Things To Consider When Buying A Garage Door!

Is your garage door has become old, damaged or worn and you are planning to change it?

Well, you might have juggled online, stride roads and have checked different types of garage doors and their cost, but does that streamlined your process of buying.

Perhaps not! Or you might end up being more confused.

Nevertheless, if you are planning to buy a new garage door, here are some most important things that you should consider before making the final decision:

What to check before buying Garage Doors

What’s the style of your home? If you home features the traditional style or it has more of a contemporary look. Or does your home features modern aesthetics and modern look.  So, consider it first and then make a choice. 

Contemporary garage doors are clean, with limited lines and details and look quite simple. You can look for commercial section steel doors or the doors in a bold color or something that features only windows.  You can also look for a country style door.

Architectural Compatibility:

Consider the architectural style of your home. For example, if your home has a traditional or colonial style, a carriage house or raised-panel design might be a suitable choice. For contemporary or modern homes, sleek and minimalist designs with clean lines can be a good fit.

Material and Texture:

The material of the door can significantly impact its appearance. Wood doors offer a warm and natural look, while steel doors can have a more industrial or contemporary feel. Additionally, consider the texture of the door’s surface, such as smooth, embossed, or wood grain textures, which can add depth and visual interest.

Panel Configuration:

Garage doors can have various panel configurations, which influence the overall design. Common configurations include raised panels, recessed panels, and flush panels. Raised-panel doors provide a classic and elegant look, while flush panels offer a more modern and streamlined appearance. Recessed panels can add depth and visual interest to the door.

Window Options:

Adding windows to your garage door can enhance its design and allow natural light to enter the garage. Windows come in various shapes, sizes, and arrangements, such as square, rectangular, arched, or decorative designs. Consider the placement and style of windows to create a visually appealing and harmonious look with the rest of your home’s windows.

Color and Finishes:

The color of the door should harmonize with the exterior color scheme of your home. Choose a color that complements or contrasts nicely with the siding, trim, or other architectural elements.

Some materials, such as steel or aluminum, offer a wide range of pre-painted color options, while wood doors can be stained or painted to achieve the desired look. Additionally, consider the availability of finishes like matte, glossy, or textured surfaces to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Decorative Hardware:

Adding decorative hardware, such as handles, hinges, and clavos, can further enhance the style of your garage door. These elements can mimic the look of traditional carriage house doors or add a decorative touch to modern designs.

Ensure that the hardware complements the overall style and material of the door.

Customization Options:

Many garage door manufacturers offer customization options to suit your specific design preferences. You can choose from a range of panel designs, decorative inserts, finishes, and other features to create a unique and personalized look for your door.

Consider your personal taste, the architectural style of your home, and the desired visual impact when selecting the design and style of your garage door.

Measurements

Measure the width and height of your garage opening to determine the appropriate size of the door you need. Consider factors like clearance requirements, headroom, and side room for tracks and hardware.

When buying a garage door, accurate measurements of your garage opening are crucial to ensure a proper fit.

If you’re unsure about taking measurements or have complex garage dimensions, it’s best to consult a professional garage door installer. They have the expertise to accurately measure and assess your garage space, ensuring the right fit and proper installation.

Door Material:

When choosing a garage door, the material used plays a significant role in its durability, insulation properties, maintenance requirements, and overall aesthetics.

Steel:

Steel is a popular material for doors due to its strength, durability, and security. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and offers excellent protection against intruders. Steel doors are available in various styles and finishes, including textured or smooth surfaces, and can be painted to match your home’s exterior. They can also be insulated for improved energy efficiency.

Wood:

Wood garage doors provide a classic, natural, and elegant look. They are available in a variety of wood species, such as cedar, mahogany, and redwood, offering different grain patterns and colors. Wood doors can be customized with various designs, carvings, and window inserts to suit your preferences. However, wood doors require regular maintenance, such as staining or painting, to protect them from moisture and prevent warping or rotting.

Aluminum:

Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and known for their modern, sleek appearance. They can be powder-coated in different colors and finishes to match your home’s style. While not as strong as steel, aluminum doors are durable and require minimal maintenance. They are a suitable choice for coastal areas where salt air may corrode other materials.

Fiberglass:

Fiberglass garage doors offer the look of wood without the same level of maintenance. They are resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting. Fiberglass doors can be molded to resemble wood grain and come in various finishes and colors. They are lightweight, making them easier to operate manually. However, fiberglass doors may not provide the same level of insulation as other materials.

Vinyl:

Vinyl garage doors are durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to dents, rust, and fading. They are available in different colors and textures, including wood grain finishes. Vinyl doors are lightweight and energy-efficient, offering good insulation properties. They are a suitable choice for coastal regions, as they resist the corrosive effects of salt air.

Each material has its own advantages and considerations. When choosing a door material, consider factors such as your desired aesthetic, maintenance requirements, climate conditions, insulation needs, and budget.

Safety :

Make sure that your garage door is a ‘storm ready.’Also ensure if they are installed with good security features or not. They have extra bracing and other necessary hardware to help keep them wind resistant. Assess your specific security needs, consider the level of risk in your area, and invest in a door that incorporates robust security features to provide you with peace of mind.

Opener:

An opener system is an integral part of a garage door, providing convenience and enhanced functionality for opening and closing the door. It consists of a motorized mechanism that automates the operation of the door, allowing you to open or close it with ease. The opener system typically includes components such as a motor, a drive mechanism (such as a chain, belt, or screw), and a control unit.

One of the main advantages of an opener system is the convenience it offers. Instead of manually operating the heavy garage door, you can simply press a button on a remote control or keypad to open or close it. This eliminates the need to physically lift or lower the door, saving time and effort, especially when entering or leaving your home frequently.

Opener systems also enhance security. Many modern systems feature rolling code technology, which changes the access code each time the remote control is used. This makes it more difficult for potential intruders to intercept the code and gain unauthorized access to your garage.

Durability:

Choose the door that will sustain a dent well and weather conditions. Make sure that they have a good life span, check the joints properly, ask about the quality of material and paint to the owner. If somewhere you get a warranty for garage door, you can buy that as once you get the best product, you need not to change it early.

Maintenance Requirements:

Different materials and finishes have varying maintenance needs. Consider the level of maintenance you are willing to undertake to keep the door in good condition. Some materials may require periodic painting or staining, while others are more low-maintenance.

Warranty:

It’s crucial to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer or supplier. The duration of the warranty varies, ranging from one year to a lifetime.

Longer warranties indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality.

Understand what aspects of the garage door are covered by the warranty, such as defects in materials or workmanship. Some warranties may have specific installation requirements, like professional installation.

Check if the warranty is transferable if you plan to sell your property. Familiarize yourself with the claim process, including required documentation.

Consider the reputation of the manufacturer in honoring warranties and providing customer support.

Budget:

Budget is an important aspect to consider as it helps you determine the affordability and feasibility of various options. Setting a budget allows you to focus on doors that align with your financial capabilities and prevents you from overspending.

When establishing your budget, consider not only the upfront cost of the door itself but also other expenses such as installation, additional features, and potential maintenance or repairs in the future. It’s important to strike a balance between your desired features and your budgetary constraints.

While it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, it’s crucial to prioritize quality and durability to ensure the longevity and functionality of your door.

Researching and comparing prices from different suppliers or manufacturers can help you find a garage door that offers the best value within your budget.

Recommended Reading :

• When to Repair and When to Replace a Garage Door
• How to Maintain your Garage Door Properly?
• Types of Garage Door Repairs
• How to Get the Garage Door Open Properly?
• How Much does Garage Door Insulation help?