Whether attached or detached, a garage is as crucial as any other part of your home. Besides storing vehicles and other extra belongings it serves as an ultimate workshop for every DIYer. However, a broken or inadequate door handle can hinder the ease of accessibility.
A garage door is one of the first and most prominent features of any American home. What if your house entrance seems like a huge and boring slab of wood? Yes! A garage door without decorative hardware might appear like a blank canvas to any homeowner.
It’s time to dress up your entrance with an elegantgarage door handle and amaze the visitors with your architectural skills. Not only does it complete the look of your door but also facilitates easy access to the garage.
This article covers even the most minor aspects about; how to add a garage door handle. Any homeowner can do it easily without professional assistance. On top of that, it won’t cost you that much!
Why Do I Need To Add A Garage Door Handle?
As a homeowner, you might be satisfied with the simple and straightforward appearance of your garage door. But believe us, adding some minor hardware details can take it to the next level.
Helps You In Matching Your House’s Exterior
Deciding on a big and sturdy garage door is a wise decision. But due to this judgment, you might have ended with an unmatched exterior. However, adding matching decorative details like handles, and hinges can make the door blend with your house exterior.
Increases Your Home’s Value
According to a recent study, almost 70% of the US people use garage doors as their main entrance. Hence, the garage door gives the first and main impression to any guest or visitor. If you ever plan to sell your house, then a spruced-up garage door will increase your home’s value. Try this before listing your home for sale and see the magic!
Garage Door Handle Takes Curb Appeal To The Next Level
Adding such minor hardware elements to your garage door may not sound much impacting. However, it drastically boosts the overall look. Imagine how boring a pure white or grey door will look, without any contrasting element. Installing black handles and other decorative hardware will draw many eyes towards it.
Provides Easy Access
Garage doors are huge. Imagine how hard it would be to open or close a garage door without a handle. A broken or impaired handle not only ruins the overall appearance but also makes its operation difficult.
Freshens Up The Whole Look
Extreme climatic changes usually attack the hardware first. Garage handle doors in extremely hot conditions and rainy places tend to lose their initial glow. At the same time, moisture exposure usually results in the corrosion of metallic handles.
Such conditions call for a replacement. Adding a new door handle not only gives back the glamour but also freshens up the whole look.
Cost-Efficient Makeover
Replacing the impaired house stuff is not always the case. Sometimes we replace old things to relish a makeover. Small things can make big differences. Replacing the entire garage door is not always possible. Therefore you can opt for this cost-effective makeover to bestow your house a new look and modern feel.
How To Choose The Right Garage Door Handle
Garage door handles come in various styles, sizes, qualities, and materials. The availability of myriad options sometimes confuses the buyer. Hence we have listed some important elements that will make the selection procedure much easier for you.
Inspect The Price
The first thing we consider before buying anything is the price. Thankfully, purchasing a garage door handle is easy on the pocket. As far as the price range is concerned, it can cost somewhere between $15 to $100. In addition, hiring a professional installer will charge you from $37 to $190. Therefore, it’s better to pick up an exceptional handle. You can cut down the overall expense by inaugurating it yourself.
Check On The Quality
What matters the most is its quality. It’s better to invest in a high-quality door handle than buying a flimsy one. Though it can be a costly purchase. But it can last for many years. Some high-quality hardware offers a lifetime warranty.
Quality hardware upholds sturdy construction. Besides a robust feel, these can withstand extreme climatic conditions such as snow and rain. In addition, garage doors are huge and heavy, operating them with a delicate grip can make the handle fall apart.
Examine Your House’s Exterior
Here comes the most crucial aspect. Don’t forget to consider your house theme and exterior. Picking up a contrasting handle that blends with your house exterior is recommended. A complimenting handle will make your home shine individually.
Select The Correct Size and Shape
Just like garage doors, handles also come in different shapes and sizes. Pull handles and ring pulls are the most popular ones.
Do you remember the castle gates in the Disney movies? They often had those ring handles. If you want to add a traditional or castle look to your gate, then choose this one. On the other hand, pull handles complement a modern-style door. Both styles suit best for the carriage-style garage door.
How To Add Or Replace A Garage Door Handle
Some simple and cost-efficient additions can turn your ordinary door into a high-end entrance. Regardless, installing a new garage door handle might sound troublesome to some readers. But any homeowner can easily add or replace a garage door handle by going through these instructions.
Required Materials And Supplies
- Screwdriver
- Oil
- Pipers or wrench
- Sandpaper
- Pencil
- Drill
- Paint
- Filler
Step # 1- Remove The Old Handle
First of all, remove the old handle carefully. Be gentle as removing rusted handles or jammed screws can damage the door.
In case of corrosion, soak your door handles with oil for some time. Now take a screwdriver and drive away the screws. The oil will aid in effortless withdrawal of the handle. You can also use a wrench or pliers for this purpose.
Step # 2 Mend The Installation Area
As a result of removal, you might witness some minor damages. Take sandpaper and smooth off the uneven areas. Now take a little amount of filler and conceal all the imperfections. Lastly, finish off the step by giving it a nice touch of paint.
This step may seem unnecessary to some readers. However, it’s vital to give your installation procedure a neat and professional look. In case of adding a handle to a fresh door, skip the entire step.
Step # 3 Drill New Holes
Once you have got a nice and clean working area, it’s time to drill new holes. Position your new garage door handle and mark its position using a pencil. If you are installing two handles, repeat the same marking procedure on the other side as well.
Using a ⅛-inch drill, make new pilot holes on the marked position. Ask somebody to hold the garage door firmly to ensure precision. It’s better to drill small pilot holes at first. Also, check the size of your screws and drill accordingly.
Step # 4 Secure The New Garage Door Handle
Position the new handle on the marked area. Now start fastening it by adding screws. Use a screwdriver and avoid over-tightening. Otherwise, it will damage the door or may scrape off the paint.
Care And Maintenance Of Garage Door Handle
Even high-quality and expensive gear turns into junk, if not maintained properly. Periodic upkeep and care can increase the longevity of your garage door handle. Follow these effortless tips and make your investment last for years.
Regular Cleaning
Outdoor things are more prone to dust and debris. Make sure to clean your handle regularly. Wipe off the dry dust with a soft clean duster. For deep cleaning, try washing it with any mild detergent. Don’t forget to wipe off the excess water. Moreover, leaving your door handles wet can make them corrode rapidly.
Lubrication
The only downside of a metallic door handle is that it corrodes easily. Many manufacturers advertise their handles as corrosion-free. However, the reality is far away from their declarations.
Use a silicon-based lubricant and apply it weekly on the door handle. Lubrication ceases corrosion to a greater extent. If your handles are already corroded, use a rust remover or paint it with rust-inhibiting paint.
Conclusion
From garages at the front to the backyard ones, a simple and cost-efficient addition can boost the overall look. Try investing in a sturdy and high-quality handle and save yourself from the hassle of frequent replacement. Also, follow our care and maintenance tips and prolong its shelf life.
For any installation needs, hire a professional. Find A Pro Near You Here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular garage door handle styles?
Pull-up handles and ring pulls are the most famous ones.
Can I install a single ring-pull or pull-up handle?
No, ring pulls and pull-up handles are installed in pairs. These best suits carriage-style garage doors.
What are garage door handle locks?
These are garage door locks that also serve as a handle.
What are the other garage door decorative hardware options?
You can elevate the look of your garage door by adding some other decorative hardware. Fancy strap hinges and latches can make your door look more elegant. Also, adding clavos (decorative nails) and windows can make your entrance more appealing.
