10 Tips for Choosing the Best Garage Door for You
Because the right garage door can have a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal, you want to make a great decision. It has probably been awhile since you last shopped for a new garage door so sifting through all buying factors can be tough.
To make the process easier for you, we’ve compiled this easy-to-read list that gets right to the point. Whether you want to upgrade or get a replacement, these 10 tips will help you choose the best garage door for you.
1. Garage Door Design and Styles
If you spend just a few minutes looking through your garage door selection, you may be surprised at how many design and style options you have. Since your garage is part of your home’s exterior, its style and design should compliment your overall home’s style. Take a look at your options and choose what looks best for your home. For example, the carriage style garage door will give your home the storybook farmhouse look while a contemporary aluminum door or glass door will offer a dramatic compliment to your modern home’s exterior.
2. Garage Door Windows
If you want your new garage door to look even better, windows undoubtedly will take it to the next level. Not only do they enhance your home’s curb appeal and beauty, windows are a great way to allow natural light inside. Windows easily transform a gloomy garage into a welcoming space. If you are concerned about the cold weather, double-paned windows offer a simple solution that will allow the sun to shine while keeping the cold out.
3. Garage Door Material
Garage doors usually come constructed from wood, steel, vinyl, or aluminum. Choosing the garage door material depends on your preferences and desires. The first is look. Wood can offer more customized options and give your home a ornate look. Most commonly garage doors are made from steel. Vinyl doors are durable in harsh weather and aluminum doors offer a sophisticated look.
4. Considering Upkeep
When selecting the material your garage door is made of you may want to consider upkeep expenses. Wood doors, though stunning, do require painting or staining every few years. However, this minimal effort really increases your home’s curb appeal. Steel doors are durable and only require occasional cleaning and maintenance. Vinyl doors last even longer, never need to be painted, and don’t rust. Aluminum doors are low maintenance.
5. Insulation
Choosing a garage door with excellent insulation will keep your utility bill costs down both in the winter and summer. If you plan to use your garage as a work space or a social space, insulation is vital. Insulation of a garage door is expressed in R-Value. A higher R-Value reduces outside noise and keeps the temperature stable. When shopping for a garage door with insulation, do not be fooled by the door’s thickness – look for a high R-Value instead.
6. Garage Door Safety
As the largest moving piece of equipment in most households, make sure you new garage door is safe for everyone. Some garage doors are equipped with pinch-resistant features that push fingers away from harm when the door is closing. Your new door should be equipped with a garage door reversal function.
7. Garage Door Spring System
Your garage door is opened and closed with the counterbalance spring system. The opener only provides the initial push to get the door moving while the springs do the rest of the work. The springs are wound tightly when the door is closed and unwind to push the door up. When choosing your next garage door, ensure this vital mechanism is as sturdy and strong as your new door is beautiful.
8. Warranty
Many garage door manufactures offer you a warranty when you purchase a new door. For example C.H.I. Overhead Doors offers an excellent warranty against splitting, cracking and rusting.
9. Cost
When upgrading your garage door, you must consider the cost. Though you should get what you want, finding a garage door company that offers quality at an affordable rate is important. You deserve to get the best product for your money. Because we are the largest garage door company in Geauga County, we can offer better rates because of our large volume with manufactures.
10. Service Quality
If you are considering getting a new garage door, always consider the quality of the installation service. If some company does a bad job, you will end of paying for it in maintenance and repair costs before long. Always look for positive testimonials and reviews.
Although choosing the best garage door for your home might feel like a big task, these 10 tips will make it easier for you. We offer free estimates for people considering buying a new garage door. Contact us today if you have any questions.