A garage door is more than a gateway to your home. It is also the first and last thing visitors see when visiting, as well as an aesthetic focal point of the front entryway. With all these factors playing a part in its importance, it makes sense to invest in a high-quality garage door that complements the rest of your home while simultaneously providing optimal security and insulation against the elements. Fortunately, there are many different styles and types of garage doors out there. So whether you’re simply looking for something functional or hoping to make a statement with your new garage door, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs. From materials to style, read on for some helpful tips on how you can choose the right garage door for your home!
Know your garage door options
Before you begin shopping around for a new garage door, you’ll first want to make a note of the different types of garage doors available. Knowing what’s available will help you narrow down your options later on when you start shopping around for a new door.
Some common types of garage doors include:
- Sectional Doors: Sectional doors are a hybrid of traditional rolling and sectional doors. They operate like a typical sectional door but incorporate a retractable rolling section for easy vehicle access.
- Traditional Rolling Doors: As the name suggests, traditional rolling doors are large metal doors that roll up into overhead tracks. These are the type of doors you’d find in commercial settings.
- Tilted Doors: Also called overhead doors, these are the most common garage doors seen on residential properties. You may often see them with a single folding door or a series of smaller doors that open up and tilt inward.
- Roller Doors: A roller door is a type of sectional door often used in commercial settings. They are very similar to traditional rolling doors but are generally larger and have a narrower track.
- Panel/Carriage House Doors: Panel or carriage house doors are very similar to a traditional rolling door, except that they’re often much heavier and have sturdier construction.
- Others: A few other types of garage doors are less common. These include pivot (or lift), sectional, and framed steel doors.
Estimate your budget
Before setting foot in a garage door showroom, you must know how much you plan to spend on a new door. Factors like style, materials, size, and installation can all affect the price of a garage door, so it’s essential to come in with a budget in mind. If you aren’t sure how much garage doors cost, you can use this garage door cost estimator to get a better idea. You’ll need to know the size of your opening, the type of door you are interested in (wood, steel, etc.), and whether you plan to install the door yourself or hire a contractor. Once you plug in all the information, the estimator will provide an approximate cost of your desired garage door.
Think about the doors’ functionality
Once you’ve considered your budget, it’s time to start thinking about functionality. Garage doors are all about functionality, so it makes sense that you should start with this first. What is the purpose of your new garage door? Will you be backing up to the garage? Will you be using it primarily for storage? Will you use it to increase the aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior? You’ll want to consider these factors when shopping for a new garage door. Are you hoping to make a statement with your new garage door? Do you want something that will offer maximum insulation? Are you simply looking for something durable and secure? Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll better understand which garage doors are right for you.
Garage door safety is essential
The garage door is probably the one thing you never think about when it comes to home safety. After all, garage doors are designed to keep intruders out. Unfortunately, faulty garage doors pose a serious security risk to homeowners. A study by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers revealed that over 90% of garage doors are improperly installed. This can lead to significant safety hazards, including lopsided doors, bent panels, loose connections, corroded electrical connections, and more. Because garage doors are used frequently and often open and close several times a day, many homeowners often forget about routine maintenance.
To ensure that your garage door is always safe and properly functioning, there are a few things you’ll want to consider:
- Inspect the door regularly for loose connections, corrosion, and other damage that may pose a safety hazard. – Clean the garage door regularly to prevent dust and grime buildup.
- Replace old garage door springs as needed.
- Have your door serviced regularly (ideally every two years) to ensure the safety of your home and family members.
Various window options
While most garage doors are made of steel or wood, some models also include windows. If you’re hoping to add an aesthetic element to your garage door, finding a model with a window may be in your best interest. Cable windows are the most common type of window found on residential garage doors. They are often made of vinyl and installed inside the garage door, providing natural light to the garage. These windows are great for regulating light in the garage, especially if it’s directly adjacent to your home. They can also be a great aesthetic addition to your home and garage door, providing a more visually appealing design.
Garage door materials to consider
When choosing the right garage door for your home, you’ll also want to consider the materials. Garage doors come in various materials, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The type of material you select will significantly impact the look and longevity of your garage door, so it’s essential to choose wisely.
- Wood is a classic, durable material that builders have used in garage door construction for decades. It is affordable, easy to maintain, and comes in various styles and colors. However, wood garage doors are not particularly energy-efficient, making them a poor choice for areas with extreme weather.
- Steel is a highly durable and sleek option. It is often used in commercial settings and should last for decades. Steel garage doors are highly energy-efficient, which is excellent for areas with extreme weather. Their sleek appearance and durability make them a popular choice for many homeowners. The only downside is that they are often costly.
- Aluminum is similar to steel in that it is durable, energy-efficient, and sleek. It is often slightly less expensive than steel and comes in various finishes to suit any aesthetic. One potential downside is that aluminum is not as strong as steel, making it less ideal for areas with high winds.
Choosing the right garage door may seem daunting, but it’s just a matter of knowing your options and finding the right fit for your home. From functionality to aesthetics, there are many factors to consider while shopping for a new garage door. No matter what type of door you choose, keep garage door safety in mind to ensure that you protect your family from any preventable accidents or mishaps.
Give A1 Door Company a call today and get a smart investment that will protect your family.
