3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door
Garage doors add both function and style to your property. While you want a garage door that secures your vehicles and tools securely, it is also important to make sure the style you choose compliments your home’s exterior and so enhance the real estate value.
In this guide, let’s take a look at some of the tips that will help you find the perfect door for your garage.
Material
The material is the most important consideration for your garage door. This is because the overall expenditure of the project, durability, aesthetic value, and maintenance afterward are all dependent on the material you select.
Steel, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass are the most common type of material utilized for garage doors. However, each of them come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
For starters, let’s take the example of wood. Wood is the most classy material and will enhance the curb appeal of your home. But it is not as durable as some other materials and is unable to withstand exposure to elements – requiring continual maintenance.
Steel and aluminum are popular metal materials that are commonly used for garage doors. They are hardy with high weather resisting properties. They are also customizable, which means that the paint, paneling, and style can be modified according to the house’s existing outer design.
Fiberglass is another option to look out for, especially if you reside in coastal areas where the air is salty. The material is lightweight so you can even open the door manually. It is highly resistant to the weather elements and won’t rot, crack, or weaken over time. The biggest disadvantage of having a fiberglass garage door is that it has a low insulation rating and not suitable for areas where the weather becomes extremely cold or extremely hot.
Style
Garage doors are available in a variety of styles that you can blend in with the overall exterior of your home without overshadowing the prime structure.
Some popular styles used for garage doors include:
Raised panel garage doors – Featuring raised rectangular panels on the front sides, this type of garage door are the most common and coordinate with most home styles.
Carriage style doors – As the name implies, these are vintage-themed garage doors that swing open from the center. They are usually manually maneuvered, but today you can find automatic components for this type of garage door.
Traditional-styled doors – Featuring raised or flush panels, these doors are considered the least expensive style with minimal maintenance. They are also versatile, and can be customized in varying colors, patterns, and insulation.
Contemporary garage doors –The contemporary-designed garage doors boast a sleek and modern look to match the modern house designs of today.
Type of Garage Door to use
Another aspect of the garage door to ponder over is the type of door that would be suitable for your lifestyle. The garage door is the new ‘front door’ for a majority of American household who use them as the main entry and exit point. This is why it is important to ensure efficient accessibility when selecting the type of garage door to use in your home.
The different types of garage doors for residential use include:
Up and over
This type of garage comes in two subcategories – retractable and canopied-style. The retractable style lifts and opens up fully in the garage. On the other hand, the canopied type of door sits parallel to the ceiling and partially extends past the front area of the garage when open.
This style of garage doors don’t have sections and are made in one piece. You can choose to open it either manually or through an automatic system. They are cost-effective and an ideal style for the non-fussy homeowners.
Side Sliding
As you can tell by the name, the side sliding garage doors open to the sides instead of the top. You can also program them not to open all the way and stop at a specific distance. They are equipped with retractable motors for automated operation and are a convenient option for the garages with limited headroom.
Roller door
This type of door also opens straight up but does not obstruct the overhead space. In this style, the sections of the door curl up in a roll – a perfect way to make the best use of the ceiling-based storage space of your garage.
However, these doors are made of heavy-duty material, thus you can expect the upfront cost to be higher also.
Sectional-styled
Another type that maximizes the ceiling space of the garage is the sectional type. The door is created by joining different panels with hinges. When you open the garage, the door opens up vertically and curves back inward into the garage.
These doors are operated through an automatic mechanism and are the most popular type of garage door style amongst American homeowners.
What about color?
When determining the color of your garage door, consider the following:
Do you want the gate to match the prime exterior of your home?
Or do you wish that it stands out prominently in its own right?
As a general rule of thumb, the color should complement your home and not draw attention away from the main home. Avoid bright and extreme colors. We suggest going for the same color as the window trim in your home for a blended appearance.
Ensure Security
Besides providing a storage area for your vehicles and other tools, the garage provides an easy access to the inner house. This is why it is important that you have an expert suggest appropriate door styles and security features safeguard the garage.
Moreover, to avoid any accidents or hazards to your family members, especially young children, make sure you:
• Teach them not to play around the garage door
• Teach them not to play with the garage door or its remote controller
• Get your garage door annually maintained by a reputable service
