You must consider several things when making any home improvement decision, and selecting a garage door is no different. Learning everything you can about the options available to you allows you to make a decision you’ll be happy with long after the work is done.
When it is time to replace your residential garage door, think about how much money you are willing to spend, what material is best for your needs, the style of your home, and what features are most valuable to you and your family.
Price
Establish a budget for your new garage door and its necessary accessories before getting deeper into your search. This ensures that you are only looking within your means and not falling in love with a new door that is out of financial reach. Keep in mind, however, that doors on the low end of the price spectrum tend to have shorter lifespans and require more frequent maintenance to keep them operating smoothly. Spending enough to get a high-quality door can amount to a better investment, especially if your garage door gets a lot of use.
Material
Garage doors can be made of various materials, but the most common are steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. Each of these materials has its own benefits and downsides. Knowing the pros and cons of various garage door materials can help you choose the right door for your home and your needs.
Style and Curb Appeal
Your garage is a prominent feature of your home. Match the door to the style of your home to ensure it leaves a good impression. For example, classic steel garage doors are the ideal choice for traditional homes, carriage-style doors for historic or classic homes, and contemporary aluminum doors for modern homes.
Weather
Your local climate should influence your choice of garage doors. Midwest winters make insulation a must for most homeowners in the region. Steel is a superior choice for energy efficiency, while fiberglass provides dent-resistant durability to stand up to severe weather. Before you decide on a door, know its R-value—an industry measure of the door’s ability to resist heat transfer. Factors such as how you use your garage and whether it’s attached to your home will guide how important a high R-value will be to your decision.
Functionality
What do you want your garage door to be able to do? If you keep valuable items in your garage or if it’s attached to your home, then enhanced security might be a top consideration. If your door gets heavy use, you’ll want to make sure it’s built to last under those conditions. If you travel frequently or if multiple people need to access your home at different times of day, then the ability to monitor and control your garage from your smartphone can be an invaluable feature. Take a look at the modern features that are available for garage doors today, and decide which are worthwhile investments for your family.
Once you decide which type of garage door is best for your home, it is time to call a garage door professional to make your purchase and arrange installation. For more information on garage door selection and the latest available features, subscribe to our blog today!