A new garage door is a primary feature of your home. You use it every day and it is part of the facade of your home. You want it to function well and look great.
But there are so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. The good news is that there are only a few main characteristics and features to consider. Once you understand what those are, you can begin narrowing your choices.
This article covers those characteristics. Keep reading to find out which garage door is best for your home and lifestyle.
Materials
There are three main options for garage door materials: steel, wood, and plastic. There are pros and cons to each.
Steel doors are the strongest option on this list. The only threat is rust. To prevent this, be sure to select a door with a primer and polyester coating.
Metal doors are energy-efficient, as long as they come with rigid foam insulation. You also can get them with almost any finish, including wood-grain patterns. Currently, steel doors are by far the most popular choice for new garage doors.
Wood doors provides a classic look and hold up well over time.
One caveat is that they need some maintenance. You should paint them every so often to stave off rot. They also tend to be pretty heavy as well.
Plastic doors are new to the garage door scene. They are extremely lightweight and quality ones are quite durable.
Unlike metal and wood, plastic garage doors are not susceptible to corrosion or rot. However, they can fade in the sun’s powerful UV rays if not treated to withstand them.
Style
Beyond material, there are many types of garage doors when it comes to style. There are raised-panel, carriage-house, and contemporary doors to choose from.
Be sure to select the one that best fits your home’s aesthetic. Many installers have computer visualization tools that can help you make the right selection.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Another thing to look at, regardless of the material, is energy efficiency. This will help keep utility bills low and add comfort to the inside of your garage.
We mentioned insulation on steel garage doors, but this is important for any door. It is an easy way to add a layer of energy efficiency to your home.
One easy way to gauge energy efficiency is the door’s R-value. The higher this number, the better the garage door will perform. Depending on the climate where you live, you might choose at least a 7.0 rating, and 10.0 or above may be preferable.
Hardware
When you buy a new garage door, you will probably be looking at a new spring and track system as well. Extension springs are simple to install but demand more parts.
Torsion springs result in less wear on your opening/closing system and are easier to maintain. They also are sturdier and last longer.
When selecting track systems, you can choose between galvanized and coated steel. The latter will cost a bit more but has a more finished look and can reduce the amount of noise when opening and closing.
The automatic garage door motor you will need depends on the size and weight of your door. Also, you can select systems that integrate with smart home systems, for remote access.
Find New Garage Door Installation Near You
Now that you know how to select a new garage door, you can get the ball rolling. Our trained technicians can further advise you on what garage door design will work best for your home.
AG Smart Garage offers garage door repair, replacement, installation, and maintenance services. We will work hard to make sure your door looks and functions great. Reach out to us today for a free quote or more questions about our services.