Spring is already here and for many of us, so is the renewed motivation to tackle various DIY projects around the home and improve any signs of wear winter might have left behind with garage doors being a popular focus point. Cold, moisture and draughts can often remind us to give this area a little TLC. Luckily, this is something you can easily do yourself! Here are some of our favourite ideas to help you upgrade your garage door:
Yes, DIY garage door upgrades are absolutely something homeowners can do on their own without necessarily having to use professional help. There are some straightforward, actionable ways in which you can refresh this area that may seem simple but actually can completely transform the way it looks and feels. With a few handy tools (and some patience), you should be all set to give your garage entrance a new look and there are both aesthetic and functionality-focused upgrades you can tackle on your own. Below, you can learn about some of our favourite ways to do this.
Here are our top 7 DIY garage door upgrade ideas that are incredibly straightforward and actionable and most of which you can tackle in a weekend:
Giving the surface a wipedown and doing any small repairs to its surface e.g. pushing out small dents or sanding/priming scratches can make a massive difference in the way your door looks. Use a microfibre cloth and a mild detergent to give it a quick wipe and you’ll notice the dirt, algae, salt and pollen washing away and revealing much of the surface’s original shine and colour.
If you want to go further than cleaning the surface, why not give it a fresh coat of paint? Maybe refresh the existing colour or perhaps even go for an entirely new one if you feel like switching it up!
Installing new handles and hinges is another one of those low-effort but high-reward steps that can really make a difference in how your garage entrance looks by giving it a more high-end look without requiring anything too complicated or expensive.There are magnetic options available making it easy to replace old components and in addition to improving looks, upgrading those can secure your space from break-ins, improve the door’s alignment and even reduce noise.
Magnetic faux windows are cost-effective, give you an instant curb appeal upgrade and can be installed in 10 minutes or less without any tools needed. A solid garage entrance can have a bit of a blank appearance with nothing breaking it up, which is exactly what magnetic decorative windows do. Since they’re magnets you can move or reposition them as you like and they’re also designed to withstand heat, rain, etc. so they stay in place year-round.
If you’re looking to improve functionality alongside looks, how about installing some fresh insulation? This is something you can complete yourself especially if using foam panels as those are quite lightweight, plus they’re cost effective and will help reduce noise and maintain the temperature within your space. If this step is something you’d like to learn more about, feel free to have a look at our dedicated blog on insulating your garage door.
Installing an LED light kit will give the space an additional boost when it comes to curb appeal as it can truly make the property look more inviting and modern. As an additional benefit it’ll also make it safer, especially if it’s motion sensor lights you choose to install as it’ll illuminate dark spots and make it easier to spot any potential intruders.
One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to upgrade your garage door is by installing a quality garage door seal. A good seal creates a barrier between your door and the floor which will stop damp air from entering and will prevent pests, leaves, debris and rainwater from coming into your space, too. This is also a great approach if you’re looking to lower your garage heating bills as according to the Energy Saving Trust, draught proofing can save you around £80 - £90 a year! If you’d like to seal the door even better, you can apply weatherstripping along the sides.
If you’re looking to install a new rubber seal as part of your DIY garage door makeover, it’s important that you pick the product that’s right for your space. At Stormstop we offer a range of high quality options:
To find the product that’ll fit best, make sure to measure the space between the gate and floor beforehand so this way the one you choose forms a tight seal with the floor.
Installing the seal is easy and you can absolutely do this yourself. If it’s your first time installing one, you might find it helpful getting yourself a garage door seal kit as it’ll contain everything you need for the fitting. In case you need any help, feel free to have a look at our step-by-step seal fitting guides here.
In case you need any additional advice on how to upgrade your garage entrance by sealing it to protect the space from debris, pests and rainwater you can get in touch with our helpful team. We’ll be happy to help and recommend the best products for you or if you prefer, you can fill out our convenient contact form below and we’ll be in touch soon!
