Check out these expert tips for easier garage door opener installation and trouble-free operation. We'll clarify the instructions that are most important and pass along some pro advice that you won't find in the manual. The post 10 Tips for How to Install a Garage Door Opener appeared first on Family Handyman.

Keeping your garage secure is vital to overall home security. Learn how to choose the best type of garage lock and what your garage door lock options are.

Most American homes have garages that require garage door openers. Here's how to choose the right horsepower for different types of garage doors.

Think of the bottom seal as weatherstripping for your garage door. It keeps out cold air and rain and maintains a comfortable climate in the garage. The post 6 Garage Door Bottom Seal Types appeared first on Family Handyman. Most homeowners understand the need for weatherstripping doors and windows to prevent heat transfer and lower energy bills. But you may not realize it’s just as important for the garage door, particularly the bottom. When I was younger, I used our family garage as a workshop. The wind whipping through the bottom of the door made it impossible to work there in the winter unless I stuffed rolled-up towels in the gap. A new bottom seal would have done the job more efficiently. If you can see daylight between the garage flooring and the bottom of the door when it’s closed, you’re probably experiencing one or more of the following problems: The garage is much colder in the winter than it should be; The garage floor gets wet when it rains or snows, even icy during the winter; The garage humidity is really high, making your garden tools rust; You can’t seem to keep rats and mice under control, and they’re getting from the garage into the house. Garage door bottom seals are usually made from vinyl or rubber, and they do wear out. If you have an older garage door, it’s possible part of the seal is intact while another is cracked, allowing air and water to pass through. Replacing a worn seal is a straightforward DIY job as long as you disconnect the door from the automatic opener, open it halfway and clamp it to the rails. Plus, you have to get the right seal. That depends on the thickness of the door and the condition of the garage floor. It also depends on whether the door comes with a retainer, i.e. a metal or PVC bracket that attaches to the underside. Tracks hold the bottom seal to the door. If the door lacks a retainer, you can install one yourself. If the existing retainer is damaged, replace it. You can usually order a new bottom seal specifically designed for your door from the manufacturer. If you don’t know the brand, there are many generic options. Here are the most common types of garage door bottom seals.

Before throwing away your broken garage door parts, check out the several ways you can repurpose them to add a unique and rustic charm to your home.