How to Pick the Right Garage Door for Your Home

By Scott & Karen Dillman | August 26, 2022

Adding a new garage door can not only improve the appearance of your property from the curb, but it can also provide safe and secure access to your garage. Though most homeowners only have to replace a garage door a few times in their lives, you want to be confident that the decision you make is the right one. These are a few tips for choosing the right garage door for your home.



1. Choose a Garage Door Material That Works for Your Climate and Home

A garage door may seem like a utilitarian door that provides protection for your vehicles and storage. It also needs to work well with the local climate. For your garage door, you can choose from steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or wood, depending on your aesthetic choices, climate, and the material’s durability.

●    Wood

If your home has a rustic exterior, cedar and hemlock are materials to consider for your garage. With a wood garage door, you might give your home a contemporary look that's sleek and modern.

●    Steel

These garage doors are resistant to the elements and durable in extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Compared to wood garage doors, steel garage doors are less likely to break, distort, or twist. The strength of steel makes it an excellent option for older homes since it is long-lasting and can be painted in a wide range of colors.

●    Aluminum

Except for severe winds, aluminum garage doors remain unaffected by the elements. They are useful in locations that experience frequent power outages. Lifting an aluminum door manually is easier than lifting a wooden door or a steel door.

 

With the addition of glass, aluminum garage doors can create a modern aesthetic for your home. Due to its light weight, aluminum can withstand the stress of thick glass panels, ensuring a garage door that is easy to lift.

●    Fiberglass

In temperate climates where there is both extreme heat and cold, fiberglass doors are the ideal choice. Fiberglass provides excellent insulation, keeping your heating and cooling costs low. Fiberglass garage doors are not as easy to split or break as wood garage doors.

 

2. Invest in a Garage Door with a High Insulation Value

The level of insulation you need for your garage door depends on several factors. You may not need to insulate your home if you live in a warm region.However, the higher the garage door's R-value, the better the insulation and energy efficiency.

 

Garage door insulation with a high R-value is required if you live in a cold climate and want to use your garage as a workshop or a laundry area. Additionally, insulation helps you heat areas above your garage on the second floor of your home if it is on the first floor.

 

3. Match Your Garage Door to Your Home's Architectural Style

You should also keep in mind the aesthetics of the garage after you've selected a material. The architectural features of your primary residence can now be mirrored in your garage door's windows and doors. With garage doors, your imagination is the only limit, whether you choose single doors or double-sided modern models.

 

4. Ensure Your Garage Door Meets the Safety Requirements

Your garage door, like the external doors of your main house, must serve a dual purpose of allowing you access to your home while also providing adequate security. What kind of garage door opener you choose and how it works depends on the type of garage door and how much space is available in your garage. If you're interested in roller, canopy, side-hinged, or sectional garage doors, talk to your garage door specialist. They can determine which mechanism is best for your space.


5. Understand How to Maintain Your Garage Door

Like any other mechanical feature your garage door should be serviced by a garage door professional every few years to ensure the springs, mechanical parts, garage door opener and integrity of the door are still sound. An expert garage door technician should service your garage door every few years to ensure your springs, mechanical parts, opener, and door integrity are all in good working condition.

 

Get a Garage Door That Can Last

Many factors determine the value of a residential garage door replacement, such as your climate and garage door material. The style and maintenance of your new garage door should also fit well with your home's exterior design.

 

While you can install a garage door by yourself, many homeowners find it more convenient and cost-effective to hire a professional to install their garage doors. An experienced garage door installer can typically complete the job in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself, so you can enjoy your garage door in style.

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