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You should lube your garage door components every three to six months depending on how frequently you open and close the door. Lubricant helps keep garage door components operating smoothly for longer; you can expect a much longer lifespan out of a garage door when you properly care for it, including frequent lubrication. Regular maintenance is much more affordable than the cost of replacing a garage door prematurely.

Most garage doors come with their own set of tracks and rollers from the manufacturer, so you don’t need to buy tracks separately.

Garage door sensors should be installed on each side of the door, typically six inches off of the ground. The sensors communicate through an infrared beam, so they need to face each other directly for the system to work properly. Make sure they’re level and aligned, and keep the area around them clear. If they’re too high or out of alignment, your garage door won’t function properly.

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.