Tips for Selecting the Best Garage Door for Your Home

 

Garage doors usually last 15 years – which means as a homeowner, you don’t have to worry about repurchasing a new one. However, there are some cases where you might want to buy a new garage door. For example – you might want to upgrade the garage door or the garage door is not functioning well.

That won’t be a surprise if you want to change your garage to a newer one – for any reason. There are many new models in the market with various ranges of materials, styles, and features – that are way better than the basic models. Also, the cost of garage door repair in Elk Grove and other nearby regions can be pretty high – which might lead to the conclusion that replacing the old one is the best choice.

But remember – not all garage doors are for your home. There are several factors that determine which door you must pick. Also, with so many options available – it can be very overwhelming to pick the right one – and this is where many homeowners make mistakes and might pick the wrong one.

Looking for garage door repair? We’re here to help!

So, in this blog, we have offered some of our insights and tips to help you make a sound decision. 

7 Useful Tips To Find The Best Garage Door For Your Home

Here are some valuable tips to help you find the best garage door – 

1. Consider The Architectural Style Of Your Home

A garage door must enhance the features of your home. It is an important element that makes up 30% of your home’s exterior. Also, it affects the overall aesthetics of your house. You must understand the architectural features of your house and select a garage door that enhances these features.

Here are some factors to consider – 

• Traditional Homes: If you have a traditional home – opt for raised panel designs or carriage-style doors. Such designs never go out of fashion.
• Modern Homes: For modern homes, it is advisable to go for sleek and frameless doors with glass panels installed to complement modern residences
• Rustic or Farmhouse Homes: If you have a residential structure of a farmhouse – try wooden doors or wood-like doors – they can add warmth to your home.

2. Appropriate Material Selection

Different garage doors are made of different types of materials. This means you have several options to choose from. But how to find the best one?

Well, here are some of the  materials you can choose from –

• Steel: Steel doors are solid and sturdy. They require little maintenance. Also, they can be insulated and painted in different colors.
• Wood: Wood garage doors are best for the traditional style of your house. But, they are difficult to maintain, and require painting or staining regularly to avoid warping and rotting.
• Aluminum: Aluminium doors are lightweight and do not rust, which makes them good for wet weather. They have glass panels to give a sleek, modern touch but can be easily dented.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors look almost like wooden doors but are better. They do not wear out fast and require less maintenance. But, it can be discolored after constant exposure to sunlight.
• Vinyl: Vinyl or PVC garage doors are weatherproof and corrosion-free. They are best for those who are looking for budget-friendly and low-maintenance options.

Note: It is also important to consider the climate in your area and how much effort and maintenance you can undertake when deciding on the material type.

3. Consider Insulated Garage Doors

If you live in extreme climates and your garage is attached to your house, then insulated garage doors add value to your investment. This is because an insulated garage door regulates the temperature, reduces noise, and increases your door’s durability.

The insulated properties of the door are measured by R-value. Most insulated garage doors have R-values ranging from 6 to 20 – depending on the thickness and type of insulation used. But, an R-value recommended is – between 6.5 and 9. Mostly there are two types of insulation used –

• Polystyrene: It is lightweight and rigid. They are bonded to the door panels and offer greater insulation value.
• Polyurethane: This insulation foam expands to fill in the entire space within the door panel. They are better than polystyrene and offer higher R-values.

Note: Purchase doors with high R-values (insulation value). The higher the R-value, the better.

4. Consider The Safety And Security Measures

Your garage door plays a crucial role in ensuring your home is safe. Many modern garage doors come with safety features that prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some safety features you must look for when buying a new garage door – 

• Automatic Reversal System: It causes the door to stop and reverse if there’s an obstacle while closing. It was federally mandated in 1993 – and since then, every garage door has included this.
• Safety Sensors: It is advisable to install a garage door that has sensors that are able to detect obstacles or people or pets in the door-opening path.
• Rolling Code Technology: This feature modifies the code of the garage door opener every time it is in operation. As a result, it becomes practically impossible for any intruder to obtain access.
• Manual Release: The garage door has a manual release in case of an electricity failure or malfunction. These would prevent you from being trapped in the garage.
• Strong Materials: Consider opting for steel or reinforced doors that are harder to break compared to other materials.
• Pinch-Resistant: Many garage doors include pinch-resistant designs – which push the finger away from harm’s way.

Note: Consider calling a garage door company in Sacramento, CA, to seek help to choose and decide on the best features. 

5. Consider The Level Of Maintenance Needed

There are some variations in the level of maintenance required by different garage doors. Wood, for example, is more labor-intensive, while vinyl and steel require less maintenance.

• Wood: Wood garage doors need to be painted or stained, as they are prone to rot if left without maintenance. Also, monitoring is required to avoid the risk of warping and rotting.
• Steel and Aluminum: These materials only need to be washed with warm soap and water now and then. For durability, look for doors with rustproof finishes.
• Fiberglass and Vinyl: Apart from routine cleaning, these doors do not require any maintenance as they are extremely strong.

Note: If you lead a hectic life, opting for a material that requires close to no maintenance should be best for you.

6. Assess Your Budget

Garage doors can be expensive, so it’s important to set a fair price in your mind beforehand. Even though it is convenient to go for the cheaper option, understand the fact that a garage door may last for many years if it is of good quality. Also, it may even increase the overall worth of your home.

Here are some of the options within specific budgets –

• Basic Models: Basic steel or aluminum doors offer a more moderate price, and you’re likely to find less sophisticated features.
• Mid-Range Models: Common materials with added features such as insulation and recommended designs or increased strength.
• High-End Models: The best materials are solid wood or a designer door, as the appearance and build quality are better than those of ordinary doors.

Also, the budget depends not only on the material but also on the size, design, brand, insulation, installation, and many more.

Note: You can expect to spend somewhere between $850 to $2000, including installation. This might go up if you are looking for custom doors. 

7. Choose Proper Garage Door Opener And Springs

Garage door openers are an important component of the garage door. There are several types of garage door openers available, so choose the one that meets your needs best –

• Belt Drive Openers: They are very quiet and smooth in operation, making them suitable for living areas in close contact with the garage.
• Chain Drive Openers: These are more economical but are noisier than other garage door openers.
• Smart Openers: These let you operate and check the status of the garage door while being away from home through your mobile phone.
• Battery Backup: This feature enables you to use your garage door even when there is no power at your home.

Also, there are two types of springs available for garage doors – 

• Extension Spring

They are mounted above the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They can stretch and contract as the door moves – which counterbalances the weight of the door. These springs require about 10 inches of headroom and are easy to install. 

• Torsion Spring

They are placed above the door opening and wind-unwind to the left and lower the door. This helps distribute the weight evenly and requires about 12 inches of headroom. If you have a heavier door – consider a torsion spring. They last longer but are a bit expensive.

Takeaway

Choosing a garage door is not an easy task to do. There are several factors you must consider – size, type, style, safety features, etc. Among all these, remember to consider the value, maintenance, and prospects. Also, you cannot miss out on the aesthetic of your home.

If choosing a garage door on your own seems too challenging, contact your neighborhood garage door company. They will help you choose the best door for your garage and also install them professionally. This is because installing garage doors on your own can be risky. They are heavy, and installation is the work of 2-3 people with proper equipment.

Choose a door that complements your home and protects you and your car from all adversities. 

Upgrade your garage door with Eudy Door – contact us now!

Looking For The Best Garage Door Company In Elk Grove? Contact Eudy Door For Easy Door Installation!

With over 40 years of serving the people of Elk Grove, Eudy Door is well-versed in garage door selection, installation, and repair. We not only serve in Elk Grove but also Sacramento and Fair Oaks, California. So, wherever you are based, all you need to do is give us a quick call.

We also offer high-quality garage door parts and maintenance services – so that your doors remain functional and in optimal condition for a long time.

Reach out to Eudy Door Co. – one of the best garage door companies Fair Oaks, CA, and schedule a free consultation with us now.