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Everyone today is interested in making their money go further and that common sense notion extends to homeowners in Toronto. More homeowners than ever are making sure the various components of their homes are properly serviced and maintained to glean maximum value and life out of them. That includes the garage door. The average garage door has a lifespan of about 10,000 open/close cycles before it needs to be replaced. But many home improvement ‘experts’ claim that a number is simply a marketing tool and that if you provide your garage door proper maintenance you’ll never need new overhead garage door installation. Are they right?
Is New Garage Door Installation Just a Marketing Ploy?
Some firmly believe that by taking proper care of your garage door you can extend its life indefinitely. Their method for doing so seems to include:
-Having the door regularly serviced.
-Not using the door unnecessarily.
-Replacing worn-out parts when called for.
-Not giving up on the door prematurely.
The thinking seems to be that people have been conditioned to believe they need new garage door installation when their door just needs a little attention. This attitude, while perhaps understandable on some level, simply ignores the reality on several other levels including:
The design limits of the various components:
Torsion springs are designed to coil and uncoil a certain number of times after which material fatigue sets in and the spring fails. There is no way to get around entropy in this case. Your only option would be to replace the springs repeatedly, and we’ll get into that in a moment.
The effect of the environment on materials:
If you have regular maintenance performed on your door’s parts you have a good chance of getting the full 10-12 years of life out of them. If you don’t the components will succumb to the environmental onslaught and you’ll be faced with a malfunctioning door after only a few years.
The law of diminishing returns:
Some self-proclaimed ‘experts’ claim that you’ll never need a new garage door installation if you simply keep replacing old parts when they break down. This is an interesting idea but it begs the question: what’s the point? What’s the point of trying to make the door last forever by simply replacing parts over and over? Sooner or later the law of diminishing returns kicks in and you’re spending more on keeping the old door operational than it would cost you to simply replace it with a new, more energy-efficient door.
Usage patterns:
It’s easy to say “Don’t use the door more than you need to” but in reality who does? Most people are reluctant to open their garage door more than they have to and for good reason. Opening the door unnecessarily lets out precious heat. It compromises home security. It invites neighborhood critters to take up residence inside the garage and it defeats the purpose of storing the car away from the elements.
Is It Time for a New Garage Door? Key Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
No matter how much love and maintenance you give your garage door, every door has a lifespan. And when that time is up, no amount of TLC can save it. Like all things in your home, garage doors eventually wear out—and when they do, it’s not just about aesthetics, but safety, energy efficiency, and functionality too.
If you’re starting to wonder whether it’s time for a new garage door installation, here are some of the most common signs to look out for:
1. Visible Wear and Tear
Over time, materials break down—no matter what type of garage door you have:
• Aluminum is prone to dents.
• Steel can rust without proper upkeep.
• Wood looks great but is high-maintenance and vulnerable to rot.
• Fiberglass may become discolored or brittle, especially in cold climates.
If your garage door is showing significant wear, constant patch-ups may no longer be worth the time or money. Replacing it with a modern, low-maintenance door may be the smarter (and more cost-effective) choice.
2. Compromised Security
If small animals—or worse, small children—are managing to sneak into your garage, that’s a big red flag. Gaps, warping, or misalignment in your garage door can compromise the safety and security of your home, possibly affecting your insurance coverage and leaving your belongings vulnerable.
3. Rising Energy Bills
Garage doors with poor or failing insulation can allow heat to escape in winter and enter in summer—forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. Not only does this mean higher energy bills, but a poorly insulated garage can also lead to humidity issues, mold, and damage to stored items. While it’s possible to retrofit insulation, a new garage door designed with energy efficiency in mind is a far better long-term solution.
4. Unusual Noises
Screeching, grinding, or clunking noises aren’t just annoying—they’re cries for help. While some noise is normal, constant or worsening sounds from your garage door system can be a sign of serious internal wear. If repairs are becoming frequent and ineffective, it may be time to consider a complete replacement.
5. Shaking or Jerky Movements
If your garage door wobbles, shudders, or stops unevenly during operation, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s a safety hazard. A door that moves unpredictably can be dangerous to people, pets, and your car. Avoid any accidents by replacing an unreliable system with a safe and smooth-operating modern door.
6. You’re Renovating or Selling
Thinking of putting your home on the market? A new garage door can significantly boost curb appeal and resale value. Updating your door to match your home’s style or reflect a recent renovation project is a smart investment. Likewise, if you’re converting the garage into a gym, studio, or living space, a new door with better insulation and access options is essential.
7. Frequent Repairs and Malfunctions
Are you constantly dealing with garage door breakdowns? If you’re frequently calling for repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire system rather than continue fixing individual components. Older doors and openers become unreliable over time, and upgrading can save you money in the long run.
8. Difficulty Opening and Closing
A properly functioning garage door should open and close effortlessly. If yours hesitates, gets stuck, or moves inconsistently, it could be due to failing springs, an aging motor, or a misaligned track. Instead of struggling with an unreliable door, consider upgrading to a modern, efficient model.
The Importance of Proper Garage Door Installation
The garage door has become an important aesthetic tool designers and architects the world over depend on to deliver unexpected ‘wows’. But they’re also enormous mechanical devices that, if not installed properly, could present a real and present danger to a home’s inhabitants.
Installing a new garage door seems like it doesn’t require any particular skill or training but looks can be deceiving. If corners are cut during the installation the garage door will be more hazard than benefit and you’ll likely need to have someone in to redo the installation.
Avoid Below Installation Mistakes that typically backfire:
The health and safety of everyone in the home is dependent on whether the garage door is properly installed. Don’t confuse garage door installation with real DIY projects like cabinet refacing.
Overlooking Safety Measures:
Neglecting essential safety features, such as sensors and emergency release mechanisms, can pose significant risks. Ensure all safety components are correctly installed and tested to prevent accidents.
Not considering the whole garage:
We’ve seen a lot of wacky DIY installations including ones where the door was installed in such a way as to bring it into contact with a light fixture in the center of the garage ceiling. This is particularly dangerous if the garage door is steel. Every garage door installation must take the whole garage environment into account and if anything needs to be moved to accommodate the door it should be moved.
Neglecting to install the stiffener:
The top panels of the door are subject to tremendous stress every time the door opens. For this reason, a steel stiffener should be installed across the top of the door to ensure long-term structural integrity. Failing to install the stiffener is a common DIY mistake that can result in the door needing to be replaced.
Ignoring Manufacturer Guidelines:
Disregarding the manufacturer’s instructions can lead to improper installation and void warranties. Always adhere to the provided guidelines to ensure the door functions as intended and maintains its warranty coverage.
Skipping Site Preparation:
Failing to prepare the installation site can result in misalignment and operational issues. Ensure the area is clear of debris, and the mounting surfaces are level and structurally sound before beginning the installation.
Incorrect Measurements:
Accurate measurements are crucial for a proper fit. Misjudging the size can result in a door that doesn’t align correctly, leading to operational problems and potential security risks. Always double-check all dimensions before proceeding with the installation.
Installing the motor off-center:
To ensure the door is lifted properly the motor and lift assembly must be installed in the exact center of the door. Offset either one just a bit and your door will shake and shimmy when opening, the tracks will eventually loosen and the door may collapse onto the car or someone you love. Even if the door does not collapse other components like the motor, tracks, and spring(s) will wear out before their time.
One Extension Spring:
Some Overhead garage door replacement companies and more than a few DIYers think they can get away with using a single extension spring mounted in the center of the ceiling between the tracks. This is both dangerous and a bit delusional. The nature of extension springs means that they’re not predisposed to lifting so much weight on their own or in this manner. Always make sure that whoever installs your door uses 2 extension springs.
Foregoing the Auto-Reverse:
The auto-reverse mechanism consists of a beam of light shone across the garage door opening that, if broken, prevents the moving door from closing on a person, pet, car or anything else by automatically reversing the door’s motion. It’s a crucial safety feature of modern garage doors and one that should never be left out. But that’s just what some installers will do. They hope that you won’t notice that such a discrete device is missing and a lot of times their bet pays off. Always check to make sure the installer has included an auto-reverse mechanism.
Using Nails Instead of Screws:
Some installers will use nails to secure the framing members instead of screws. Sometimes this is done simply to save money because the installer doesn’t have the right screws available and doesn’t want to go buy them. But this is a dangerous corner to cut because the force exerted on the nails by repeated cycling of the door will eventually cause them to loosen or even pop out, which leaves the door an accident waiting to happen.
Doing it Yourself:
When all is said and done perhaps the biggest shortcut to avoid when it comes to garage door installation is doing it yourself. Now that statement may raise the dander of more than a few DIYers but it also happens to be true. The typical garage door weighs hundreds of pounds and comes to rest directly above the heads of your loved ones. It must be installed properly by well-trained, experienced professionals.
Avoid Risks of Hiring Separate Garage Door Suppliers and Installers
In the GTA, you’ll find a lot of garages. Consequently, you’ll find a big demand for overhead garage door installation. Many businesses can sell you these products, and many will install them, but sometimes it seems easier or cheaper to use different companies from start to finish. Sure, this might be a good option if both businesses use the same brands and the same equipment. Or if it will make a substantial saving on costs. Or if both businesses are somehow affiliated with one another. However, beware of the disconnect that can occur when two unknown operators work on the same garage door project. Things, that might seem important to you, may be overlooked or deemed irrelevant, and if things don’t turn out the way you expected it can be a difficult and protracted process to get appropriately compensated – if at all.
The Blame Game
It’s all too common in the business world for operators to pass on liability if there is an opportunity to do so. If you use several companies to complete a garage door installation you risk becoming involved in a tit-for-tat blame game if something goes wrong. Ambiguity over the wrong part being fitted could grind an installation to a halt with all parties refusing to take responsibility. Using one company bypasses this potential problem. A single operator from start to finish has nowhere to hide should a mishap arise.
Aftercare
So all goes well, then four months later something snaps off your door. Who do you call? The installer will most likely balk at any suggestion of bad workmanship, and the supplier will surely say the door was in mint condition when it was purchased. A single company can’t run away from its guarantees. If the offer included aftercare, by law that’s what you must receive.
Beware of Competitors
You get a garage door from Toronto, hauled to your home by a Vaughan contractor, and a Richmond Hill garage door installation company to finish. Maybe you want to check if they have a working history with one another. If they are familiar with one another and get along, that’s great. If they have any disputes with one another, beware! A not-so-uncommon situation for buyers to find themselves in is to be a pawn in a game of petty one-upmanship between rivals. If the opportunity arises to leave a disliked competitor in a mess, you may well have to deal with the consequences. With a one-stop business, this just can’t happen. If the workmanship is poor the company will not last, and if a one-to-one contract is not honored a business is needlessly at risk of legal action being raised against it.
Mix and Match
Having a garage door installation look the way you imagined may not be the case if two different firms are involved. Borders, skirtings, and a host of other fittings may not come as standard with the door. This means the installer will improvise with what he has. Off-set color matches and incongruent styles can sometimes spoil an installation’s look. A single company will more than likely not make such a mistake. All fittings and finishes will be branded and matching. There is no excuse for mismatched products if the company is the sole pro
How to go about Choosing Garage Doors
Installing a new overhead garage door is a smart investment—it enhances your home’s comfort, value, and security. But not every garage door is the right fit for every home, especially in a city like Toronto, where harsh weather conditions like snow, wind, ice, and rain are a regular challenge. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of garage doors available and help you determine which one is best suited for your home’s needs and climate.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular garage door materials, along with their pros and cons.
Wood Garage Doors
Wood has long been a classic choice. It offers a natural, timeless appeal and can suit both modern and rustic styles. You can paint or stain it any way you like, and it handles minor impacts fairly well.
However, wood does require regular maintenance, especially in Toronto’s damp climate. Without proper care—such as frequent painting and sealing—wood can warp, crack, or rot over time. It offers decent insulation but not as much as modern alternatives.
Pros:
• Classic, customizable look
• Good resistance to bumps
• Affordable upfront cost
Cons:
• High maintenance
• Vulnerable to moisture and weather over time
Steel Garage Doors
Steel has become an increasingly popular option—and for good reason. It offers excellent durability and security. A well-maintained steel garage door can last for decades, making it a solid long-term investment.
To keep your steel door in top shape, it’s important to protect it from salt (especially in winter), repaint it periodically, and watch for dents. Heavier-gauge steel is more resistant to damage and often requires less upkeep.
Pros:
• Strong and secure
• Long lifespan with proper care
• Modern styles available
Cons:
• Susceptible to rust without maintenance
• Can dent if not heavy-gauge
Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum doors range from basic models to high-end, heavy-duty designs with laminated panels for extra strength. Top-quality aluminum doors are lightweight, rust-proof, and surprisingly durable—making them ideal for Toronto’s weather.
Because they’re lighter than steel, aluminum doors place less strain on your garage door opener and springs, extending their lifespan. They also require minimal upkeep and can be easily painted to match your home.
Pros:
• Lightweight and rust-resistant
• Low maintenance
• Modern, sleek look
Cons:
• Less impact-resistant in lower-end models
• Premium models can be expensive
Don’t Overlook Insulation In Toronto
Since your garage door covers a large portion of your home’s exterior, insulation is key—especially during Toronto winters. Pre-insulated garage doors are a great option, but you can also add insulation to existing doors after installation. A well-insulated garage door improves energy efficiency, comfort, and even noise reduction.
Key Questions To Ask Before An Overhead Garage Door Installation
If you’re considering replacing overhead garage doors, here are some garage door installation questions, you’ll want to ask
“What’s included?”
✅ It may seem obvious, but you wouldn’t believe the number of people who don’t ask this question. If a price seems too good to be true, a lot of the time it is. What looks like an unbelievable deal may just include the garage door itself or the labor, leaving you to pay extra on top for a top security system, remotes, or other items that you may assume come as a package.
✅ By asking what’s included from the off, you can protect against disappointment and make sure you get the best deal for your garage doors – what looked like the best deal may prove to be the most expensive by the time the job’s completed.
“Can you tell me about your staff?”
✅ What may seem like a nosey question on the face of it is very important – a man’s home is his castle, and so it’s only natural to ensure that you’re leaving it in only the most capable hands.
✅ You’ll want to know if they have their employees or whether they subcontract it. A business with its employees is better as their reputation is on the line and so they are more likely to do a good job. That’s not to say that those who are subcontracted do a bad job – some are more than capable – but you’ll want to reduce your risk of having a cowboy working on your home.
✅ You’ll also want to know whether they are trained and certified to ensure that you’re getting the best garage door installation you can buy.
“How safe is this garage door?”
✅ You might have heard from others that modern garage doors aren’t secure enough and that you’re better off with your current one. However, that’s not the case.
✅ Modern garage doors are the safest garage doors yet. From sophisticated locking mechanisms to smartphone apps and unique remotes that will work with only your garage opener, ask about the safety and security options before your garage door installation to ensure that both your garage and your home are protected.
“What’s your availability if I need you?”
✅ Technology is great when it comes to making our lives easier, but we’ve all experienced the frustration that emerges when just the smallest thing goes wrong.
✅ Now imagine this with your garage door – you want to get in or out but it’s broken and it just won’t open. That’s why you’ll need to know the availability of the company to know whether or not they can help you in your time of need.
✅ You’ll find that many companies can help you at any time of day, but make sure you ask them – after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“What’s Covered Under Warranty?”
When you approach garage doors installation firms to request quotations, do not forget to ask them to include the terms of their warranties as well as a detailed breakdown of prices. The most important points to look out for when you are evaluating warranties are discussed below.
Warranty Period –
The very first thing you should look for is the length of time that each warranty covers. Generally speaking, the longer the better, although this does depend on the rest of the terms and conditions. If, for instance, only the electrical components are covered, you may find a better deal elsewhere, which brings us to the next point.
Coverage & Exclusions –
The next factor you should consider is what exactly each warranty covers. Ideally, when you pay for a new overhead garage door replacement, you will receive a warranty that covers not just the electrical and moving mechanical parts, but all of the hardware. You should also make sure any defects that may be caused by improper installation are covered.
Response Time –
The amount of time that your garage door company takes to respond to warranty claims should be clearly stated in the terms and conditions. If, for example, the motor in your door opening mechanism should break, you want to be sure that it will be fixed at the earliest possible opportunity. A response time that is measured in weeks rather than days is of little use to anyone and would effectively make the rest of the warranty worthless so you should pay close attention to this factor when you are evaluating each proposal you receive.
Are Both Parts & Labour Covered? –
While this could have been discussed above, in the section about coverage, we think it is a very important point that deserves its section. Some warranties that cover garage door installation jobs in the GTA may cover both parts and labor for a certain period, then just parts for the remainder of the warranty period. To avoid any nasty surprises should a fault develop during the latter stages of your warranty period, this is something you need to check carefully. In many cases, the labor charges will far exceed the cost of the spare parts so you could be left unexpectedly out of pocket if you fail to examine the conditions that relate to this particular factor.
Happy with What You’ve Heard? Then Proceed with Your Garage Door Installation
Once you’ve found out what you need to know about getting a new garage door, the next step – provided you’re happy with what you’ve heard – is to proceed. As long as you’ve taken the right steps and asked the right questions, you can be sure that your new door will be perfect for you and that you’ll be satisfied.
Why You Should Add an Automatic Opener
Getting home from work after a long day at work should be a relief, but nothing quite literally dampens the spirits like having to get out in the cold, rain, or snow to open your garage, getting you soaked in the process. Fortunately enough, there’s a simple way to avoid this happening, and it comes in the form of an automatic garage door opener. A simple add-on to any garage door installation, here are five reasons why you should get one fitted.
1. They’re Convenient
✅ It’s the most obvious one, but it’s probably the most important one. Whilst opening a garage door the normal way isn’t difficult, it’s an unnecessary chore.
✅ Getting out of your car, fiddling around for keys, unlocking a padlock, setting it down, and opening your door can take longer than you think, whilst with an automatic opener it’s as simple as hitting a button as you pull in, saving you time and effort.
✅ Given the weather that’s prone to hit cities like Toronto, an automatic opener can prevent you from having to get out into the elements to get into your garage. Hitting a button from the comfort and warmth of your car is preferable to scrambling to open a conventional door.
2. They’re Safe and Secure
✅ If you have a family, you’ll know how important safety and security are and what you’d do to protect what’s yours, so an automatic opener should definitely be considered during your modern garage door installation.
✅ Whilst conventional garage doors require keys that are easily copied and locks that are easily broken, an automatic garage door means that there’s no locking mechanism that somebody could tamper with from the outside, providing you with peace of mind.
3. Easily Accessible for Everyone
✅ For some people, opening a garage door can put a strain on their bodies that they could do without. An automatic opener means no strain on the body, creating an easily accessible entrance to your garage and your home.
✅ This is highly beneficial for older people who struggle with lifting, people in wheelchairs, children, and people with any problems that incapacitate them physically. A simple to-open garage door provides them with a higher level of independence than a regular garage door.
4. You Can Use them on More Garage Doors than You Think
✅ Most people think that an automatic opener is only available on the standard overhead garage door, which is not the case.
✅ Automatic openers can also be used on canopy, roller, and sectional garage doors, meaning that you shouldn’t have to scamp on style and can have whatever kind of door you want, making your garage the toast of Toronto.
5. Cheap to Install and Will Add Value
✅ Automatic openers are cheaper than you think, especially if you’re getting one alongside your garage door installation, and won’t run up a huge electricity bill.
✅ Not only this, but they can also add value to your house when you come to sell your home, whereas traditional garage doors may have the opposite effect, meaning that they will more than pay for themselves.
Contact Smart Doors to learn more about Garage Door Installation
Smart Doors offer a comprehensive range of modern garage doors, including popular options like glass garage doors, contemporary black garage doors, fiberglass garage doors, aluminum garage doors, wooden doors, and wood accent garage doors. Additionally, we provide traditional carriage-style garage doors and a variety of timeless designs featuring stamped, raised, or recessed panels. Since 2005, Smart Doors has been the intelligent choice for all your garage door needs, including sales, service, repair, and installation.