How Much Does a New Garage Door Cost?

cost new garage door

While garage door costs can vary greatly, the national average for replacing a garage door is $1,134, according to HomeAdvisor. Typically, the price range is between $757 and $1,562. On the high end, you may spend up to $2,300 or more for garage door replacement.

There are many factors to consider in terms of cost, beyond the garage door itself. A basic garage door model may cost a few hundred dollars, but replacing the one you have can easily come with additional costs. Upgrading from a manual to an automatic garage door is a situation in which you’ll likely pay extra for the work.

Here is a look at other factors that may determine the final price:

  • Removing/Disposing Materials: The price may be included in the initial quote, but this step can cost up to $100.
  • Structural Modifications: If you need to resize the opening, even just add height, key structural elements may need to be removed, braced, and replaced, costing anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
  • Hardware: Garage door springs, nuts and bolts, hinges, pulleys, wires, and other hardware can cost up to $350, which is usually part of your estimate.
  • Locks: A lock helps protect any valuables you keep in the garage, but it can cost anywhere from $100 to up to $350 to install a specific brand lock for your garage door opener.
  • Location: Garage door installation tends to be higher where the cost of living in a particular area is higher. Geographic location is a factor too, as there are price differences from one region to another and local building codes, such as those requiring reinforcement against high winds.
  • Labor: Replacing a garage door can cost you up to $500 in labor, per HomeAdvisor estimates.
  • Customization: You can spend anywhere from $800 to up to $10,000 to customize your garage door with windows, trim and panels, and shatterproof glass; add multiple colors; or install a barn style door. 1

Garage Door Type and Cost

While labor costs are generally the same between different garage door types (a wooden, steel, or aluminum door is installed in the same amount of time), the design is a factor. For example, a manual single-panel garage door can cost from $400 to $1,200, while a sectional model costs anywhere from $750 to $2,500. Space-saving roll-up doors cost $400 to $1,500 on average. A tilt-up canopy door can cost up to $1,500 while a tilt-up retractable door ranges up to $2,000 for installation.

As for garage door material type, expect to spend up to $2,000 for steel, $1,800 for wood, $3,700 for wood composite, or $4,100 for faux wood, on average. Aluminum doors can cost a few hundred to up to $2,000, while fiberglass can cost up to $2,100. A vinyl garage door can go as high as $2,600 but if you’re investing in a high-end wood or composite installation, it can go as high as $10,000.

Trimming the Cost of Garage Door Replacement

You can avoid overspending on garage door replacement by:

  • Installing a standard model door without customization.
  • Purchasing directly from the manufacturer and hiring an independent contractor for installation.
  • Choosing only add-on features that you absolutely need.
  • Ensuring the door comes with a warranty to cover potential defects later.
  • Maintaining the door properly to avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.

Request a New Garage Door Estimate Today

Mesa Garage Doors offers a range of garage doors, garage door openers, and other products in Southern California. We specialize in many types of doors and all kinds of repairs. Contact us 24/7 at 800-893-1107 for more information or to request a free estimate.

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Pest Proofing Your Garage Doors

pest proof garage door

Pest proofing your garage doors is an absolute must. Your garage is the gateway the cleanness of your humble abode to the outside world, it’s a heavily utilized space and it functions best when pest free. If you’re like most homeowners, you use garage space for storage rather than only storing a car. According to a Home Innovation Research Labs study: of 900 homeowners surveyed, 93% used their garage for storage and 84% used it for their vehicle, while on average 30% of garage space is utilized for something other than parking.1

Therefore, you probably cringe at the idea rats, mice, roaches, and other pests may have no problem seeking harborage in your garage space.

Small pests need little space to get in. Rats, for example, need only a finger width of space in the garage door to get inside. If you can slide your finger under the gap near the ground, it’s time to take preventative action. But rats and other bests can also get in through vents, openings around pipes and wires, and drains. They can also dig under the foundation or climb up to the roof, into the eaves, and in your house.

Why Do Pests Love Garages?

Rats, and most pests, are animals looking for shelter where they can find protection. A garage protects them from the elements and predators. There typically aren’t any birds or other creatures to fear in a garage. As people tend to use their garage as an impromptu food pantry, rats can often find a multitude of store pet foods, snacks, and other edible items in packages that are easily chewed or clawed through.

How to Keep Them Out

Effective ways to pest-proof your garage door include:

Establish a Perimeter

Start outside your garage door and move any plants, firewood, and other pest-friendly items away from your garage door. Tree branches should be trimmed back so small pests don’t have easy access. Also, consider hiring an exterminator to treat your lawn and/or yard.

Organize Your Garage

Behind your garage door, cleaning up a cluttered space can make it less hospitable to pests. Try to store items above the floor. Cabinets, shelving, and baskets provide storage and organization. It’s less of an advantage for pests to settle in when items are stored in tightly sealed plastic totes rather than chewable cardboard boxes. Ceiling storage racks help move things off the floor as well.

Replace the Weather Seal

A worn weather seal at the bottom of your garage door is the easiest entry point. Install a rubber seal if you don’t have one. Bottom seals are often made of foam, vinyl, or felt, which rats and other rodents can chew through. Some seals melt if the pavement gets too hot and most simply wear out with regular use. One type of durable seal is made of metal and another is made of rubber reinforced by steel wool in the middle.

Also install seals at the junction of brick and siding, around doors, and windows. Consider vent covers as well if you don’t have them and/or replace plastic vents with metal ones.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Homeowners throughout Southern California rely on Mesa Garage Doors for installation, repair, and sealing services. We service all types of garage doors and have an extensive product line representing single- and double-car models and numerous styles, materials, and finishes. In addition, numerous colors and window options are available. To book service or request an estimate, contact us online or call 800-893-1107. We are available 24/7.

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Can Garage Doors Actually Increase Your Home Value?

garage door curb appeal

The exterior of your home has an impact on its value. A clean, inviting décor has a positive effect; and since a garage door can take up a third of your façade, an aesthetic door that’s in good condition can boost value. High curb appeal alone can increase the market value of your home 7%. In slower markets, it can rise as high as 14%.

What Does Curb Appeal Mean?

What exactly is curb appeal? It is not a quantifiable aspect of your home, but rather an observable and often subjective aspect. Broken pavement, chipped paint, and dented garage doors are just a few examples of issues that can reduce curb appeal. Real estate listings often highlight a home’s square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and whether recent home improvements have been made. However, the look of your home from the street shapes a buyer’s/investor’s first impression before they even go inside.

Curb appeal combines all standout design elements used for your home’s exterior. Before real estate listing websites, buyers would use it to pick which properties to see. They’d have to physically travel to the house after calling their real estate agent to set up a showing. Nowadays, photographs of multiple properties can be viewed simultaneously, virtual tours can be taken online and the housing market place is now much more competitive.

The Connection Between Garage Doors and Curb Appeal

The garage door is a large, prominent feature that deserves a lot of attention. It can easily increase home value because of its ability to:

  • Provide Balance: The design of the door should compliment that of your front door and the overall appearance of your home’s architecture. For example, if your home has large windows, a garage door with built-in windows may be a good idea.
  • Add Contrast: Using the same color scheme, the door can blend in, but the overall impact can be boring. Warmth and contrast can be provided by contrasting colors, unique panel designs, custom finishes, and windows and other decorative options.
  • Restore Your Home’s Original Charm: If your home was built in the middle of the last century, it’s probably been renovated a few times. Some of its charm may have been lost in the process. To restore the charm, garage door manufacturers and dealers today offer many options to update your door to suit your home’s style.
  • Improve Safety: New garage doors are fit with technologies such as auto reverse systems and photosensors, rotating security codes, and Wi-Fi access so you can check on its status or close the door if you forgot to. Modern doors better resist intruders and can update you instantly if something is suspicious.
  • Increase Efficiency: Manufacturers have been more diligent at sealing and insulating garage doors. Weather sealing and layers of insulation can stabilize the temperature both in the garage and in the living space of your home. Additionally, an insulated garage door can cut energy costs and block outside noise.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Mesa Garage Doors understands the true value that garage doors can add to your home. As the largest garage door installation company in America, and serving Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County, we know how to find the best products at the lowest prices. We employ factory trained installers and repair techs and never use any subcontractors. You can therefore depend on our high quality standards every time. Schedule a free evaluation and no obligation estimate by calling 800-893-1107 today.

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5 Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Garage Doors

garage door maintenance

Garage doors consist of large moving parts and complex mechanisms that wear out over time. Without maintenance, your garage door can become a safety risk and eventually break down. Since you use garage doors daily and even several times a day, here are five essential garage door maintenance tips:

1. Inspecting a Garage Door

Inspect your garage door for operational issues or damage at least twice a year. First listen for loud/unusual noise while it is running and then look at various parts on each side. Here are a few warning signs to look for:

  • Misalignment of parts
  • Asymmetry of apposing cables and pulleys
  • Rust and deterioration on cables/springs
  • Smooth vs. jerky movement
  • Worn, chipped, or cracked rollers
  • Brittle, cracked weatherstripping
  • Tighten hinges, loose bolts, and fasteners

If you notice there is debris in the tracks, clear it out. Objects stuck in a garage door track can cause damage or increase the rate of wear. Use a level to inspect the tracks; if adjustments are needed, contact a professional technician.

2. Service Components

With the garage door opener turned off, adjust the chain or belt drive mechanism. The nut on the bolt securing the mechanism can be adjusted using a wrench. Turn the nut clockwise to tighten, until the chain/belt is separated from the rail by about ¼ inch.

You can also adjust track brackets by loosening the nuts that secure them to the track. This reduces friction between the door and door stop. Other types of service you can do include adjusting door opening and closing speed, fixing stuck wheels by ensuring there’s sufficient room between the door and tracks, and replacing the batteries and bulbs of your garage door opener.

3. Safety Test

To determine if your garage door needs professional service, test its:

  • Balance: Disconnect the garage door opener and lift the door manually about halfway. Then let it go. The door should not slip. If so, it’s out of balance and requires professional service.
  • Automatic Reverse: Place an object directly below the door and turn it on. The door should instantly reverse when it touches the item; call a technician immediately if not.

Also test the photo sensors on either side of the garage door base. LED lights will indicate if they are properly aligned. If you see no light or a red indicator, the sensors need to be adjusted. Sensor tests should be performed in at least three different locations on the beam’s path.

4. Lubrication

In just 10 minutes, you can lubricate garage door parts to add years to their life. The garage door opener’s chain or screw should be lubricated with white lithium grease. Overhead springs should be coated with a spray lubricant. A garage door lubricant can be used (lithium or silicone based) on hinges, rollers (especially metal with sealed bearings), bearing plates, pulleys, torsion springs, and rail bottoms. Tracks don’t need lubrication but should be cleaned regularly.

5. Cleaning

Don’t forget to maintain the garage door itself; including making sure it’s clean. Wood doors should be wiped clean with a dry cloth, and check for warping and water damage. If necessary, repaint or stain the surface, or use a wood filler to patch any holes; then sand it lightly and add paint or stain.

For vinyl and other synthetic materials, use a soft cloth and recommended cleaner. The door can be rinsed with a hose and dried with a microfiber cloth. Clean the inside with a soft dry cloth.

Rust spots on steel doors should be sanded, primed, and painted. A mild all-purpose cleaner should be used for regular cleaning.

Schedule Garage Door Repair or Installation

If you have additional questions about maintenance, or want to schedule repair service or new garage door installation in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, or San Bernardino County, call 800-893-1107. Mesa Garage Doors can be reached 24/7.

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What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Garage

Getting accidentally locked out of your garage is never pleasant. There may be important matters to tend to at home and a jammed garage door opener can prevent entry in an emergency. How you handle the problem is critical. As many as 30,000 people are injured every year by garage door accidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And, with the number of coronavirus/COVID-19 cases rising daily, distancing yourself from others can be difficult if you’re stuck outside and can’t seek shelter in your home.

Whether the radio signal is jammed, there’s a power outage, or your garage door remote has failed, or you can’t regain access due to a mechanical problem or electrical problem, here are some ways you can proceed:

Try the Manual Release

Chances are, your garage door opener has a manual release device. Most openers do, and many older doors have an exterior handle that triggers the manual release from outside. It can be found at the bottom or on the surface of the garage door. Using it will trigger and unlock the garage door.

Invest in a Wi-Fi Enabled Opener

A Wi-Fi enabled garage door opener can be controlled using your smartphone or tablet, via a dedicated app. Investing in one is a good idea if you keep getting locked out. It bypasses the radio frequency system when the opener fails. In addition, it lets you monitor use of the garage door, or even lock or disable the system, using a digital control panel.

Call a Locksmith

If you locked the door manually and didn’t re-engage the electric opener, you may not be able to get back inside. There may also be damage to the system. You could always call a locksmith to repair or replace the manual lock and/or provide you with a new key if one is broken or lost.

The DIY Approach – Not Recommended!

Another technique, if there’s no signal or your remote control isn’t working, is to drill a hole into the garage door. This is easier if your door has a thin aluminum skin. Access the center of the door near the top. Once the hole is cut, reach in with a spider tool to grab the red emergency release rope. Pulling it down will engage the door opening system so you can manually open the garage door.

Installing a vault lock in the hole you drilled provides access in case you have future garage access problems. It can be secured in place using the vault lock brackets and by drilling holes on either side of the lock to bolt it in place. Connect the vault lock to the emergency release handle with a cable or rope, and it can be used any time.

You can also remove the bottom roller from one side of the door. This will let you push the door in to crawl inside. But either of these methods come with risks of injury and damage to the door. It’s, therefore, best to have a technician check the door and door opener, who can save you headaches and money down the road.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors for Help

Servicing Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County, Mesa Garage Doors provides installation and repairs, while offering the lowest price guarantee. We service many types of garage doors and garage door openers. For a free repair estimate, contact us at 800-893-1107; our company is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency.

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What to Do When Your Garage Door Remote Is Stolen

mesa garage door remote

Burglars are keen on compromising garage security to gain access to homes. You might not think of someone stealing a garage door remote. But it does happen. When someone has access to your remote control, they can open the garage at any time. This leaves your home vulnerable to break-ins, which is never a happy thought, especially during the current coronavirus outbreak.

Stealing garage door opener remotes is an opportunity for criminals. Aside from the spread of germs, there are many other concerns. A criminal can get their hands on a garage door remote that’s left visible inside your car, whether near the visor, rearview mirror, or center console. Their next stop is often the glove compartment, where the car registration will reveal your address; once a burglar finds that, they’re in business.

If you’re unfortunate enough to have your garage door remote stolen, here are some important steps to take:

Method #1: Disable/Reprogram Your Garage Door Remote

Disable your garage door opener so it cannot receive the signal from the remote control. To do this, press the Smart Button on the garage door opener’s motor. Any remote or keypad used to operate it will be deprogrammed; no signal will reach the receiver. Most openers use rolling codes that change every time the system is used and come with this intuitive feature just in case.

Make sure to deprogram all devices linked to your garage door.

After you deprogram the remote, you’ll want to reprogram the remote so you can use your garage door again. The garage door manual should explain the proper procedure for this, but copies of the maintenance manual can also be found on the manufacturer’s website. A new transmission code will enable you to regain access to your garage.

Method #2: Use the Control Panel

If the control panel is near the door or otherwise easily accessible, use the LOCK button to disable any remote signals that come in. You can still open and close the garage door using the panel. For a doorbell-type wall control, unplug the opener and use the red emergency release cord to operate the garage door instead. You can operate the door manually for now and install a lock on the side to secure it.

Garage doors come with manual controls in case of a power outage or other emergency. You can use these at any time if there is a mechanical or electrical problem, you feel there’s a safety issue, or to do maintenance.

Method #3: Install the MyQ System on Your Smartphone

LiftMaster and other brands provide an intuitive control feature called the MyQ system, which installs on your smartphone. It allows you to access the wireless system remotely. There is no need to reprogram your smartphone. This software also lets you monitor your garage door opener in real-time—from anywhere.

Take Preventative Measures

Prevention makes it harder for thieves to steal garage remotes. To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of garage remote theft:

  • Always keep your car doors locked
  • Avoid putting the remote in plain sight
  • Hide your vehicle registration in a less popular place
  • Fit a mini remote on your keychain
  • Use a deadbolt for securing your garage door

Call Mesa Garage Doors for Help

Whether you need repairs, a battery, or to improve garage security, Mesa Garage Doors is here to help. If you’ve had a garage door remote stolen or feel at risk, contact us 24/7 for assistance. We can be reached anytime at 800-893-1107.

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Garage Door Replacement in 2017: The #1 Home Improvement Project?

garage door replacement 2017

Each year Remodeling Magazine publishes a study researching the economic benefits of certain home improvement projects. Some of the home improvements highlighted within the study include:

  • Basement Remodel
  • Bathroom Addition
  • Bathroom Remodel
  • Entry Door Replacement
  • Garage Door Replacement
  • Major Kitchen Remodel
  • Window Replacement

The study is conducted both from a national perspective as well as a regional perspective. We will discuss the 2017 regional results in a future article. For purposes of this post we will focus on national averages and more specifically the national average economic benefit of replacing your garage doors.

Remodeling Magazine uses the following definition for garage door replacement for use in their study:

“Remove and dispose of existing 16×7-foot garage door and tracks. Install new 4-section garage door on new galvanized steel tracks; reuse existing motorized opener. New door is uninsulated, single layer, embossed steel with two coats of baked-on paint, galvanized steel hinges, and nylon rollers. 10-year limited warranty.”

For a midrange project in 2017, garage door replacement ranked as the 5th best home improvement project to undertake out of 19 listed home improvement projects. Last year garage door replacement ranked 3rd.

However, for upscale projects in 2017, garage door replacement ranked as the number 1 home improvement project to undertake from an economic benefit standpoint.

To see the full 2017 Cost vs. Value Analysis, check out Remodeling Magazine here.

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5 Benefits of Installing Roll Up Doors

roll up doors

Roll up doors are quite popular amongst industrial and commercial properties. I’m sure you’ve seen them used prominently at schools, retail centers, medical, government, and office buildings. The popularity of roll-up doors seems to be on the rise lately but not many people understand the main benefits of installing these doors on their property. As such we gathered the 5 main benefits of installing roll-up doors on your property for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

Roll Up Doors Benefit #1: Maximum Security

Roll-up doors are strong. Typically made of steel, these doors provide that extra theft deterrent many are looking for on their properties. In addition to being the better option security-wise when compared to  fiberglass, aluminum, or wood garage doors, the installation of steel roll up doors can also have a beneficial impact on your expenses by way of reduced property insurance premiums!

Roll Up Doors Benefit #2: Easy Maintenance

Steel roll-up doors require little-to-no maintenance and are easily replaceable, making them one of the most reliable, cost-effective options in the industry. Many prefer the roll up door because it is an easy addition to almost any architectural style property. In fact, roll up doors can be designed with wood or other materials to match the exterior of architecture.

Roll Up Doors Benefit #3: Long Lasting Durability

Steel is a resilient material manufactured to protect against extreme weather conditions and harsh usage environments. Unlike doors made from other materials, steel roll-up doors can endure the wear and tear of heavy traffic usage and can be outfitted with rust-resistant components including spring coatings and bottom bars to further extend their longevity.

Roll Up Doors Benefit #4: Energy Savings

Other than being sturdy and dependable, insulated roll up doors also are supremely effective when it comes to energy transfers between the property and outside. Whether you are using the doors as standalone garage doors or as a cover for windows, insulated roll-up doors maintain energy efficiency for your property and savings for pockets.

Roll Up Doors Benefit #5: Space Savings

Because roll-up doors open vertically and are gathered into a roll instead of sliding along tracks, they take up very little overhead space while also enabling convenient and easy access.

If you are interested in learning more about the pros and cons of installing roll-up doors please give us a call at 1-800-893-1107.

 

 

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Garage Insulation – Is it Really Necessary in Southern California?

garage insulation

Temperatures throughout Southern California tend to average around 70 degrees year-round forcing many homeowners to question whether or not garage insulation is really necessary when purchasing a new garage door.  Most associate garage insulation with keeping heat in and keeping the cold out, but there are several other functions of garage insulation you should consider before purchasing new garage doors, here’s a few:

Garage Insulation Saves Energy & Money

While temperatures throughout Southern California do average around 70 degrees in any given year, there are still times in the winter when you want to keep the heat in and in the summer when you want to keep the cold air from the air conditioning system within the house. Being the largest opening in the house, garage doors tend to be the main culprit in allowing air to flow from inside the house to outside. This air flow loss forces air conditioners and heaters to work overtime in keeping your home temperature appropriate. The addition of garage insulation limits the air flow and thus reduces the amount of energy needed.

Garage Insulation Reduces Noise

Garage insulation provides an effective sound shield from exterior noises entering the house and from internal noises traveling outside. So, if your kids decide they want to start a band after school, a properly insulated garage door could provide the necessary deterrent from neighbor complaints.

Garage Insulation Provides Structural Reinforcement

Insulation makes your garage door stronger.  Over time, the opening and closing of a garage door tends to cause sagging, bending, and oftentimes ripping of the garage door panels.  An insulated garage door prevents this from happening and can drastically extend the life of a garage door.  Also, by adding an additional layer to your garage door, it usually moves more smoothly and with less noise than a standard non-insulated garage door.

If you are interested in learning more about the pros and cons of installing an insulated garage door don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-893-1107.

 

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Garage Door Repair – The Hidden Truth

garage door repair

Keeping a keen eye on how your garage door functions is key to maintaining a healthy garage door. But every now and then things happen and a professional garage door repair is needed. The longer you put off having your garage door repaired the more damage you are possibly incurring that’s why we recommend when your garage door is not functioning properly that you have it repaired as soon as possible.

If you’ve noticed unusual sounds emanating from your garage door or uneven opening and closing functions, there’s a very good chance your garage door is experiencing problems. Since the garage door serves as the front door for many households, it’s important to get it repaired so you can get back to your daily activities and keep your family safe.

A malfunctioning garage door can be inconvenient (to say the least), but if you’re prepared, you’ll know how to handle the situation. Below we highlight several hidden truths about garage door repair to guide you through the repair process.

Garage Door Repair – Multiple Repairs Likely Necessary

There are two main components of your garage door system: the garage door opener and the actual garage door. There are various moving parts within the garage door opener that allow the opener to run smoothly and there are typically multiple sections of each garage door.

Chances are that if one part of your garage door malfunctions or breaks, it’s necessary to repair more than just one part. Because the entire garage door system works together as one unit, when one part is not working, it is likely that another part will eventually stop working as well. If you only repair the broken part without paying attention to other component parts, the malfunctioning part will probably break again.

Garage Door Repair – Annual Tune-Ups Recommended

Mesa Garage Doors along with North America’s largest trade association for garage doors, DASMA (Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association), recommend garage door tune-ups by a professional garage door repair company every year. Annual tune-ups allow technicians to inspect your garage door system to make sure everything is working properly and to identify any potential issues. Even though you may not be aware of any problems with your garage door system, there could be damaged parts or hardware under extreme tension that could cause a major problem in the future.

Garage Door Repair …or Replacement?

When you’re dealing with a malfunctioning garage door system, you’ll have the choice of having your garage door repaired or replacing the entire system with a new garage door system. While repairing your current garage door typically is the less expensive option, a complete garage door replacement may make more sense in the long run economically (as highlighted in this replacement vs. repair article). Either way our garage door repair professionals will be able to advise you about the best choice for the safety of your home and your family.

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