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You should spray garage door lubricant on its important mechanical parts, including the hinges, rollers, springs, bearing plates, lock, armbar, and, potentially, rail. Do not lube the tracks, though you should clean these regularly for optimal performance.

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.

As with anything you buy, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Some low-cost flooring products can contain chemicals that release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the form of fumes that can be inhaled or dust that can cause skin conditions.

Even good-quality products can be dangerous for DIY-ers who don’t take proper precautions. Always carefully read manufacturer instructions and wear the recommended protective gear when working with paints and other chemicals. You can also hire a local garage flooring pro with the experience and equipment needed to perform the installation safely with no lingering fumes or debris.

With the exception of small, lightweight torsion-spring garage doors, which can operate with one spring, most garage doors require two springs to work properly. Garage doors with extension springs always require two springs—if one extension spring is broken or otherwise failing, the garage door may open unevenly and could pose a hazard if the remaining spring fails.