Choosing the best garage door for your home is a big decision. You want a door that looks good and works well, but it also needs to keep you and your family safe. Below, you’ll find some helpful information for choosing the right garage door.
Think About the Purpose of the Door
A garage can serve several purposes beyond storing your vehicles. Some people turn their garage into a workshop. Others use it to store bikes, boxes, or other items they don’t want in their homes. A garage can become a playroom, an exercise room, and many other things.
Consider the following:
Is your garage only for storing your car? In that case, you need a door that’s sturdy and secure that will keep your car safe from bad weather and theft.
Will you perform hobbies and other projects in your garage? If this applies to you, you might want a door with excellent insulation and windows for natural light. Maybe you just want to store some extra stuff in your garage. A door with extra insulation can help protect your belongings from extreme temperatures and moisture.
Learn About Different Styles
There are a few main styles of garage doors, each with its benefits. Here’s information about a few types of doors to get you going.
Sectional
Sectional garage doors are made of panels that bend as the door opens. Most modern homes have this type. They are popular because they are easy to use and can fit many garage openings. They also come in many designs and materials.
Roll-up
Roll-up garage doors roll up into a coil above the door opening. You often see them used for smaller garages or commercial buildings. They take up less ceiling space, which can be good if your garage has a low ceiling.
Side-Hinged
Side-hinged garage doors open like regular double doors that swing from the center. They have a classic look and might be easier to use for some people, especially if you want quick access to the garage.
Tilt-Up/One-Piece
A tilt-up or one-piece garage door lifts up as one solid piece. This door is simple in design, but it needs more space in front of the garage to swing up. It’s not as common on modern homes as it once was, but it’s still a good choice if you like the look.
Before picking a style, consider how much space you have inside and outside your garage. Also, consider how you prefer your garage door to open.
Choose the Best Material
Garage doors are available in several materials. You have to consider how long you want your door to last. Also, think about how much upkeep it will need and how well it will handle the local climate.
Steel
Steel doors are strong and durable, requiring less garage door maintenance than many other door materials. They often come in different thicknesses, and the thickest steel doors are sturdier and more resistant to dents. You can also insulate steel doors to keep your garage at a reasonable temperature.
Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors can look like steel but weigh much less. They are resistant to rust, which is good if you live in a wet or snowy area. Just keep in mind that aluminum can dent more easily than steel.
Wood
Wood garage doors have a classic, natural look. They are some of the most beautiful when it comes to garage doors. This is one reason wood garage doors can boost your home’s curb appeal. Wood doors need careful maintenance, such as painting or staining, to keep them from rotting or warping.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors are lightweight and can look almost like wood. They are also good at resisting rust and dents. But they can crack in very cold temperatures and may not insulate as well as other materials.
Think about your local weather conditions and how much time you want to spend on upkeep. For a door that needs less maintenance, steel or aluminum are worth considering. If you love the look of wood and don’t mind some extra work, a wooden door is possibly a good choice.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Insulation matters if you plan to spend time in your garage. It also matters if you’ll store items that shouldn’t freeze or get too hot. Even if you only use your garage to park your car, an insulated door can help keep the temperature in your garage stable. This can save energy if your garage is attached to your home.
Insulated garage doors can lower energy costs by keeping cold air out in winter and hot air out in summer. They can also reduce noise, which is helpful if you live near a busy street. When shopping for garage doors, you might see something called “R-value.” A higher R-value means better insulation. So, if you live in a very cold or hot area, aim for a higher R-value.
Design and Style
Your garage door is one of the first things people see when they look at your home. Picking a style that matches your home’s look provides a pleasing appearance. Many garage doors come in basic colors like white or brown. But you might also find doors in other shades. You can even paint or stain wood doors to match your home’s siding or trim.
Some garage doors also have windows. These add style and let natural light into the garage. But, windows might cause a concern for security if someone can see into your garage or gain entry by breaking a window. Hinges, handles, and other hardware can make your garage door look even more unique. They come in many styles, from modern to rustic. No matter the design or style you choose, make sure your garage door’s style blends well with the rest of your home.
Safety and Security Features
A good garage door should keep you safe by keeping intruders out and preventing injuries. Look for doors that have strong construction and good locking systems. You can also get a garage door opener that has extra security features.
Modern garage doors often come with sensors that stop the door if there’s something in its path. This helps prevent injuries or accidents if the door closes when it shouldn’t. And some garage door openers have rolling codes. This means the code changes each time the door opens or closes, making it harder for thieves to copy your code and break in.
Contact the Garage Door Professionals
When you’re ready to install your new garage door, the professionals at Door Works Garage Doors are ready to help. We can help you with everything from garage door repair to installation and maintenance services. We’re also proud of our driveway gate installation and repair services. We’ve been providing great services to our customers in the Fort Worth area since our opening in 1991, and we’re ready to help you as well.
Contact Door Works Garage Doors today to learn more about our services.
