An Easy Guide to Buying a New Garage Door
A garage door is a prominent home feature that contributes significantly to its value and curb appeal. If the current garage door has seen better days, it is time to consider an upgrade. As garage door replacement is a significant improvement project, it becomes essential for homeowners to choose the right garage door and ensure its correct installation to make the most of their investment.
However, several homeowners find selecting the perfect door for their garages challenging. It is primarily because modern garage doors come in endless materials, styles, colors, and designs. Here is a simple guide for homeowners looking to buy a new garage door to help them make the best possible choice:
Set a budget
The first step in purchasing a new garage door is determining the budget. Garage doors are available in a wide price range, depending on the material, size, insulation levels, and other decorative features. Having a set budget makes it easier to narrow down the choices and select the door that fits the household's needs and budget.
Determine the garage door size
Garage doors come in varied sizes. Measure the rough garage door opening (framed opening distance, without stop molding or trim) to determine whether the standard-size door will suffice or if there is a need to get one custom-made.
Garage door style
The typical garage door styles include panel, carriage house, and contemporary. Traditional raised panel doors add a classic appeal to the home, the timeless carriage house style offers a distinct decorative look, and the streamlined look of contemporary garage doors perfectly complements the aesthetics of a modern home. Homeowners should choose a garage door style that matches their taste.
Pick the most suitable material
Wood, steel, fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl are the most popular garage door materials, each with pros, cons, and price tags. The garage door material affects its longevity, appearance, and maintenance requirements. While steel is a popular garage door material, wood offers a classic and timeless appeal. Fiberglass garage doors are durable, resistant to corrosion, and require little maintenance, and vinyl garage doors are budget-friendly. Evaluate all the necessary factors like local climate and preference before choosing the perfect material.
Insulation
Insulated garage doors can significantly improve a home's energy efficiency. Insulation adds an extra layer of defense and prevents energy wastage. Single-layer doors have no added insulation. Double-layer garage doors are more durable and offer better insulation than a single-layer. Premium garage doors provide the maximum insulation. Insulated doors also offer better security and reduce noise.
Garage door opener
After choosing the right garage door, the next step is to select the opener. Pick from manual, automated, Wi-Fi, or remote-control-operated garage door openers. Standard options include chain drive, belt drive, screw drive, and jackshaft garage door opener.
Additional features
Modern garage doors come with features for added safety and security. Outside motion detection, manual control, and finger-free designs are some features of the latest garage doors. But remember that the more features a garage door has, the pricier it will be.
Choose the best garage door
Modern garage doors are technologically more advanced, durable, and efficient and require less maintenance. Contact a local garage door company if you need assistance choosing the right door for your home needs.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112