Considerations When Choosing A Garage Door

17 July 2023
 Categories: , Blog

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If you are thinking of replacing your old garage door or installing a new one, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of options available. There are many factors to consider when choosing a garage door for your home.

Here are a few considerations to help you find the best option for your needs.

Style

The style of your garage door should match the overall design and architecture of your home. There are multiple door styles to choose from, including:

  • Traditional. Traditional garage doors are usually made of steel or wood and have raised panels and windows.
  • Carriage house. Carriage house garage doors are designed to look like old-fashioned barn doors and have decorative hardware and hinges.
  • Contemporary. Contemporary garage doors are sleek and minimalist, often made of aluminum or glass.
  • Modern. Modern garage doors are similar to contemporary ones, but have more innovative features and designs.

If you are unsure of the style that you should choose, the advice of a professional can help. They can also offer photos of garaged homes that are similar to yours.

Material

The material of your garage door affects its durability, maintenance, appearance, and performance. The most common materials for garage doors are:

  • Steel. Steel garage doors are strong, durable, and affordable, but they can rust or dent if not properly maintained.
  • Wood. Wood garage doors are natural, elegant, and customizable, but they require regular painting or staining to prevent rotting or warping.
  • Aluminum. Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for contemporary homes, but they can be noisy or dent.
  • Fiberglass. Fiberglass garage doors are resistant to moisture, insects, and denting, but they can fade or crack under extreme temperatures.
  • Vinyl. Vinyl garage doors are similar to fiberglass ones, but more durable and scratch resistant.

The material may also affect the cost and style of the door.

Color

The color of your garage door should complement the color scheme of your home's exterior. You can choose a color that matches or contrasts with your siding, trim, roof, or front door. You can also opt for a neutral color that blends in with the surroundings. Some garage door materials can be painted or stained to achieve the desired color, while others come in pre-finished colors that cannot be changed.

Insulation

The insulation of your garage door affects its energy efficiency, noise reduction, and comfort. If your garage is attached to your home or used as a living space, you might want to choose a garage door with a high R-value, which measures the thermal resistance of the material. A higher R-value means better insulation and lower heating and cooling costs. Insulated garage doors also reduce the noise from outside and inside the garage.

If you need a new garage door, contact a garage door installation specialist in your local area.