Garage Door Improvements: 5 Ways to Upgrade Your Home in 2025

When was the last time you gave serious thought to upgrading your garage door? It's not just another item on your home maintenance checklist — it's an investment that impacts your daily life in countless ways.

Let's explore five smart ways to enhance your garage space this year, from eye-catching visual upgrades that'll make your neighbors take notice to cutting-edge technology that'll bring your home into the future.

Resolution #1: Elevate Your Home's First Impression

Ready to give your neighbors something to talk about? In 2025, garage doors are taking center stage in home design, with options that turn heads and boost property value.

This year's standout trends embrace both innovation and elegance. Clopay's new Midnight Gray Glass on aluminum doors offers a perfect example of modern sophistication, featuring dark-tinted glass panels that create a stunning contrast against any façade. The reflective surface catches light throughout the day, adding depth and character to your home's exterior while maintaining privacy.

For homeowners ready to make a bold statement, the VertiStack® Avante® represents the cutting edge of garage doors. Named "Best in Show" at the International Builders' Show 2025, it features a unique vertical panel stacking design, eliminating the need for overhead tracks and maximizing ceiling space. The door's aluminum frame and glass panel construction allow natural light to flood the garage, and it has a number of customization options available including various finishes and glass types. The coolest thing is, unlike traditional garage doors, the VertiStack's sections stack above the opening when raised, creating a clean, minimal appearance that can complement any architectural style from contemporary to industrial.

Beyond these showstoppers, 2025's design forecast includes:

• Contemporary minimalist designs with clean lines and simple patterns (check out the Canyon Ridge® Modern).
• Rich, moody colors like Kona, Coastal Gray, and Espresso. And if you’re not sure which color works best, request a free color sample from Clopay.
• Mixed materials combining glass with aluminum or steel, like the Avante® Sleek garage door.
• Wood-look finishes that offer natural warmth without the maintenance like the Modern Steel™ Ultra-Grain® Plank door (check out the “moody” colors available!).
• Custom color-matching options to perfectly coordinate with your home's exterior. Clopay’s Color Blast® garage door paint system gives you the chance to create the perfect color.

The key to choosing the right design? When planning garage door home improvement projects, consider your architectural style and let the garage door complement—not compete with—your overall exterior. Whether you opt for the sophisticated Midnight Gray Glass, the innovative VertiStack Avante, or another contemporary design, remember that your garage door can become a defining feature of your home.

Resolution #2: Prioritize Energy Efficiency

As energy costs continue to rise, your garage door can either be an ally or enemy in the battle for better energy efficiency. With proper insulation and sealing, an energy-efficient garage door can help maintain more consistent temperatures throughout your home while reducing strain on your HVAC system.

The secret to effective garage door improvements lies in proper insulation. When choosing an insulated garage door, pay attention to the R-value—the higher the number, the better the thermal protection. This rating becomes especially important if you have an attached garage or use your garage space as a workshop.

Today’s insulated garage doors offer multiple benefits including:

• Lower utility bills by reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
• More comfortable temperatures in both winter and summer.
• Reduced noise transmission.
• Better durability, as insulation helps prevent metal fatigue from temperature fluctuations.
• Enhanced door operation and performance.

For maximum energy efficiency, consider doors with Clopay’s proprietary Intellicore® insulation technology. This advanced insulation method provides superior thermal performance while adding strength to the door's structure. The polyurethane insulation is dense, uniform, and completely fills the door's interior, creating an excellent barrier against heat loss and gain.

When selecting an energy-efficient garage door, consider these key features:

• Multiple layer construction.
• Weather stripping and bottom seals.
• Thermal breaks to prevent heat transfer.
• Section joints that seal tightly.
• Compatible with your climate zone's requirements.

The investment in an energy-efficient garage door pays dividends year-round, not just during extreme weather. While the initial cost might be higher than a non-insulated door, the long-term savings on energy bills and increased comfort make it a smart choice for any homeowner committed to sustainability and efficiency.

Resolution #3: Strengthen Your Security

Your garage door is an enormous entry way into your home. But you can also think of it as your home's first line of defense. Beyond storing cars and holiday decorations, it protects thousands of dollars in tools, equipment, and belongings—not to mention providing direct access to your living space. Garage security requires a comprehensive approach, combining physical barriers with smart technology to create multiple layers of protection.

To properly secure a garage door, you’ll need to take a multi-layered approach, combining a secure door, smart openers, access control, alarm systems, and proper lighting. Today's garage door opener technology offers unprecedented control and peace of mind through several key features such as:

• Smart garage door opener systems with real-time monitoring and remote access, allowing you. to check your door's status from anywhere.
• Advanced opener systems with rolling code technology that prevents code theft.
• Built-in camera systems that can detect unusual activity.
• Automatic lighting systems that activate when motion is detected.
• Reinforced locks and hardware designed to resist forced entry.

For homeowners with existing garage doors, several security upgrades can make a significant difference:

1. Install additional deadbolts or manual locks for backup security.
2. Add motion-sensor lighting around garage entrances.
3. Upgrade to a smart opener system that provides real-time alerts and remote monitoring.
4. Ensure all access points are properly sealed and reinforced.
5. Consider integrating your garage door security with your home's overall security system.

Remember: a secure garage door isn't just about protecting your vehicles and stored items—it's about safeguarding one of your home's most vulnerable entry points. With features like automatic locking and real-time notifications, today's smart garage door technology provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is secure.

Resolution #4: Embrace Smart Home Technology

The future of garage door technology is here, and it's smarter than ever. By 2028, an estimated 103.15 million homes in the United States will be using smart home technology, with garage door systems playing an important role.

Smart garage door opener technology is a game-changer for homeowners, offering enhanced security, convenience, and improved accessibility. Modern smart garage door openers provide capabilities that would have seemed like science fiction just a decade ago including:

• Remote access via smartphone apps, allowing you to open and close your garage door from anywhere.
• Real-time security alerts and activity monitoring.
• Integration with home automation systems.
• AI-powered cameras that can detect unusual activity and send instant notifications.
• Voice control compatibility with smart home assistants.

The benefits extend beyond mere convenience. Smart garage door systems can significantly improve home security by providing multi-layered access control and monitoring. Some of the most innovative garage door opener options include:

1. LiftMaster's myQ® technology, a cloud-based access management control system.
2. AI-enhanced security cameras with motion detection.
3. Integrated smart home hub compatibility.
4. Automated scheduling and geofencing features.

In 2025, the global smart home market is estimated to be worth $149.43 billion with garage door technology at the forefront. By 2032, that smart home market value will reach $630 billion. As we move further into the decade, smart garage doors are no longer a luxury—they're becoming an essential component of the modern, connected home.

Resolution #5: Invest in Maintenance and Repairs

Garage doors are the unsung heroes of home infrastructure—working tirelessly day in and day out yet often overlooked until something goes wrong. Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your garage door components, particularly important parts like springs and rollers.

Common issues that demand attention include:

• Worn-out or damaged springs
• Misaligned tracks
• Loose or rusted hardware
• Damaged weatherstripping
• Unusual noises during operation
• Uneven or jerky door movement

DIY Maintenance Tips:

1. Perform a visual inspection at least twice a year, looking for signs of wear, cracks, or rust
2. Lubricate all garage door moving parts (rollers, hinges, tracks) with a silicone-based lubricant every six months
3. Clean the door's surface with mild detergent and apply car wax to protect the finish
4. Test the door's balance and automatic reversal safety features
5. Check and tighten loose bolts and hardware

When to Call a Professional:

Never attempt to repair or adjust high-tension components like springs yourself, as these can cause serious injury. You’ll need to call a professional when you notice:

• Broken or stretched springs
• Significant track misalignment
• Damaged cable systems
• Persistent unusual sounds
• Electrical issues with smart openers

Financially, experts recommend budgeting between 1% to 4% of your home's value for annual home maintenance overall. While this might seem steep, regular garage door maintenance is a fraction of this cost and can prevent far more expensive repairs down the line.

In 2025, homeowners should approach garage door improvements as sophisticated systems that blend technology and design. From enhancing curb appeal to embracing smart technology, these five resolutions offer a comprehensive roadmap to transforming your garage. Whether you're looking to boost energy efficiency, strengthen security, or simply maintain your door's performance, the potential for improvement is limitless. Ready to make 2025 your garage's best year yet? Connect with your local Clopay dealer to explore personalized solutions that will elevate your home.

Final Thoughts on Improvement

As you explore new ways to improve your home in 2025, don’t overlook the convenience, safety and comfort that come with an a LiftMaster advanced garage door opener or other garage door security upgrades. From space-saving garage door opener models to systems packed with security and smart technology, there’s a LiftMaster solution for every home.

Garage door improvements shouldn’t stop at appearances. When you pair a beautiful Clopay garage door with a reliable, high-performance opener from LiftMaster, you get a garage system that’s built to last and built to fit your life.

Thinking about installing a new garage door opener? Ask your local dealer about LiftMaster's full line of openers, including screw drive garage door openers and side-mounted garage door opener options, to find the perfect complement for your garage and lifestyle.

LiftMaster Product Guide

When you're thinking about garage door improvements in 2025, upgrading your opener may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be. A new garage door opener does far more than open and close your door – it contributes to the security, convenience, energy efficiency and long-term value of your home. And when it comes to openers that check every box, LiftMaster leads the way.

LiftMaster’s reputation for innovation, durability and safety has made it a trusted brand for homeowners nationwide. With a wide range of models and smart features, LiftMaster® garage door openers can fit nearly any lifestyle or garage setup — whether you’re working with a small space, prioritizing security or interested in creating a connected home.

Let’s break down the top reasons homeowners in 2025 are choosing LiftMaster for their garage door opener upgrades.

Smart Technology That Fits Into Daily Life

LiftMaster has been at the forefront of smart home integration for years, and its openers continue to raise the bar. Most models come equipped with myQ® technology, which allows you to monitor, open and close your garage door from anywhere using your smartphone. Whether you're at work, traveling or simply inside on the couch, you have full control over your garage with the tap of a button.

You’ll also receive real-time alerts if your door is left open or someone tries to tamper with it. Smart openers add a peace of mind that outdated systems can’t compete with. For families with teens, delivery services or frequent visitors, this remote access feature is a game-changer.

Smart scheduling features allow you to close your garage door or turn on myQ-enabled lights at specific times. With geofencing, you can set your door to open and close based on your location — perfect for busy mornings or late nights. Some LiftMaster openers are even compatible with Amazon® Key In-Garage Delivery, giving you a secure way to receive packages without worrying about theft or weather damage.

Security Starts at the Garage

Yes, your garage is a place to park, but it often acts as a secondary entrance to your home. LiftMaster garage door openers help protect this vulnerable access point with advanced security features designed to prevent unauthorized access and deter intruders.

All new LiftMaster openers use Security+ 2.0® rolling code technology, which generates a new access code every time your garage door is used. This prevents hackers from intercepting and copying your remote's signal. Many models also feature built-in motion-detecting lights and integrated video cameras with two-way audio, allowing you to see and speak to visitors — or unwanted guests — directly from your phone.

Some premium LiftMaster models include battery backup systems, so your garage door opener works even during power outages — a critical safety feature in areas prone to storms or outages.

Options That Fit Every Home

No two garages are the same, and LiftMaster makes it easy to find a garage door opener solution tailored to your layout and lifestyle. The different types of garage door openers include:

• Overhead garage door opener: This is the classic choice, mounted on the ceiling. These come in chain and belt drive options and are known for their power and durability.
• Side-mounted garage door opener: Also called wall-mount or jackshaft openers, these attach to the wall beside your garage door, freeing up ceiling space. They are ideal for garages with high or obstructed ceilings or for those wanting a cleaner, clutter-free setup.
• Screw drive garage door openers: Known for fast, quiet operation, these use a threaded steel rod to move the trolley. They have fewer moving parts and perform especially well in areas with consistent temperatures.
• Space-saving garage door opener: Whether you’re converting your garage into a gym, workshop or additional storage space, LiftMaster’s space-saving options help you reclaim overhead room without compromising functionality or strength.

By offering multiple drive types, mounting options and power levels, LiftMaster openers make it easy to find the perfect fit for your garage, especially when paired with today’s modern garage door designs.

Quieter Performance That Won’t Disturb Your Home

If your garage is under a bedroom or near a common living area, noise matters. Older garage door openers with metal chains or worn parts can rattle the whole house every time someone opens the door.

LiftMaster openers are known for their quiet and smooth operation, especially the belt-drive and wall-mounted models. Constructed with high-grade materials and engineered to reduce vibration, these openers help maintain peace and quiet inside your home, perfect for early morning commutes, late-night returns or nap time.

For homes with attached garages, upgrading to a quiet opener may feel small, but it dramatically improves daily life.

Built for Long-Term Performance

A new garage door opener isn’t something you should have to replace frequently. LiftMaster openers are engineered for durability, with many models rated for up to 20 years of reliable operation when properly maintained.

Features like steel-reinforced belts, permanent lubrication and weather-resistant housings mean less wear and tear over time. LiftMaster also backs many of their products with extended warranties, offering added confidence in your investment.

Additionally, LiftMaster’s openers are designed with soft start and stop mechanisms, which reduce stress on the door and hardware and prolong the lifespan of the entire system. This benefits homeowners who want fewer repairs and more worry-free operation in the long run.

Seamless Integration With Garage Door Upgrades

If you're making other upgrades — like choosing a Clopay Intellicore® insulated door, going for a modern design like the VertiStack® Avante®, or boosting curb appeal with a custom color — LiftMaster openers easily integrate into your plan. Their smart technology complements your Clopay garage door improvements.

For example, pairing a side-mounted opener with the Clopay VertiStack design allows for complete ceiling clearance and a clutter-free finish. If you're installing a heavier, multilayer Clopay Intellicore insulated door, a LiftMaster opener with higher horsepower ensures reliable operation without strain.

Aesthetically, LiftMaster openers are sleek and low-profile. Combined with cable management systems and wall-mounted controls, they contribute to a streamlined and modern garage.

Expert Support and Professional Installation

LiftMaster products are available exclusively through professional dealers, which means you get expert installation and service. Choosing a professional – such as choosing a Clopay authorized dealer – to install your new garage door opener ensures it’s set up correctly, calibrated for your specific door type and fully optimized for performance and safety.

Dealers can also help you compare options like screw drive, chain drive, belt drive or side-mounted models to find the best fit. Plus, they’ll walk you through setting up smart features and making the most of your system.

If you already have a LiftMaster opener, most models are backward compatible with newer myQ accessories, so upgrading your smart features may be an option, too.

Make 2025 Your Best Garage Door Year Yet

Financially, experts recommend budgeting between 1%-4% of your home's value for annual home maintenance overall. While this might seem steep, regular garage door maintenance is a fraction of this cost and can prevent far more expensive repairs down the line.

In 2025, homeowners should approach garage door improvements as sophisticated systems that blend technology and design. From enhancing curb appeal to embracing smart technology, these five upgrades offer a comprehensive roadmap to transforming your garage. Whether you're looking to boost energy efficiency, strengthen security or simply maintain your door's performance, the potential for improvement is limitless.

Ready to make 2025 your garage's best year yet? Connect with your local Clopay dealer to explore personalized solutions – like installing a LiftMaster garage door opener or upgrading or modernizing your existing garage door with a new exciting design and insulation – that will elevate your home.