No longer an afterthought, they're stronger, more weathertight, and brimming with character. The experts at This Old House help you pick a new garage door to complement your home
If, like most folks, you have a sectional door perched above your home's busiest entry, make sure it's secure.
Kid-Proof Periodically test the opener's photo eye by waving a stick across its beam as the door comes down. The door should automatically go back up. Also, check the pressure-sensitive function by lowering the door onto a roll of paper towel. The door should reverse itself when it touches the roll. In either case, if the door doesn't back up, call a pro.
Burglar-Proof If your opener and remote are more than 15 years old, it's time for a replacement. Ones made before 1995 have fixed security codes that can easily be accessed by would-be intruders. New ones have rolling codes that change with every click of the remote. As a further precaution, shut off the opener's power switch whenever you leave on vacation.
Stormproof A staved-in garage door puts an entire house at risk. Extra bracing and beefier hardware can earn a door a wind-load rating between 90 and 150 mph. If you live in a high-wind zone, check on the rating required by your local building codes before you buy a new door.
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