Can Aluminum capping stop wood from rotting forever?

Aluminum capping greatly reduces the chance of rot, because it blocks moisture and UV exposure, but it can’t fix existing rot. If the wood is already damaged, capping will merely hide the symptoms. That’s why contact an experienced garage door service provider.

Does aluminum capping rust?

No. Unlike steel, the aluminum used for capping is naturally corrosion-resistant. Furthermore, it is coated with a durable, baked-on finish. This combination means your capping will retain its color and integrity for decades without any risk of rust or flaking.

What if my frame is already damaged? Is capping still worth it?

Not really. Capping over damaged wood may mask the problem temporarily, but it won’t fix structural issues. If the wood is rotten, warped, or compromised, you should repair or replace the frame before applying capping. A trusted garage door company can assess your garage door and recommend the best solution.

How Fire-Resistant Garage Doors Help Keep Your Home Safer

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December 25, 2025

You need a garage mainly to park and place your cars and other vehicles. But, if you notice, slowly and steadily, it becomes a space full of tools, fuels, electrical gear, and sometimes even flammable liquids.

Did you know that in the U.S., there are around 6,600 garage fires in residential buildings annually, resulting in an average of 30 deaths and $457 million in property loss.

With so many items stored in one place, it’s no surprise that garages can be a higher fire-risk area. In fact, many home fires either start in the garage or spread quickly through it, often due to everyday items and habits that homeowners don’t even realize can be dangerous.

So, how can you make your garage safer and more fire-resistant? In this blog, you’ll learn to find different ways to transform your garage into a fire-safe zone.

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Why is the Garage Such a High-Risk Area?

The garage is the area where heat meets fuel. You have electrical systems, water heaters, or power tools providing the spark, and gasoline, oil, and storage items providing the fuel.

Fire in a garage is not only risky for the stored items; it can even spread to your home, destroy your living space, and put your loved ones at risk. That’s why fire safety in this space is equally important as in your kitchen or living room.

5 Smart Tips to Make Your Garage Fire-Safer

1. Upgrade Fire-Resistant Garage Doors

The Interior Entry Door – The door between your garage and your home should be fire-rated. This means a solid wood door at least 1 3/8 inches thick or a 20-minute fire-rated metal door. Make sure it has self-closing hinges, so that if you flee the garage during a fire, the door shuts behind you, keeping the flames at bay.
The Main Garage Door – When planning a garage door installation, choose doors with strong steel layers and fire-resistant insulation, such as polyurethane. These materials create a better heat barrier than hollow or lightweight aluminum doors and help slow the spread of fire.

2. Install Fire-Resistant Walls & Ceilings (The “Type X” Standard)

According to safety standards, the wall separating the garage from the house should have at least 1/2-inch gypsum board, while the ceiling (if there is a room above) should have 5/8-inch Type X drywall. This creates a fire envelope that gives your family precious extra minutes to escape.

3. Manage the Fuel and Other Flammable Materials

There’s nothing wrong with using your garage space for storage; everyone does that. But how and which items you store is really important.

Flammable Liquids – Gasoline, propane, and paint thinners should never be stored near a heat source like a water heater. Better yet, keep them in a detached shed. If they must stay in the garage, use UL-listed safety cans.
The Cardboard Trap – Piles of cardboard boxes may seem harmless, but they burn very easily. One small spark from a tool or outlet can quickly turn them into fuel for a fire. Keep cardboard storage to a minimum, store items on shelves, and always keep them away from electrical outlets and power tools.
Clear the Clutter – When items are piled up, a small flame can spread faster, and it also makes it harder for firefighters to move in quickly during an emergency. Keeping the garage organized helps reduce these risks.

4. Take Care of Electrical Safety & Maintenance

Faulty or overloaded electrical systems are a major cause of garage fires.

Limit Extension Cords – They are meant for temporary use. If you’re running a freezer or a power tool 24/7 on an extension cord, you’re asking for a short circuit.
Check the Opener – If your garage door opener makes unusual noises or smells like burnt plastic, it needs immediate attention. One of the reasons behind this could be the frayed wiring inside the motor, which can become an ignition source if ignored. Only professional garage door repair can help prevent such fire risks.
Charging EVs – If you have an electric vehicle, make sure your charging station is installed by a professional and that your garage’s electrical panel can handle the load.

5. Use Early Warning Systems

You probably have a smoke detector in your hallway, but what about your garage? Regular smoke alarms often give false alerts there because of dust or car exhaust.

A better option is a heat alarm. It activates when the temperature reaches a set level (usually around 135°F), not when it detects smoke particles. This way, you’re warned of a real fire without the alarm sounding every time you start your car.

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People Often Ask These Questions About Fire Safety in the Garage

1. Do I really need a fire-rated door between my garage and my house?

Yes. In most jurisdictions, it is a building code requirement. Even if it weren’t, it is the single most important barrier preventing a garage fire from consuming your entire home.

2. Can I paint my garage door with fire-retardant paint?

You can, but it’s not a substitute for a fire-rated structure. These paints can help slow the spread of flames on the surface, but they won’t stop a door from structural failure if it isn’t built to withstand high heat.

3. Why does my garage door opener smell like it’s burning?

It could be due to a failing capacitor or a motor that’s working too hard because the door is out of balance. If you notice a hot, electrical, or ozone-like smell, unplug the opener immediately and call a professional for garage door repair to prevent further damage or fire risk.

Takeaway

Now you know that by upgrading fire-resistant doors and walls, keeping clutter under control, handling electrical systems carefully, and installing the right warning devices, you can reduce the risk of fire spreading from the garage to your home.

For any garage door services, repairs, or upgrades, it’s always best to contact a professional to make sure the work is done safely and correctly.

Make Your Garage Safer Before It’s Too Late – Trust A-Dependable Overhead Door Co.

If you are looking for a reliable garage door company in Modesto, look no further than A-Dependable Overhead Door Co. We provide comprehensive garage door services in Modesto, ranging from routine maintenance to emergency garage door repairs.

Whether you need a brand-new garage door installation to upgrade your home’s fire resistance or just want a safety check-up, our team is here to help you around the clock.