02.24.2022
5 Things to Consider When Buying a New Garage Door
Your garage door is likely the largest moving part of your home. Safety should be the first consideration, always. However, when it comes time to replace the garage door, you can have some fun. Consider the style and color that fits with your home to best enhance the curb appeal. It’s time to make the neighbors jealous!
1. Safety
The garage door is usually the main entry of the home and a high traffic area daily. Make sure to choose good materials and that it is installed by a qualified crew. Ask about the roller and spring options, and don’t go with the cheapest available. You want something that will last.
Make sure the safety sensors at the bottom of the door are very secure. These became an industry standard in 1993.
Don’t keep an old opener with a new door. Inquire if you need a more powerful opener to handle the new door.
2. Material
Wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl, glass – all have pros and cons. Steel is the most common and can be combined with a decent amount of insulation. Wood is what most people want, but it does require the most maintenance. Be sure to weigh your design style and the material to determine future upkeep, cost, and insulating factor.
3. Cost
What you pay for the door might not be your highest consideration but it will certainly be on the list. When you work with an experienced consultant, they can meet your budget with a style that fits your needs. Ask about financing if you need to pay it off over time.
4. Style
Today’s garage door styles have elevated with public sharing on social media and web sites like pinterest.com. Manufacturers have tried to keep up with popular styles like farmhouse, mid-century modern, and contemporary. These aren’t your Dad’s garage doors. Whether you want faux wood, aluminum, or all glass, there are thousands of design combinations available, especially when you consider the hardware and window options.
Design and view your new garage door on your home before you purchase with our DoorView® interactive software.
5. Your climate
Make sure you choose a material that will stand the weather in your climate. If you live where it rains often or the sun shines HOT most of the year, you might consider faux wood instead of real wood. Don’t forget the insulation factor. “R-Value” is a measure of thermal efficiency. The higher the “R-Value”, the greater the insulating properties of the door, and less transfer of outside temperature into the garage.
Use our time and expertise. You don’t have to go it alone. Our door consultants know everything there is about garage doors.