Garages have become an essential part of most homes as many people now own cars that are very important in day-to-day activities. Other than housing cars, excess items that can’t fit in the house are stored here. A good garage door comes in handy as it influences the level of protection and security offered, and thus, you need to be careful when selecting yours.
Garage doors vary depending on design, the material used, mode of operation, and these factors have varying benefits and limitations, making it hard to choose the best. Because we understand there are so many options to an overhead garage door, we’ve decided to prepare this article to guide you when selecting the best garage door for your home.
Factors to consider when determining the best garage door for your home
Several crucial factors will guide you in choosing the best garage door for your home.
1. Operating mechanism
Garage doors can be manual or automated, although the manual doors are the ones that have been around for the longest time. Automatic garage doors are the best as you don’t have to leave your car to open heavy garage doors, especially during winter. Even though the automated doors are relatively more expensive, it is worth spending the extra money to invest in them. Since they are controlled from a digital device, they are safer than manual ones, and injuries are reduced.
2. Security
Security is among the top considerations you should have when choosing a garage door for your home. Since your car and valuable items are stored in the garage, you should choose one with the latest security details. Thanks to technological advancements, garage doors’ security have been improved using a rolling-code technology security feature.
3. Cost of the garage door
The garage door’s cost depends on the material, style, design, mode of operation, and additional features. For example, an automated wooden door is more expensive compared to a manual steel door.
Having an operational budget is very important when determining the best garage door for your home as it will guide you to settle for the most affordable one. With a budget, you can easily add styles and more features to your desired garage door.
4. Material
Climate, aesthetics, and style are the main determining factors of the material that will give you a highly preferred look for your garage door. The common materials used for garage doors include wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass.
• Wood
This is the best material for elegance but, unfortunately, is not as highly durable as other materials since it is prone to warping and rotting when exposed to moisture.
• Steel
This material is very affordable, lightweight, and durable; however, it corrodes when exposed to salt conditions. It increases levels of security as it is hard to break it.
• Aluminum
Aluminum is the best option for places prone to moisture-causing issues as it is resistant to warping and rusting. However, it is not as durable as steel.
• Fiberglass
Fiberglass is resistant to warping, shrinking, or rotting, and thus, it is suitable for a moist and humid climate. It, however, cracks when exposed to strong winds, especially in coastal regions.
5. Insulation
Garage doors are large, and they influence the energy efficiency of the house. It is thus suitable to consider insulation when choosing the best garage door for your home. If you live in cold areas, you should choose a wooden garage door as it offers extreme insulation against freezing temperatures. For the other conventional garage door materials, make sure they are insulated when living in extreme weather conditions.
6. Visual impact
If you often work in your garage, it is good to choose doors with glasses or windows to allow more light into the garage. They add to the beauty of your home, and it is recommended you choose garage door glasses that match with those used for the house.
7. Maintenance required
Different garage doors have varying maintenance requirements and, if possible, go for those with minimum maintenance requirements, such as steel garage doors.
8. Color
Choose a garage door that matches the color of your home. Most manufacturers offer standard colors that can easily match your home. In case none of the colors available can match your home’s style, order one and paint for yourself but make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have settled for a wooden garage door, select one with a unique finish guided by your personal preferences and other finishes within your home.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a garage door, here are bonus tips to help you in this.
Garage doors buying tips
• Use online visualization tools to find the garage door that best fits your home by inserting your home design, then varying the garage doors.
• Get wind-rated doors if you live in areas prone to strong winds such as hurricanes to prevent unnecessary damages.
• Research to find the best manufactures with affordable prices and to avoid buying poorly manufactured garage doors.
Conclusion
Make a good decision when determining a garage door for your home since, in most cases, you will do it only once. Using the factors mentioned above, you will stand a better chance to make informed decisions when buying a garage door that is beautiful, durable, and functional. Employ the above tips to ensure you get the best garage door for your home.