Get matched with top garage pros in Yucaipa, CA

If you also have a standard door leading to your garage, install a robust deadbolt lock and reinforce the frame with security plates. Then, secure any windows with shatterproof glass or film to deter break-ins. Consider a smart garage door opener for your car entrance, enabling remote monitoring and control through your smartphone. Motion-activated lighting around the garage to deter intruders is a great way to amplify these security efforts. Lastly, educate your family on security practices, such as keeping the garage entrances closed and locked.

How often you clean your garage depends on what you do in there and its overall level of disarray. You should clean the garage once every season, though some experts say every month. Decluttering and deep-cleaning once a year is enough for garages used primarily for storage, but if you do car maintenance or other hands-on project in the space, you’ll need to clean more frequently.  

We recommend hiring a garage door professional to install a garage door opener for you. Garage door openers aren’t terribly complex, but setting them up properly, setting the lift and drop speed, and installing sensors that work correctly can take a few hours for a DIYer. The cost to install a garage door opener is around $400, and it will save you a lot of time and frustration. Garage professionals have the skills and equipment necessary to work with potentially dangerous garage door components, like springs.

The best paint for a garage door depends on the door's material, the desired finish, and durability requirements.

Paint Type

The type of paint you need often depends on the material of your garage door:

• Aluminum Doors: Typically require exterior acrylic paint.

• Vinyl and Wood Doors: Exterior latex paint is usually recommended.

• Steel Doors: Professionals often use latex or oil-based paint.

You can choose between acrylic, oil-based, and latex paints. Acrylic paint offers excellent UV and weather resistance and dries quickly, but may require multiple coats. Oil-based paints are very durable and may only need one coat, but they dry slowly and emit more VOCs. Latex paint is available in a wide range of colors and is forgiving to apply, but it can crack over time and may require a primer for even coverage. For an eco-friendly option, consider acrylic latex paint.

Paint Finish

You have a wide variety of finishes to choose from, including semi-gloss, gloss, satin, eggshell, and matte. The choice is largely based on personal preference, but many people opt for a semi-gloss or gloss finish. These finishes dry to a hard, durable surface that stands up well to humidity and regular wear and tear.

Regardless of the type or finish, it's crucial to use a quality exterior paint that can withstand the elements. Using a primer before painting will ensure better adhesion and a more even, long-lasting result.