One of the largest exterior elements of your home is your garage door. It is very important for curb appeal. With a garage door, you can protect your car from the elements like rain, snow, and hail. This will also make your home safer. Some people seek out garage door repair services when they experience problems with their garage door. However, older garage doors can be more susceptible to break-ins. Therefore, when replacing your old garage door, it is important to choose the ideal garage door for your needs.
Here are 5 things you should consider when buying a garage door:
- Material
Garage doors are made from several materials such as wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Wooden garage doors are classic and elegant but require more maintenance than other materials. Steel garage doors are durable and affordable, but they can be noisy and rust. Aluminum garage doors are lightweight and require little maintenance, but can be more expensive than steel doors. Finally, fiberglass garage doors are durable, low maintenance, and energy-efficient, but they can be more expensive than wood or aluminum doors.
- Style
Garage doors are available in many styles from traditional to contemporary. The style you choose should complement the look of your home. Traditional garage doors have advanced panel construction and are often made of wood or fiberglass. Modern garage doors have a sleek and modern design and are often made of steel or aluminum. Carriage doors have a unique design that resembles a carriage door. There are more garage door styles to explore. The best way to choose a garage door style is to consider the architectural style of your home. You should also consider the necessary materials, insulation, windows, and safety features.
- Insulation
Garage door insulation is a material that is installed inside the garage door panels to prevent heat transfer. An insulated garage door helps make your garage more comfortable in all weather conditions. In the summer it can keep your garage cooler. In winter, it can help keep the garage warmer.
There are several different insulating materials available for garage doors. The most common types are polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, and fiberglass. The thickness of the insulation is also important. Thicker insulation provides better insulation.
- Windows
Garage door windows can add style to your home and exterior. They can also help welcome natural light. This will make the garage feel spacious and inviting. However, windows can also weaken the security feature of the garage door. It is best to choose a window made of tempered glass. They can add a safety feature to windows. Tempered glass is less likely to break since it is stronger than regular glass.
There are many types of garage door windows. Clear glass is one of the most common types. It allows for the most natural light. However, it can also make your garage more visible from the street. Next is obscured glass windows which is also a good option. This is good for more privacy in your garage. They also allow in some natural light. Frosted glass windows are similar to obscured glass windows, but allow in more natural light.
- Safety
Safety is an important aspect when choosing a new garage door. Make sure to consider the most common security features when choosing a garage door. A safety sensor that prevents the door from closing if someone or an object is in its way. A drive code in the garage door opener that prevents unauthorized use. A battery backup that allows you to open the garage door in the event of a power outage.
The things mentioned above are only the most important factors to consider when buying a new garage door. However, it does not mean that you should only limit yourself to these factors. There are more things to think of when planning your new garage door. The budget is one thing to consider also.
The cost of a new garage door can depend on the material, style, insulation, windows, and security features you prefer. Be sure to get quotes from several different companies before making a decision.
It is also best to get your garage door installed by a professional. This is to make sure that everything is correctly and safely installed. If you are having trouble deciding on what you should get, doing some research can help. See what other homeowners are saying about different makes and models of garage doors. You can also ask your friends or neighbors for recommendations.