial garage doors are useful in moving goods from delivery trucks to the stock area of retail stores. Roll-up commercial garage doors are commonly used in retail loading dock locations for increased security and durability.

Commercial Garage Door Installation in Indianapolis and Central Indiana

For all of your commercial and residential garage door installation and repair needs, look to the garage door experts at Garage Door Doctor. We can install new commercial garage doors or repair your existing garage door. If you are in need of commercial garage door replacement, we have top-of-the-line doors for your application. To learn more, contact us!

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide For Your Garage

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Now that the cold winter conditions are behind us and spring is finally here, many people have already begun their spring cleaning routine. From washing kitchen floors, vacuuming and dusting the bedroom, to reorganizing the living room — there are several tasks to knock out that will help revitalize the look of a home and feel of a home. However, amidst all of the areas in a home that are included in a spring cleaning routine, there is one area that is often overlooked or skipped.

Garages and the extra space they offer is a great addition to any home. However, the use of garages has developed into something more than just their intended purpose of housing cars. Many homeowners use their garages to store a variety of items and belongings. From old clothing, furniture, and appliances to out-of-season holiday decorations, there is no guessing what you may come across in a garage. If you are like most homeowners, your garage can certainly act as a “catch-all” for just about any item you can think of. Before you know it, garages can become a cluttered, unorganized mess. Sometimes, garages can become so cluttered that there is no longer any room to park a car. Plus, with the nasty conditions we had this winter it is likely that salt, water, mud, and debris was transferred into your garage. This makes the spring an ideal time to clean a garage and get it ready for summer!

Spring Cleaning Tips For A Garage

Cleaning a filthy and cluttered garage can be a daunting task, but it should not be left out of your spring cleaning routine. To assist homeowners, we put together some helpful tips to quickly declutter, clean and organize a garage this spring-cleaning-season.

1. Create a plan and set goals

Before starting any big home cleaning project it is important to first establish a course of action before tackling tasks. Simply putting garage cleaning on your spring cleaning to-do will not always be enough. Before you start cleaning out your garage, take a moment to analyze the area to get a good idea of what needs to be done. Create a checklist of certain tasks you want to accomplish and things you may want to get rid of. If you really want to be motivated, try setting some goals. Maybe those goals are fitting two vehicles inside instead, or creating enough space to install new garage cabinets. Creating a detailed cleaning plan and setting specific goals will help you get a better understand of what you want to accomplish.

2. Set aside enough time

Depending on how cluttered and messy your garage is, it is unlikely that you will be able to fully clean it in a few hours. Most garage cleaning projects can be knocked out in a weekend, or back-to-back days. Be sure to set aside enough time to sort, clean, and organize items and areas in your garage. If you want to make the cleaning process go by faster, consider asking a friend or family member for help! Be sure to provide them with food and drinks for helping you with a less than glamorous task!

3. Take everything out

In order to effectively clean and tidy up a garage, it is usually easier and less overwhelming to remove everything from inside of the garage to start the cleaning process. While this may seem like an exhausting and time-consuming task, it is ultimately worth doing if you want to have a tidy garage this spring and summer. The more you take out, the easier it will be to give your garage a top-to-bottom cleaning. Try to take out as much as you can — vehicles and all. If the weather allows, you can place the items from your garage in the driveway or yard. When removing items from your garage, take the time to group them five different categories: keep, sell, trash, donate, and recycle.

4. Don’t be afraid to let go

When sorting through the items and placing them into different categories, don’t be afraid to add things to the “sell” and “trash” piles. Many people choose to hang on to certain items and belongings due to the fear of potentially needing it in the future. If you come across items you are unsure about, consider whether you will be using the item again in the near future, and whether or not it’s worth the occupied space and extra clutter. When you clean out your garage and throw away unwanted or unnecessary items along the way, it will be much easier to decide whether an item is worth keeping or selling.

5. Start cleaning

Once the garage is finally free of vehicles, items, and other clutter you can start cleaning the areas that would otherwise be hard to reach, such as the walls, floor, and garage door. These areas of the garage tend to be very filthy, especially after the winter. Although most homeowners don’t spend too much time in their garages, cleaning these main areas will help your garage look more appealing and comfortable. Follow these steps to give your garage a tidier look.

The walls

Over time, garage walls can become covered with dirt. This can be an eyesore, especially with white walls. Before scrubbing down the walls, first use a vacuum cleaner with a hose to remove any cobwebs or layers of dust that is calcified to the wall. Next, use a bucket of water with a mild detergent to start washing the walls. To quickly clean your walls, begin at the bottom of the walls, working your way to the top in horizontal layers. After reaching the top, lightly wipe away excess water to avoid streaks and stains.

The floors

The garage floor is likely covered with stains and debris, especially after the winter season. Start cleaning your floors by sweeping them, ensuring to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Then using a garden hose and cleaning detergent, wash and scrub the flooring. Once that is done, finish by rinsing. If you garage does not have a floor drain, be sure to remove and dry any excess water remaining. If unsightly stains remain, consider hiring a garage floor coating service.

The garage door

Start by using a broom or brush to rid your garage doors of any loose dirt or debris. With the garage door close, spray the outside of the door with a garden hose to do a majority of the cleaning. After, use soapy water and a sponge to wipe both sides of the door down. Give extra attention to any stains that require it. Once the door is dry, be sure to quickly inspect areas that may need garage door maintenance or repair. Be sure to wipe the photo eye sensor lenses to ensure dust and debris isn’t getting in the way. Lubricate rollers, chains, and other parts as necessary.

6. Determine the best layout

Now that your garage is clean and tidy, it’s time to find a home for the items and belongings in the “keep” pile. If there are items that you frequently use in the garage, such as a fridge or recycle bin, be sure to place it near the door for easy access. To ensure you have enough room for vehicles, park them inside the garage and start transferring items neatly into organized areas or spaces.

7. Create extra storage space

One of the reasons garages become so cluttered is because there is not enough space to store items. However, there are many simple storage solutions to create more space in your garage. Consider installing garage cabinets and shelves, hang your tools on a pegboard. Taking things off of the floor and putting them into shelves and cabinets will clear up more space for other items and appliances.

8. Schedule garage door maintenance

The winter can take a toll on a garage door and the garage door opener. It is recommended that garage doors receive yearly routine service to keep it running smoothly. And now that you have a clean garage, it is the perfect time to schedule a garage door inspection with a professional garage door repair company. Scheduling routine maintenance with a garage door service company will make sure that your door is correctly balanced and aligned, properly lubricating rollers, hinges, and other necessary parts, and ensure that there is no visible wear or damage.

9. Prevent future clutter

Once your garage spring cleaning is finished,, you will want to make sure that all of your hard work pays off by maintaining its tidiness and organization. Do your best from allowing clutter to reclaim the space in your garage. Use the cabinets and storage shelves to keep clutter off of the garage floor. Be sure to sweep and hose down the garage floor to keep it free of dirt and debris.

Hopefully, these tips will help you with your spring cleaning routine and a cleaner, more appealing garage. Be sure to remember this blog to repeat the same routine next spring, for a clutter-free garage all year-round!

Need service for your Indianapolis Garage Door?

Now that the temperatures in Indianapolis are looking more and more promising, this is the perfect time to start spring cleaning your home and garage. When you finishing your cleaning routine it is best to have a garage door service come out and inspect it to ensure it is operating properly. When you need garage door service in Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding areas, you can rely on Garage Door Doctor! Whether you are in need of garage door replacement, repair, maintenance, routine service, or garage door installation — whatever your needs are, the experts at Garage Door Doctor can help. Request Indianapolis garage door service today!