How to Convert Your Carport Into a Garage

Carports are versatile structures despite their limited functionality. They serve a distinct purpose — to protect your vehicle from exposure to the elements. While they don’t offer full protection, they help reduce the sun and rain’s effects and protect your vehicle from falling debris.

You might be considering expanding on your existing carport to increase the cover since you have the framework for it. This idea is enticing, but there are considerations you should keep in mind before you embark on this project. We’ll discuss these, along with steps on how to turn your carport into a garage.

What to Consider Before Turning Your Carport into a Garage

A carport-to-garage conversion will cost less than building a garage from scratch, but there are things to contemplate beforehand. Check the following requirements:

Local Building Codes and Regulations Compliance

Many home improvement projects require a permit to commence. This is to ensure the project meets the local building codes for safety and homeowners association (HOA) requirements. If you belong to an HOA, they’ll inform you of specific regulations for building structures in the neighborhood. Your local municipality will also advise of any guidelines for structural additions, like including fire-rated walls and entry doors.

Cost of Converting

It might seem like a quick job, but the cost of turning a carport into a garage can add up quickly. Consider the cost of the following at a minimum:

Framing lumber and siding
Doors and windows
An opener system
Insulation
Flooring
Electrical service
Permit fees
Professional consultation or installation

A complete professional garage installation can set you back thousands for everything from start to finish.

Assess the Carport’s Structural Integrity

An existing carport structure that’s stable and sturdy is easier to convert than a flimsy one. For example, weak posts that can hardly support the roof may take more to convert the entire carport into a garage. Checking the carport’s condition will help determine the required material and labor before commencing the job.

Check All the Carport Measurements and Components

A standard or double garage has distinct requirements regarding sizes and dimensions. The garage requires a depth of 20 feet and an opening of just over 8 feet. The slab flooring should be wide enough to accommodate one or two cars, measuring up to 14 feet in width. The concrete must be in good condition, cover the right surface area and support the prospective garage walls and beam weight.

Assess the roofline’s condition and fit to see if it needs to be changed to suit the garage door you’re installing.

Steps to Converting Your Carport Into a Garage

Once you’ve thought everything through and decided to proceed, follow these basic guidelines for turning your carport into a garage.

1. Planning and Preparation

Start by drawing up the required plans for your new garage and add them to the blueprint of your existing carport. Review the proximity to any neighbors and other boundaries to ensure you are compliant. If your project requires digging, be sure to contact the appropriate utility companies to mark where your utility lines are.

Inspect the ground’s condition and ensure it’s sound enough to support an efficient drainage system. Remember the costs and building regulations involved when planning a conversion project like this.

2. Build the Walls

The main distinction between a garage and a carport is that a garage is fully enclosed. Start by building the wall frames to secure the garage structure. The wall frames generally must be spaced within 16 inches from the center and be strong enough to support the rest of the framework.

It’s important to have a solid bottom plate for added stability. The pressure-treated wood plate must be damp-proof to repel ground moisture. Tie the wall frames to the top and sides of the carport to keep it in place.

3. Install Doors and Windows

If you intend to have window and door access, plan for these openings to be included. A window isn’t essential, but you’ll need a garage door. An attached garage may also require an entry door to your home, although this is also not a requirement. If you install a door, ensure you meet the building and safety requirements for compliance purposes.

4. Find the Perfect Garage Door

Once you’ve constructed the foundation and erected solid walls, the fun part comes in. Spend time reviewing reputable garage door installation companies for the best in quality doors and outstanding service. If you’re working with a contractor, have them help you choose the perfect garage door style to suit your family and structure’s needs.

Here are a few factors to consider:

Choose the right garage door style for your home. Roll-up, carriage, tilt-up, sliding and side-hinged are various options you can choose from.
Glass or aluminum panels provide a unique look that will make your garage stand out. You should ensure it fits in with your home’s exterior to avoid it looking out of place.
The right garage door color can make or break the aesthetic appeal. Bold, bright, contrasting colors speak volumes, while subtle, neutral colors blend beautifully with the surroundings.
Garage doors are available in wood, steel, metal, aluminum and fiberglass. Choosing the appropriate material is important as you want the most value for money.

Additional features like windows and other embellishments are optional, but they enhance your door’s curb appeal.

Apart from how the door looks, it should be functional and serve its purpose. This includes:

Increased security: A durable garage door must be strong enough to withstand storms and other impacts. It should also provide security against intruders.
Reduced energy bills: An insulated garage door helps regulate your home’s internal temperature, especially in the adjacent rooms. Insulation means the HVAC doesn’t work as hard to cool or warm the space, so you spend less on energy bills.
Minimal maintenance: A newly installed garage door requires little to no maintenance. You’ll enjoy the numerous benefits that come with having a worry-free garage door.
Smoother operation: With a new garage door, you experience less noise during operation, and it opens and closes seamlessly.

Choosing a suitable garage door opener is essential as it enhances the door’s performance. There are some benefits that come with installing them, depending on the model:

The ability to connect to the Wi-Fi for remote access
Compatibility with sensors and rolling codes to increase security and reduce injury
Additional lighting
Automatic opening and closing features

A professional garage door installation from a dealer like Cornwell Door Service is the best option to ensure safety, compliance and a speedy process.

5. Add Insulation

The more areas you insulate in your garage, the more the room will retain heat and cold and regulate the overall temperature. You can invest in an insulated garage door from the beginning or have an existing garage door insulated once it’s installed. You should also consider insulating the walls, ceiling and any attic space. Add weatherstripping around any windows and entry doors.

6. Complete With Exterior Finishing Touches

You have free reign where the finishing is concerned. Try to match your garage door with your home’s exterior by using contrasting or complementary colors and accents. Any embellishments should highlight your garage and home, not detract or be distracting.

Call Cornwell Door Service for Your Garage Door Installation Today

At Cornwell Door, we want you to be confident and proud of the door you choose for your new garage. Our high standards and integrity ensure you get a top-quality garage door in the style that best fits your home and budget while our professionals take care of the installation.

If you live in Central Pennsylvania and you’re ready to install your new garage door, call us at (800) 820-9841 or request an online estimate to schedule a service date!

The Main Types of Garage Doors

The variety of garage door types available today can be exciting and overwhelming. To help you navigate them all, we’re giving an overview of the main types of garage doors, each with a unique set of features and advantages.

We will detail each category, highlighting their pros and cons, ideal applications, and design considerations. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to make an informed choice, ensuring your garage door meets your requirements.

Roll-Up Garage Door

Roll-up garage doors, also known as rolling steel doors, offer a practical and space-saving solution. These doors are constructed from horizontal slats that roll up and down, making them an ideal choice for many residential, commercial and industrial applications. This section will investigate roll-up garage door features, pros and cons, and where they are best suited.

Benefits of Roll-Up Garage Doors

The features of a roll-up garage door include the following:

Space efficiency: Roll-up garage doors are ideal for limited ceiling clearance. Since they roll up into a compact coil at the top of the doorway, they maximize usable space inside and outside the garage.
Durability: These doors are typically constructed from sturdy materials like steel or aluminum, making them highly resistant to wear and tear. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide long-lasting security.
Security: The interlocking slats and reinforced guides make it difficult for intruders to gain access, providing homeowners and business owners peace of mind.

Cons of Roll-Up Garage Doors

Here are a few of the cons that need to be taken into consideration:

Cost: Roll-up garage doors can be more expensive upfront than other doors.
Limited insulation: Some roll-up doors offer insulation options but are generally less energy-efficient than insulated sectional garage doors. This may be a consideration for residential applications in extreme climates.

Where to Install Roll-Up Garage Doors

Roll-up garage doors work great for certain buildings and facilities. Here are some of your options:

Commercial and industrial facilities: Roll-up doors are the go-to choice of businesses, warehouses and factories. Their durability, security features and space-saving design make them perfect for these settings.
Residential garages with limited headroom: As mentioned, homes with low ceilings or little overhead space benefit from roll-up garage doors, as they maximize the available space for storage and parking.
Modern and minimalist homes: Roll-up doors with sleek, minimalist designs can complement the aesthetics of modern homes, adding a touch of sophistication to the exterior.

Sectional Garage Door

Sectional garage doors consist of individual horizontal panels hinged together. The design allows them to open vertically, moving up and into the ceiling space. Explore the features, advantages, disadvantages and suitable applications of sectional garage doors.

Benefits of a Sectional Garage Door

From energy to divided panels, here are the benefits of sectional garage doors:

Insulation options: Sectional garage doors often come with insulation options, making them an energy-efficient choice. This feature helps regulate the temperature inside the garage, making it more comfortable and potentially reducing energy costs.
Aesthetic versatility: These doors are available in various materials, including steel, aluminum, wood and composite materials. They can be customized to match the property’s architectural style, offering a wide range of design choices.
Energy efficiency: The insulation properties of sectional doors make them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to maintain a comfortable garage temperature and reduce energy bills.
Security: These doors are built with safety in mind, featuring locking systems and durable materials that help protect your property.

Cons of Sectional Garage Doors

When choosing a garage door, one con of sectional doors is that they require ceiling space. Abnormally shaped garages or those with low ceilings may benefit from a different door type. The other consideration is that while sectional doors are generally low-maintenance, the hinges and tracks need occasional lubrication and inspection to ensure smooth operation.

Where Sectional Garage Doors Are Best Suited

Is sectional garage doors suited for your property? A few garages that work with sectional doors are as follows:

Residential homes: Sectional garage doors offer a combination of insulation, aesthetics and security.
Homes in variable climates: Sectional doors with insulation are well-suited for regions with extreme weather conditions, as they help maintain a consistent temperature inside the garage.
Properties with adequate ceiling space: Since sectional doors open vertically, they are ideal for homes with ample ceiling space.

Counterweight Garage Door

Counterweight garage doors, or counterbalance doors, are a unique and space-efficient alternative to traditional garage doors. They differentiate from the previous doors because counterweight garage doors operate on a balanced system. They do this by using a combination of cables, pulleys and weights to facilitate smooth and efficient opening and closing.

Features of Counterweight Garage Doors

The use of the weights creates unique features for counterweight doors, such as the following:

Minimal space requirements: These doors are ideal for garages with limited headroom or where horizontal tracks are impractical.
Manual or automated operation: Counterweight garage doors can be operated manually or automated with the addition of a motorized system, offering flexibility to homeowners.
Safety features: Most modern counterweight doors are equipped with safety features such as anti-drop devices and emergency release mechanisms to prevent accidents.
Durability: The balanced system used in these doors is designed for longevity, resulting in minimal wear and tear and less maintenance than other door types.

Disadvantages of Counterweight Garage Doors

Counterweight doors generally offer less insulation than sectional doors, which may affect energy efficiency, especially in regions that experience extreme temperatures. The second disadvantage is that installing counterweight garage doors can be more complex than other types, and it’s essential to ensure they are appropriately balanced for safe operation.

Where Counterweight Garage Doors Are Best Suited

Counterweight garage doors are often chosen for historical buildings or compact garages where preserving ceiling space is crucial. Homeowners who prefer manual operation may also prefer a counterweight garage door. Garages used primarily for storage, workshops or other nonvehicular purposes may also benefit from a counterweight garage door.

Sliding Garage Door

Sliding garage doors, also known as barn-style or side-sliding doors, offer a distinctive alternative to traditional overhead garage doors. They achieve this by opening and closing horizontally and sliding along tracks installed on the sides of the garage.

Advantages of Sliding Garage Doors

The first advantage is that these doors come in various materials, including wood, metal and glass. From a functional standpoint, sliding doors do not require overhead tracks or ceiling clearance, making them an excellent choice for garages with limited headroom or for maximizing space inside and outside the garage.

Considerations of Sliding Garage Doors

Many sliding garage doors are operated manually, which can be less convenient than motorized options, especially for larger or heavier doors. The doors also have slightly less effective weather sealing than some other types of garage doors, potentially leading to temperature and moisture issues in the garage.

Where to Install Sliding Garage Doors

Residential properties with rustic aesthetics or farmhouse-inspired looks are well suited for sliding doors. If you have a low ceiling, sliding garage doors offer a solution, as they use side space.

Get Cornwell Door Service to Install Your Garage Door

Cornwell Door Services has installation services to ensure your chosen door is seamlessly integrated into your property, providing you with years of reliable performance and security.

If you reside in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, or the surrounding areas, we are delighted to be your go-to destination for all your garage door needs. Contact us today, and let us transform your property with the perfect garage door.

The Most Popular Garage Door Styles of 2023

Upgrading your garage door is a fantastic opportunity to increase your home’s curb appeal while complementing your personal style. A quality garage door can also boost energy efficiency, security and home value. From rustic wood to sleek steel, there are many popular garage door styles to consider for your home. If you aren’t sure where to start when picking a new garage door, consider taking inspiration from some of the garage door styles trending in 2023.

1. Carriage House

Carriage house-style garage doors swing in and out of the doorway to open and close. As the name suggests, they resemble the doors of traditional carriage houses that store horse-drawn carriages. Modern carriage house garage doors are typically made from steel or wood, using overlay construction and decorative details for a classic, textured look.

These doors can add charm and character to any home. Clopay’s Canyon Ridge® doors are available in four-layer or five-layer construction styles and many colors and finishes, so you can easily coordinate a carriage house garage door to fit your home’s existing style. Whether you go with an elegant white or a rich walnut color, these classic doors lend beauty and simplicity to your home.

If you are looking for a more rustic look, Clopay’s Reserve® Wood doors are the perfect garage doors to add historical charm and country character to your home. Enjoy a variety of wood options and panel designs that include options to add window panels as well.

2. Aluminum and Glass Panels

Garage doors with glass and aluminum panels can enrich your property with a clean, modern feel. You can choose from several aluminum frame colors to complement your home’s aesthetic. Additionally, you can browse different glass options to control the natural light and privacy levels in your garage.

Whether you opt for tempered full-view glass, solid aluminum or acrylic panels, this durable garage door is sure to make a statement for your modern home. Insulated glass garage door panels are more energy-efficient if you’re seeking a sustainable option.

Aluminum doors are also perfect for commercial businesses and public service buildings if you are looking for something that provides visibility and an industrial design. We install and service a variety of aluminum doors, including Clopay’s Architectural Series for commercial venues!

3. Natural Wood

If you desire a rustic, organic feel for your home, it doesn’t get any more authentic than natural wood. A redwood, hemlock or cedar garage door radiates warmth and comfort. Likewise, classic raised, recessed and flush panels add interesting texture. With multiple panel lengths, colors and wood species to choose from, you can create the ideal option for your home’s unique architecture.

You’d be surprised how much a simple, natural wood garage door can transform your home’s exterior and curb appeal. Discover a new level of beauty when you choose a handcrafted natural wood garage door for your property.

Interested in a modern twist of a wood classic? Wood garage doors can also be a stunning addition to your property. We recommend Clopay’s Reserve® Wood Custom if you are looking for modern wood doors that have a variety of customization options available.

4. Louvered

Resembling plantation shutters, a louver-style garage door features horizontal slats to bring in air and light. This design is ideal for colonial, farmhouse and coastal homes alike. Modern louvered doors are usually constructed with steel for maximum durability and strength, along with molded composite overlays that add texture and authenticity to the overall look.

Faux-wood look composite overlay materials and cladding can be molded from natural wood to achieve intricate grain patterns. You can also choose from a range of colors to suit your aesthetic. Embrace a timeless charm by adding a plantation shutter-style garage to your home.

No matter your design preferences, Clopay’s Canyon Ridge® Louver garage doors are the perfect addition to your home. With flexible design options and versatile design, these doors can complement a wide variety of home styles.

Install Popular Garage Door Styles in Central Pennsylvania

At Cornwell Door Service, we can help you stay on top of the latest garage door trends through our quality products and installation services. Whether you have a certain style in mind or you aren’t sure what you’re looking for, our experts can guide you through our garage door selection to help you make a decision.

We’ll assist you with choosing the ideal material, color, finish and other design options, creating a custom garage door to fit your requirements. Our team can also install your new door once you’ve made your selection, bringing your unique design concept to life. We service Harrisburg, Lebanon and the surrounding areas in Central Pennsylvania.

Whether you’re drawn to classic, contemporary or modern garage doors, our knowledgeable team can help you find a solution based on your budget and home aesthetic. Interested in installing a new garage door? Call us today at 800-820-9841 or request an estimate online!

Why You Should Choose a Modern Garage Door

Your garage door serves as a gateway to your home or commercial space, so you should choose one that reflects your style. If you are interested in a product that offers sleek lines and a minimalistic look that works well with many different kinds of architecture, then a modern garage door may be the perfect option for you.

Whether you want your garage to stand out or blend in, there’s a modern door to meet your needs. Explore some of the primary reasons to choose a modern garage door when it’s time for a new garage door.

1. Increased Curb Value

When you install a modern garage door, the price you pay is an investment in your property. Whether you’re considering a move soon or planning to stay in your home or commercial space for years to come, curb appeal matters. Most new doors will be an upgrade if your current installation is a few decades old. Modern garage doors are especially popular because their minimalistic look complements a wide range of styles.

In terms of style, a few elements make a garage door modern or contemporary:

Panels and trim: Modern garage doors typically feature sleek lines and intentional use of positive and negative space. Their panels can have a vertical or horizontal layout, and they’re usually flat. Since most contemporary garage doors favor a minimalist design, the trim boards are usually simple.
Color: While modern garage doors are available in a wide range of colors, some of the most popular shades are neutrals like gray, black, white, cream, beige or wood tones. The most important element is that the color complements the rest of the home or space for smooth integration.
Materials: Some of the most common materials for contemporary garage doors are glass, steel, aluminum, wood composite and wood.
Decorative elements: Modern garage doors focus on form over function, so they’re not likely to have decorative elements like embellished latches or window lites. Any accents are typically designed to blend in with the rest of the door.

2. Modern Safety Features

Whether you’re looking for a new garage door for your home or business, safety should be a top priority. Modern garage doors offer the latest safety features to help you protect your property. If your garage door has been in place for a few decades or you’re not sure how old it is, you could be missing out on modern features designed with safety in mind.

One safety element you’ll find on contemporary doors is an auto-reverse function. If the door detects the slightest resistance while it’s closing, it will reverse automatically. This feature prevents heavy garage doors from colliding with people, pets and objects.

Photo eye sensors are another key safety feature. You’ll find these sensors a few inches above the ground on modern garage doors. Like the auto-reverse feature, photo eyes send a signal to the garage door opener to reverse direction if something is in the door’s path.

3. Modern Functionality

The newest garage doors offer features that simply weren’t on the market in years past. Modern functionality is one of the most significant benefits of upgrading your garage door.

Some of the innovative features of many modern garage doors include:

Lights: Lights provide helpful visuals for drivers, but the traditional bulbs on older garage doors can use a lot of energy. Modern doors typically feature LED lights that are more efficient and often adjustable depending on the level of illumination you need.
Wireless connectivity: Many modern doors offer smart operation and wireless connectivity. With an app on your preferred device, like a smartphone or tablet, you can open and close your garage door with a few simple taps.
Quiet operation: Traditional garage doors tend to rumble and shake during operation, especially older ones that have been in service for several years already. Newer doors prioritize quiet operation. Many modern garage doors feature insulation and sound-dampening technology for less noise.
Battery backup functionality: During a power outage, older garage doors typically require manual opening and closing. Modern door openers are often available with backup power systems you can count on for an extra supply of energy in an emergency.

Upgrade Your Home With Cornwell Door Service

Property owners in areas like Camp Hill, Lebanon and Harrisburg turn to Cornwell Door Service when they need modern garage door solutions, from installation to service. We offer a wide range of options from Clopay^®, the leading manufacturer of residential and commercial garage doors. Explore our selection of garage doors today and feel free to contact us online or call us at 717-273-9841 if you have any questions.

When Is It Time to Replace a Garage Door?

The average American garage door opens and closes thousands of times a year. Over time, wear and tear can lead to chipped paint, cracked panels and worn parts. It’s not always clear when to repair your door or simply replace it, but here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

The Life Span of a Garage Door

Garage doors don’t need to be replaced often. A high-quality installation can last up to 30 years with preventive maintenance. That said, you should take a few steps on a regular basis to check in on your door and ensure it’s still in proper working condition:

Inspection: It’s important to inspect your garage door from time to time by opening and closing it manually and automatically. You should also visually inspect the rollers on the door track annually.
Safety checks: You should regularly perform auto-reverse tests by placing a sturdy object like a brick to block the garage’s photo-eye sensor. While the door is closing, it should reverse automatically to prevent crashing into the object.
Maintenance: It’s vital to respray your garage door panels, apply lubricant to moving parts, clean the tracks of debris and tighten up the tracks and hinges with a screwdriver on a regular basis.

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door

As with most home hardware, it’s important to monitor your garage door for signs that it’s time for a replacement garage door. Pay attention to these key areas when determining whether or not it is time to replace your garage door:

Noise: You should contact a professional to inspect your garage door when it becomes noisy or vibrates during operation.
Motion: If the door stops opening or closing, it could be a battery issue that calls for repair or replacement.
Panels: Damaged panels will open the inside of your garage to the elements — and the damage can spread over time.
Energy: It might be time to replace your garage door if you notice your energy usage has increased. Newer doors with advanced insulation can help to regulate temperatures and your utility bills.

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide if you should replace or repair your garage door. Long-term garage use will undoubtedly cause wear and tear over the years, and the repairs may eventually become more expensive than the investment to buy and install a new garage door. There are some common garage repairs you can do yourself, but a brand-new garage door can save you a lot of time and money in the long run!

The Benefits of a New Garage Door

A new garage door can significantly improve your day-to-day life with convenient features and a stylish design. Newer door models offer superior safety features, like keypads rather than traditional key locks. Many also include smart home features — for example, you can use a mobile app on your device of choice to open and close your garage door remotely.

Another significant benefit is that high-quality garage doors can raise the value of your home, helping you earn a higher return on investment when you want to sell.

Contact Us for a New Garage Door in Central PA

When it’s time to replace your garage door, Cornwell Door Service is here to help. We’ve been serving our community for more than 40 years, and we have a wide selection of high-quality garage doors to suit the style of any home. Contact us online to request a new garage door, or call us at 717-273-9841 for more information!

What’s the Value of Improving My Garage Door?

When potential home buyers look for a new home, many desire garages more than finished basements or attics. Generally, if you have a garage in your home, it will be worth more than other comparable homes. You can further improve the value, energy efficiency and safety of your home by updating your garage door.

While your garage door should last you several decades, you may want to update your garage door to:

Increase your home’s resale value
Reduce maintenance
Save energy
Make your home more safe and secure

How Do I Know If I Need a New Garage Door?

A garage door should last several decades before you need to replace it. Inspect your garage door at least once a year to make sure it’s functioning properly. When you conduct your inspection, you should check the following factors to determine if you need to replace or repair your garage door:

Opening and closing speed: You know your garage door is outdated if you have to wait a long time for the door to open or close. If you have a manual door, you should upgrade to an automatic garage door opener to increase its opening and closing speed.
Noise level: An outdated garage door will make creaky, scratchy noises as it moves along its rollers. Updated garage doors are supposed to run smoothly and quietly. If your garage door is making noticeably loud noises, you should replace your garage door and its hardware.
Safety and security: A new garage door can protect your valuable possessions. If you are worried your luxury car or tools are prone to theft, you should upgrade your garage door to provide more security for your home. You also need a door with safety features to protect your children, pets and neighbors from potential harm. A new garage door would include an automated reverse system that will stop the door if an object, animal or person is in the way.
Appearance: Inspect your garage for sagging, peeling or dents. Your garage door is one of the most eye-catching parts of your home, so you should make sure it’s in the best shape and you’re not losing potential curb appeal. If you notice your door has irreparable rot or stains, you should replace your door.
Technology: Modern garage doors have the technology to make your home safe, secure and insulated. If you need to open your garage door manually, or if your garage door is missing some safety features, you should buy a new one.
Functionality: Your old garage door will lose its functionality as a result of poor maintenance, overuse and weather damages. Replace your garage door if it doesn’t open and close properly.
Energy efficiency: Your garage door is supposed to insulate your garage, providing a comfortable temperature for your home. If you notice your energy bills start to increase over time, your garage door may be to blame. Modern garage doors have energy-efficient material and insulation built into them to help lower your monthly energy bills.

Improve Home’s Resale Value

Return on Investment

Replacing your garage door can boost the resale value of your home. Studies show that investing in a garage door will have the highest return on investment than any other renovation or home improvement project you could do in your home, including adding a master suite. In particular, in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, you will typically have a 90.2 percent return on investment for your new garage door.

Potential home buyers will be attracted to your new garage door. They will appreciate the unified look of your home and the safety and storage your garage provides for them. By spending a few thousand dollars to update your garage door, you will receive thousands more back during the selling of your home.

Curb Appeal

Your garage door will also improve your home’s curb appeal. If you design a garage door that complements the rest of your home, you will create a cohesive look and an overall theme to your house. You can choose any color, material or design for your garage door.

You can update your garage to enhance your home’s curb appeal by following these tips:

Use visual elements: When you replace your garage door, you can add unique features — including barn door cross beams, horizontal beams, vertical lines or windowpanes — to give your garage door a new look.
Pick an appealing color: The color of your garage door will also attract potential buyers. You can stick with an organic palette — such as natural wood or vinyl white — or you can paint your garage door a vibrant color that will stand out on your block. Try to use bold colors that will blend in with your neighbors’ homes.
Be creative with your accessories: To create a more visually pleasing garage, you can add accessories like trim, shrubbery or lighting to accent your garage door.
Complement your exterior door: To improve your home’s resale value, make your exterior door look the same as your garage door. Having a similar garage door to your exterior door will make your home’s appearance more cohesive.

Whether you want to increase your home’s resale value to put it on the market or update your garage door for your family to enjoy, replacing or updating your garage door is a wise investment.

Modern garage doors are made with eco-friendly, sustainable material that requires less maintenance but still have a classic look

Reduce Maintenance

An older garage door will cost time and money to repair. Your old wood garage door will need proper maintenance to avoid mold buildup. Aluminum or steel garage doors could have dents and rust stains from weather damage. Any wear and tear on your garage door can affect its functionality.

If you replace your garage door, you will have less work to do to maintain and repair it. Modern garage doors are made with eco-friendly, sustainable material that requires less maintenance but still has a classic look. You can easily clean and paint your garage door to keep it fresh.

Old garage doors were often prone to paint chipping that required constant care. Modern garage doors have long-lasting finishes and stains on them to keep up your door’s sophisticated appearance.

A new garage door should last you several decades before you need to make any repairs. You should still follow routine maintenance checks, but you’ll have fewer emergencies if you replace your garage door now. You’ll also have new technology for your garage door, such as a new garage door opener and an automatic remote garage door opener.

To prolong the life of your garage door, you can take the following preventative maintenance steps each year:

Inspect the hardware: Tighten any loose bolts and check the rollers and lift cables for wear and tear.
Clean chains, springs and seals: Lubricate the spring, chain and screws. If necessary, replace the weather seal if the material has been compromised.
Test your door: Once a year, check the balance of your garage door by disengaging the automatic garage door setting and manually opening and closing your door. You should also check the functionality of your auto-reverse feature.
Replace or repair the weatherstripping: In the winter, a draft could leak into your home without secure weatherstripping. If you notice your garage door is colder than the rest of the home, consider resealing your weatherstripping.
Clean your garage door: Depending on your door’s material, you may need to check your garage door for any dents, stains or chips in the paint. You should also clean your garage door regularly with an appropriate cleaner.

If you need help maintaining your garage door, you can contact your local garage door professional for information. A professional can inspect, install and repair your garage door.

Energy Savings

The average family opens and closes their garage door three to five times a day. Over time, the wear and tear on your garage door can weaken its performance. A brand new garage door — complete with a brand-new garage door opener — will be able to withstand use. With the new technology available today, you can trust that your garage door will open and close properly.

An energy-efficient garage door can properly control the temperature of your home. Your energy bill will also be lower since your home will use less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. To make your garage door more energy-efficient:

Make sure your garage door has insulation: Modern garage doors typically contain a layer of insulation in between the garage’s material. If you need insulation in your garage door, replacing it with a newer model would help you better insulate your home.
Add or replace the weatherstripping in your garage doors and windows: If you feel air leaks and drafts coming from your garage door, you can add weatherstripping to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Weatherstripping and insulation can protect your home from drafts and extreme temperature changes. If your home needs insulation, your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. You can drastically reduce the cost of your energy bill by replacing your garage door.

Besides saving money, replacing your garage door to increase its energy efficiency can reduce the noise throughout your home. If your HVAC system has to work less to control the temperature, your heating will make less noise. You can provide a steady, comfortable temperature for your family year-round by improving your garage door.

Garage door companies make doors with more energy-efficient material. In addition to insulation that protects your home and lowers your energy bill, garage doors are also made with eco-friendly materials that use fewer fossil fuels to manufacture.

Safety and Security

A garage door leads right into your home. Thieves have learned new ways to break into your garage by using a wire hanger to disengage your garage’s automatic setting. If they can break into your garage door, they can enter the rest of your house through the garage.

Installing a brand-new garage door will ensure your garage’s safety and security. With a sturdy new door, your family and your possessions will be secure throughout the day and night. A new garage door will also protect your family from accidental harm.

In addition to replacing your garage door, you can provide your garage with more safety and security by:

Securing your garage doors and windows: Thieves like to peek into your garage window to try to figure out how to break into your home. You can put up privacy blinds to block their view.
Protecting your automatic release cord: Your garage door is equipped with a red automatic release cord that disengages the automatic setting. Thieves can slip a wire hanger through the top of your garage door and look through your window to pull the emergency cord, allowing them to open your garage door manually. You can install a piece of wood in front of the cord to block an intruder’s view and make the cord harder to reach.
Closing your garage door: Leaving your garage door open gives your entire neighborhood a window to your valued possessions. Even if you are home, you should keep your garage door closed to prevent an intruder from easily entering your home.
Using modern technology: With new mobile-friendly technology, you can program your garage door to connect to your phone. You will receive an alert on your smartphone every time your garage door opens.
Taking your remote opener out of the car: For convenience, you may have your remote automatic garage door opener on your car’s dashboard or somewhere visible in the car. Thieves are aware that most people put their remote garage openers in their cars, so they’ll try to break into your car to gain access to your garage. Keep your remote opener in a safe, hidden spot.

When you invest in a brand-new garage door, your garage will obtain new safety features to keep your family and valuables safe. One of these features is an automatic reverse system that retracts the garage if the photo eye senses an object, animal or person in its path. Your new garage door’s technology will be even safer when you properly inspect and maintain it.

New garage technology also provides extra security for your family. In the past, thieves could figure out your garage door’s code and easily open your door. New garage door openers now come with revolving codes that generate new codes that intruders cannot retrieve.

Cornwell Door Service Can Repair or Replace Your Garage Door

Cornwell Door Service provides garage door installation and repair service for residents and employers in the Camp Hill area of Pennsylvania. We provide a wide selection of Clopay contemporary garage doors for both residential and commercial buildings. Our entry doors also complement our selection of garage doors to enhance your home’s resale value and curb appeal.

With more than 40 years of servicing residents in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, we offer a 21-point maintenance program that includes lubricating your garage door parts and taking preventative measures to improve your garage’s performance. As garage door installation and repair professionals, we seek to provide the best quality and care to you as our customer.

Garage Door Curb Appeal For Your Home

The curb appeal your home offers is one of the first things house hunters will notice. If you’re considering listing your home for sale, investing in curb appeal improvements is worthwhile. But even if you aren’t selling your home, boosting your property’s exterior appearance could help increase your property value and make the most of your space.

What Is Curb Appeal, and Why Is It Important?

While the adage insists it’s all about what’s on the inside, what’s on the outside will influence buyer decisions when it comes to selling a house. Curb appeal refers to a home’s appearance from an exterior view. The landscaping, exterior walls, roof, garage door and every other element of your home visible from a street view impact curb appeal.

When selling a home, curb appeal is crucial— neglecting your property’s exterior of your property can quickly turn interested buyers away. As the foyer of your home, curb appeal suggests what the interiors may have to offer by creating a perceived value. These home improvements can help showcase your property in the best possible light:

Investing in landscaping: Landscaping is one of the most affordable ways to boost home value. Improving yard design and layout can attract potential buyers and highlight your home’s best features.
Pressure washing the driveway: Cleaning the driveway with a pressure washer is a pocket-friendly way to improve your home’s appearance. You can rent a pressure washer for a couple of hundred dollars or reach out to a service if you’re prepared to spend a bit more.
Updating the roof: Roof maintenance and repairs are essential to keeping a property intact. Roof repairs can transform a home’s appearance and add a lot of value to the sale listing.
Updating the porch and patio: Smaller details also add to curb appeal — updating the deck or patio, investing in outdoor furniture and adding a few decorative elements bring style and catch the eye.
Upgrading the garage door: A garage door impacts curb appeal and significantly influences perceived value. They represent a large surface, so they quickly draw attention.
Repainting exterior walls: Cracked, peeling and faded exterior wall paint will degrade perceived value, while a fresh coat of paint can do wonders.

How Your Garage Door Impact Curb Appeal for Your Home

Your garage door plays a vital role in creating curb appeal for your home. But upgrading this area of your home offers more than visual aesthetics — garage doors are functional features that add to property value. They can improve insulation for better indoor temperatures while adding convenience to everyday life.

With an automatic opener system, there’s no need to exit your vehicle to open the heavy door before you can drive in. Garage doors are also a safety feature, protecting your home and valuables from intruders.

Garage doors take up a lot of space on your home’s exterior, so it’s one of the first home features people will notice. A modern, quality garage door can elevate any property exterior. Garage door upgrades can make your home more appealing, even more so when pairing this upgrade with other curb appeal improvements.

How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal With a Garage Door

While a new garage door has many benefits to offer homeowners, choosing the right one for your home is essential. The right garage doors will complement your home’s architecture. Contemporary door designs can complete modern homes, while carriage designs are an excellent choice for rustic houses.

When choosing a new garage door for your home, the color, material, size and design of the doors are essential considerations. Just as you would match your landscaping design to your home’s aesthetics, the same applies to picking out a new garage door. You can pair your garage door style and color with your home’s exterior paint and design features, or you can use the door as an accent piece to set it apart from the rest of the home.

Like many other property elements, garage door styles go in and out of style over time. While sleek black doors are currently trendy, some may consider galvanized metal doors outdated. Some eye-catching and stylish materials to consider include wood, treated glass and modern steel.

There are also different types of garage doors— roll-up, sectional, counterweight and sliding are the most common types to consider.

Ways to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Existing Garage Door

If you aren’t ready to replace your garage door just yet, there are a few ways to give your existing one a noticeable makeover:

Clean and paint the panels: A fresh coat of paint and a deep clean are quick ways to give an old garage door a whole new look. You could add a pop of color to your home with a vibrant red coat of paint or stick to elegant cream or shades of gray, depending on the architectural style of your property.
Upgrade the insulation: If the weather stripping around the door shows signs of wear and tear, you can improve insulation and indoor temperatures by upgrading. New insulation will also extend the doors’ life span.
Install new hardware: A new garage door opener system will add functionality to your home. An automatic opener can increase value and ensure your garage doors last longer by reducing wear and tear caused by manual operation.
Add windows: Installing thermal windows in your existing door can have a similar effect to replacing the door. They’re also a great way to bring natural light into the garage, which is perfect for workshops or home gyms.
Add accessories: Adding a few accessories can also update your garage doors. New handles and framing decals can make a notable difference.

According to a 2023 cost-to-value report, garage door replacements can provide a 102.7% ROI. Updating your existing garage door or investing in a new one is a quick way to dress up your home.

Improve Your Garage’s Curb Appeal With Cornwell Door Service

Cornwell Door Service is a family-owned business. Since 1972, we have been improving curb appeal for clients with high-quality garage doors, garage door opener systems and a selection of garage door services.

If you’re looking for ways to improve curb appeal to increase property value or sell your home faster, contact Cornwell Door Service to request an estimate. If you aren’t sure which garage door will suit your home best, our experts will help you choose the best one for your home and budget.

Request an estimate online today for a new garage door for your home in Central Pennsylvania!

How To Install a Garage Door Yourself

Garage Door Installation

A new garage door can add curb appeal and modernize the exterior of your home, boost your return on investment, improve your home’s overall safety and increase your everyday convenience. Although you can receive full-service garage door installation from most garage door retailers — which includes disassembling and disposing of your old door and delivering and installing your new door — doing it yourself can save you money on garage door installation costs, especially if you have the necessary skill and experience for the job.

How to Install a Garage Door

For a safe installation of your new garage door, you’ll need to gather the required tools and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. These installation instructions will assist you in completing your own DIY garage door installation. In preparation for installing your garage door, gather the following tools and equipment:

Level
Safety glasses
Adjustable-locking pliers
Drill
Drillbits
Socket bit
Phillips driver bit
Open-ended wrench
Hammer
1/2-inch diameter rods

Once you’ve collected the proper tools, you can easily install your new sectional garage door by following 10 simple steps. With sectional garage doors — the most common types of residential garage doors that feature three to eight panels that slide upward and downward along a track — installation is performed by inserting each section one at a time, working from the bottom up.

1. Release the Garage Door Tension

For this first step, you’ll want to practice extreme caution, as garage door springs are under a great amount of weight and tension. When improperly handled, they can cause personal injury and damages. Before working on the garage door, you’ll first need to release the tension of the torsion spring. To do this, follow these steps:

Use your adjustable-locking pliers and clamp the torsion spring shaft, then wedge your pliers against the header wall above the garage door.
You’ll notice four holes in the spring winding cone, which loosens and tightens the spring. Insert a steel rod into one of the holes. Holding tightly onto the rod, loosen the screws that hold the winding cone in place.
Loosen each spring one-quarter at a time, alternating the two rods. Use one rod to hold the cone steady and the other rod to turn the cone.

2. Disconnect the Current Door From the Garage Door Opener

Once you’ve released the tension of the garage door, you can now disconnect your garage door from the opener. To safely disconnect the door, simply pull on the red emergency release handle. This will move the trolley arm into a vertical position, allowing you to raise or lower the door manually.

At this time, you can begin removing the sectional door panels:

Starting at the top panel, remove the hinges connected to the garage door panel.
Disconnect the panel from the track by loosening the bolts from the doorframe.
Continue removing the hinges from each panel and loosening the hardware of the remaining sectional panels.

3. Install the Sectional Garage Door Panels

Now you can finally begin installing your new garage door. If you need to replace a two-car garage door, put a reinforcing bar along the top panel to prevent bowing in the center. Then, drill pilot holes — if not already drilled by the manufacturer — and use screws to secure the bar to the panel. For successful installation and assembly, begin by:

Attaching the hinges to the top of each garage door panel
Attaching axle supports to the bottom and top panels
Placing the bottom panel into the opening and checking that it’s level
Installing each new panel onto the previous one, ensuring the groove of the upper panel properly sits on the ridge of the panel below it. Repeat this step until all panels are properly in place.

4. Secure Hinges and Install the Tracks

Secure the top half of each hinge to the panel on top of it, place the wheeled axles into the side hinges, and install the top and bottom axle supports. This will help you with installing the garage door track yourself. Next, install the track and ensure the wheels lie correctly in the track to ensure proper functionality. Finally, attach the door cable to the hook on the panel axle support located on the bottom, then attach the bottom bracket to the wall.

5. Attach Spring Assembly to the Track

At this time, assemble all pieces that support the spring and attach to the track. Then, using the previous door’s ceiling supports, rest the curved section of the track on the vertical piece you crafted earlier. Attach the other end to the ceiling bracket.

6. Bolt the Tracks Together

Line up your horizontal and vertical tracks and attach to the door, then bolt the tracks together.

7. Install Springs

Connect the spring anchors to the springs and attach the spring locking cone, then securely bolt the two springs to the header bracket.

8. Install Torsion Rod and Pulleys

To install the torsion rod, slide it into the holes located in the side header brackets, and then attach pulleys to each end of this rod.

9. Attach Cable

From beneath, attach the cable to the pulley wheel and turn the wheel so any slack is pulled taut over the pulley. Slide the wheel to the header bracket and tighten all parts securely. Now, attach a pair of locking pliers to the rod located on the outside of the bracket — this will deter the rod from spinning when you tighten the garage door springs.

10. Tighten Springs

Using your steel rods, tighten the springs and use your manufacturer’s manual to help determine how many turns are likely required to properly tighten the spring. Once the spring has reached the correct tension, tighten all bolts to lock the spring in place and remove the pliers from the torsion rod.

When in Doubt, Call the Professionals

As you may have gathered, installing a garage door can be a tricky and potentially dangerous business to do on your own, especially if you lack the required experience and skill to complete this project safely and properly. If you feel at all uncertain about installing your garage door safely or hanging your garage door safely and without error, calling in a professional garage door installation company can save you many headaches, big and small. Some reasons to have your garage door installed professionally include:

Proper Installation: Garage doors have many parts, and installing just one part incorrectly can cause the entire door to malfunction — which can cause damage or require you to start from scratch. Garage door installation professionals can correctly install a garage door with ease.
Garage door weight and tension: Garage doors are notoriously heavy and held together by a significant amount of tension, which can create safety hazards for yourself and anyone else nearby. Garage door professionals are trained in proper techniques to handle garage door weight and tension safely and also have specialized equipment to help the installation proceed smoothly.
Safety inspections: Let’s say you have completed all the steps to install your garage door. To your eye, everything looks as it should, and the garage door opens and closes when you use the opener. However, given the many safety measures added to garage doors, it can be easy to forget about them as you install the door. A garage door professional will perform a safety inspection to ensure all safety measures work properly to prevent future damage or injury from the garage door.
Warranty: Depending on the manufacturer’s warranty specifications, your garage door may not be covered for damage incurred during the installation process. Most garage door installation companies provide a warranty for the garage doors they install.

Furthermore, you do not need to purchase a garage door from the installation company to receive their installation services. Given the current state of the garage door industry with extended lead times, it makes sense for customers to purchase their garage doors from big-box stores where they can get their garage doors quickly.

Even if you purchase your garage door elsewhere, you can still count on Cornwell Door Service to install it for you. When you work with our professional garage door installers, you know that your garage door is installed correctly.

For Garage Door Installation Assistance, Trust the Professionals at Cornwell Door Service

Installing new garage doors can be hazardous for homeowners that don’t have experience with this type of project, and to ensure proper safety and garage door installation, you can always trust one of the professionals at Cornwall Door Service. Since 1972, we’ve been the leading and most trusted garage door installation company serving communities throughout central Pennsylvania, including the Camp Hill, Lebanon and Harrisburg areas.

To learn more about our garage door installation and maintenance services, call us today at (844)-821-5359 or contact us online.