If you’re among the 63% of Americans with a garage in your home, then you know how much your garage door can affect the appearance and value of your home.
Choosing a door for your garage doesn’t have to be daunting!
Read on for our tips on selecting the perfect garage door to complement your home.
How Will Your Garage Door Open?
Believe it or not, there are 4 different types of garage doors:
- Roll Up
- Slide to the Side
- Swing Up
- Swing Open
The function of your garage and the amount of space you have will help you determine which type of garage door you need.
Most homeowners install roll-up doors for convenience and versatility. They’re compact, available in a variety of styles, and secure.
But if you’re lacking vertical space, then you might want to consider one of the other options. Most roll-up garage doors require an additional 12-18 inches of space above the door.
If you need to keep the ceiling clear or you’re going for a distinctive style, then one of the less traditional options might be right for you.
Picking a Design
When selecting a garage door it’s vital to consider the style and color of your home.
Garage doors serve as a feature of the home, but shouldn’t necessarily be considered the focal point. So choose a neutral color that compliments or already exists in your exterior color scheme.
If you need additional inspiration, you can use a color palette generator to help you find pairings that complement the color of your home.
Lighter neutrals will disguise dust and dirt, but darker colors offer a bolder look.
Garage Door Materials
Choosing a door for your garage includes choosing the material that it’s made of. There are 3 basics to choose from.
Steel
Steel is by far the most common choice for garage door material because of its durability and ease.
Steel doors don’t require the same frequent maintenance as their wood counterparts and they’re stronger than aluminum.
Raw steel rusts, so choose a door that has a fiberglass or laminate coating. They will likely need occasional refinishing but are otherwise low maintenance.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a great choice for extra large garage doors because they weigh the least of all the available materials.
A laminated aluminum door will rustproof, durable, and versatile.
They tend to be more expensive than steel, but if you have the budget, then they make for a great option.
Wood
Wooden garage doors are often used for aesthetic purposes. They make add a rustic, authentic touch to any home.
However, they require the most maintenance of all the materials by far. Wooden doors require frequent painting, staining, or refinishing.
And if you live in a climate that experiences a lot of water, then the life of your garage door decreases significantly.
Extra Features?
There are a few additional features to consider when shopping for a garage door.
Smart Home Technology
Did you know you can automate garage door functions from your phone?
If you use smart home technology then consider selecting a garage door that can accommodate your system and needs.
Insulation
Most garage doors will provide some insulation, but consider selecting a garage door that offers additional insulation.
It will help you save on energy costs during the weather extremes of summer and winter.
Remember This!
It’s important to consider your needs, budget, and style when selecting a garage door for your home.
There are options to suit every homeowner.
And remember to contact us for all your garage door maintenance and repair needs. We even install!
Read Next: The 3 Most Common Garage Door Problems