Get matched with top garage cleaning pros in Poway, CA

Wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are among the top building materials for a garage. Wood is highly customizable, naturally insulative, and durable in mild climates but can be expensive. Steel is lightweight, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, but it’s susceptible to rust. Fiberglass is low-maintenance and doesn’t shrink or expand in changing temperatures, but it can become brittle and crack from prolonged high winds and sun exposure.

Unlike steel, aluminum isn’t susceptible to rust and is low-maintenance, but its ultra-light weight makes it less durable than some materials, and it’s susceptible to saltwater damage, making it a poor choice for coastal homes.

It’s best to prevent cold air from entering your garage through the space underneath the garage door. Stop cold air in its tracks by adding or replacing the weatherstripping underneath the door seal. You can also add weatherstripping along the sides and top of the garage door to prevent air leakage, and it’s a relatively easy DIY fix.

During a garage door tune-up, a pro will check and adjust your door’s components, looking for any damage and loose cables, springs, or rollers. The pro will also lubricate moving parts, like the hinges and rollers, and likely tighten some screws and bolts. They’ll also adjust the door opener’s tension and alignment to make sure it’s level. Finally, they’ll wash the door to ensure it’s clean, and test the auto-reverse mechanism to make sure it’s working as it should.

A garage door screen can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you frequently use your garage for activities like a home gym, workshop, or other hobbies. It allows you to enjoy fresh air and natural light without worrying about bugs. Additionally, a screen provides ventilation that can improve air quality when you're working with paints, varnishes, or producing sawdust.

The best option depends on your usage. For occasional use, a DIY fabric screen is a low-cost, simple solution that you can put up and take down as needed. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the space, investing in a customized, professionally installed garage door screen can help transform the area into a new hub for your household.