Remember when your teenage driver hit the gas pedal a little too hard and put a dent in your garage door? How about the time when you accidentally scratched the paint with your favorite power tool? Every day there are all kinds of mishaps that cause unsightly damage to the exterior or interior side of the garage door. Luckily, there are some ways you can avoid the most common types of damage.
Avoid Broken Springs and Hinges
Two of the most important components to the operation of your garage door are the springs and hinges. Both of these parts are susceptible to rusting, noise, and breaking. While your garage door spring will eventually break, you can extend its life expectancy with proper oiling and regular inspections. Use a lubricant to help reduce stress as your garage door opens and closes. Apply the lubrication at least twice a year. In addition, pay close attention to any creaking or delayed movement when you open or close your door so that you can perform the immediate repair.
Dents and Scratches
The most common type of garage door damage is simple scratches and dents. Depending on the material of your garage door, there are some good habits and techniques that will help you avoid this type of damage.
Aluminum
Dents in aluminum garage doors are especially common. Aluminum is a lot thinner than steel, which makes for smoother operation but slightly less durability. Using parking guides can help minimize your chances of backing into or driving into your door. Also, a coating of wax can help prevent rusting and corrosion.
Wood
Using wood sealer can help your garage doors deal with the outdoor elements, including the sun, wind, rain and snow. Furthermore, unlike aluminum, wood will chip instead of dent. You can replace and repair individual sections of damaged wood, but using a parking guide can also help you avoid running into your door.
Will homeowners insurance cover garage door damage?
Despite our best efforts, some garage door damage is unavoidable. Depending on your policy, your homeowner’s insurance may cover repairs or even total replacement. Whether you caused the damage yourself or if it was caused by a neighbor or someone else, your policy could cover the cost of the damage.
