What to Consider When Garage Door Shopping

Did you know that replacing garage doors can have an over 93% ROI when upgrading your home? This means that if you’re planning on selling your home, going garage door shopping beforehand can practically pay for itself.

Even if you’re not selling your home, you know that your garage door is one of the most important components of your house. Not only does it provide security and protection from the elements, but it also has a major impact on your home’s curb appeal. 

When shopping for a new garage door, it is important to keep quality in mind. A well-made door can last for decades, while a cheap door will need to be replaced much sooner. Here are some factors to consider next time you replace your garage door.

Understand the Different Types of Garage Doors

First and foremost, it helps to understand what your garage door options are.

If you’re like most homeowners then you use your garage door as the main entrance to your house after arriving and parking your car. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of garage doors and how they can impact your home’s security and energy efficiency.

Ultimately, each type of garage door comes with its advantages and disadvantages (and curb appeal!). Here are a few of the most popular types we have customers ask about.

Sectional Garage Doors

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Sectional garage doors are a type of overhead door that is made up of multiple sections or panels. These panels are usually made of wood, steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, and are hinged together. 

One of the biggest advantages of these types of garage doors is that they take up very little space when opened. This is because the panels open and close vertically rather than swinging open like a traditional door. 

As a result, sectional garage doors are ideal for homes with limited driveway space.

Likewise, because the panels seal tightly together when closed, sectional garage doors are also very energy efficient. When it comes down to it, this type of door is a great option for those who want a stylish garage door that is easy to operate.

Raised Panel Garage Doors

Short raised panel steel garage door

Raised panel garage doors are a type of door that have panels that rise above the surface of the door. The panels are usually made of wood, but can also be made of other materials, such as aluminum or steel. 

Raised panel garage doors are often used in situations where a door needs to be both durable and stylish. Due to their durability, these types of garage doors are among the most popular that you see in the United States.

For example, raised panel garage doors are commonly used in homes where the garage is an important part of the home’s exterior design. They have a classic look that can complement any home and are available in a variety of materials and colors.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, raised panel garage doors are also highly durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This makes them a popular choice for homes in areas with high winds or severe weather conditions.

Carriage House Garage Doors

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Carriage house garage doors are a type of door named for their resemblance to doors found on horse-drawn carriages. Carport garage doors are often designed with panels, glass, and hardware that give them a unique look.

These doors can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel, and fiberglass. They also have decorative hardware, panels, and windows. They can also be painted or stained to match the exterior of your home.

Many homeowners enjoy the way these doors add character to their homes. They also appreciate the fact that they can be customized to match the other features of their homes. 

If you’re looking for something slightly sleek and unique then carriage house doors might be right for you.

Full View Garage Doors

Full view garage door

Full-view garage doors are an increasingly popular option for homeowners who want to maximize natural light in their homes. As the name suggests, full-view garage doors are designed to provide a clear view of the outside without the need for additional hardware. 

They are great for garages that are used as workshops or storage as they allow you to see what’s inside without having to open the door and provide good lighting. Full-view garage doors are also popular with car enthusiasts as they can display their vehicles. 

These doors are made of glass panels that are held in place by a frame. The frame can be made of wood, aluminum, or steel. Glass panels can be clear, frosted, or tinted. 

Ultimately, full-view garage doors are highly customizable and are great for homes that offer you and your guests stunning views of the mountains, ocean, or other landscapes.

Custom Garage Doors

Custom garage doors

Finally, custom garage doors are doors that are made to order according to customer specifications. This means that the door will have a unique design and will be created specifically to suit your home’s style and garage layout. 

Some common features of this type of garage door design include windows, insulation, and decorative hardware. There are also many different ways to customize a garage door to match the look of your home. 

When it comes down to it, if you can’t decide on a specific style, custom garage doors can give your home a unique look that will make it stand out from the crowd.

Think About the Garage Door Features You Need

Now that you’re familiar with a few of the garage door styles available to you, it’s time to consider the garage door features you need.

Do you want a door that’s insulated? One with windows? What kind of material do you want? And what style best suits your home? With so many choices on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. The best place to begin is by thinking about your needs. 

If you live in a cold climate, for example, an insulated door will help keep your garage warm. This should be at the top of your garage door “must-have” list.

Once you’ve decided on the features you need, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect garage door for your home. 

To help make the process easier, consider the following factors:

  • The climate you live in
  • The level of insulation you need
  • Whether you need an automatic opening door or prefer manual
  • The style of your home
  • The style of other homes in your neighborhood

Finally, when considering different doors, find out what kind of warranty is offered and what is covered. This can help you make a decision about which product is right for you and your home.

Develop a Garage Door Budget

Developing a budget to pay for your new garage door is an important first step in the buying process. There is a wide range of prices for garage doors, so it’s important to set a limit on how much you’re willing to spend.

Know what you can and can’t spend on your garage door before you meet with a salesperson or contractor. This will save you time searching for options that are not in your price range. It will also help prevent you from being sold features or materials you don’t need.

Once you have a budget, do some research to see what type of door fits into that budget. This way, you can start narrowing down the types of doors that fall within your price range.

How to Choose the Right Garage Door Style

Aside from the practicality of figuring out what kind of garage door you need, take some time while garage door shopping to think about what you want in terms of style. From traditional designs to more modern styles, there’s something to suit every taste. 

But with so many choices available, how do you know which one is right for your home? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you narrow down your choices before buying a garage door.

Think About Your Home’s Style

The first step is to think about your home’s style. What kind of architecture do you have? Is your home more traditional or modern? Once you’ve identified the overall style of your home, it will be easier to narrow down your garage door options

For homes with a more traditional design, carriage house garage doors are a popular choice. Carriage house doors are often made of wood and feature decorative hardware, making them a stylish addition to any home. 

If you’re looking for a more modern look, there are also many sleek and simple garage door designs available. This often includes full-view garage doors with tinted or frosted windows. Because they’re made with glass and metal, they tend to look sleeker than traditional styles.

Consider the Insulation You Need

There are several reasons why proper insulation is essential for a garage door. 

First, it helps keep the temperature inside the garage constant, which can protect your belongings from extreme temperatures. Additionally, it minimizes drafts and helps reduce energy costs. Finally, it can help reduce outside noise, making your garage a quieter place. 

When choosing a garage door, be sure to consider the insulation value and select a door that will provide the best protection for your home.

Factor in Practicality

When it comes to choosing a new garage door, it’s important to consider your practical needs. After all, your garage door is responsible for keeping your car safe and secure. 

So, think about the materials that your new garage door will be made from. Consider both the aesthetic appeal and the durability of the materials. 

For example, wood is a popular choice for garage doors because it has a classic look. However, wood can be susceptible to weather damage and may require more maintenance than other materials.

Additionally, think about the security features that you want your new garage door to have. 

For example, you may want a door with an automatic opener so that you don’t have to worry about losing your keys. You may also want to choose a door and a built-in alarm system for added peace of mind.

By considering your practical needs, you can be sure to choose a garage door that will serve you well for years to come.

Consider Maintenance Requirements

Some materials, like wood, require more care than others. And depending on the climate you live in, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your door from the elements.

That is why it’s important to take into account the necessary maintenance and upkeep when choosing a new garage door. If you don’t have time to properly maintain your garage door then consider opting for one made of materials that are more low maintenance.

Think About Local Weather

Finally, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new garage door is the local weather. 

If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you’ll want to make sure that your door is well-insulated and equipped to handle the elements. Otherwise, you could end up with a door that warps or cracks due to excess moisture. 

In addition, if your garage is located near the ocean, you’ll need to take salt spray into account. Salt can cause corrosion, so it’s important to choose a door that is made from materials that can withstand saltwater exposure. 

By taking the local weather into account, you can be sure to choose a garage door that will last. This protects your investment long-term and ensures you won’t have to worry about garage door replacement every couple of years.

8 Tips for Garage Door Shopping

Have you narrowed down your choices a bit? Great! We know that from material to style to price, there are many factors to consider when garage door shopping.

Regardless of the type of garage door you choose or the material that it’s made from, here are some tips to help you narrow down the options and choose the right garage door for your home.

1. Speak With a Specialist First

If you’re shopping for a new garage door, it’s important to talk to a specialist first. 

You may have a general idea of what you need, but a specialist will be able to help you narrow down your options, determine the best style and material for your needs, and give you a cost estimate. 

They can also answer any questions you may have and help you with the installation process. 

2. Upgrading Your Insulation Is Always Smart

Upgrading your insulation is always smart, but it’s an even better idea when you’re shopping for a new garage door. 

That’s because insulation keeps your garage door warm in the winter and cool in the summer, making it much more comfortable to use. And, of course, it also helps to reduce your energy bills

There are two main types of garage door insulation: polystyrene and polyurethane. Polystyrene is the cheaper option, but it’s not as durable as polyurethane. Polyurethane insulation is also a bit more difficult to install, so you’ll need to factor that into your decision. 

Ultimately, the best garage door insulation for you will depend on your budget and your climate. If you live in a relatively mild climate, polystyrene will probably be fine. But if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you’ll want to upgrade to polyurethane.

3. Be Realistic About Maintenance

As any homeowner knows, a garage door is a big investment. You’re going to want to protect that investment as best as you can by maintaining your garage door. This includes cleaning it properly and caring for the hardware that comes with it.

When shopping for a new garage door, it’s important to be realistic about the amount of maintenance that you’re willing to do. Some materials, like wood, require more upkeep than others. 

As mentioned above, if you’re not willing to devote the time and effort to regular maintenance, then you should choose a material that is more low-maintenance.

4. Pay for Premium Installation

Paying for premium installation is one of the best tips for garage door shopping. By doing so, you can ensure that your garage door is installed correctly so that you can enjoy all of the features and benefits that come with installing new garage doors.

Paying for premium installation also ensures that the garage door will last longer and perform better. Many times, people who try to install their own garage doors find that they are not installed correctly and end up having to replace them sooner than they would like. 

Save yourself time, money, and headaches by paying for premium installation.

5. Be Careful With the Color

Be careful with the color choice! If you opt for garage doors that are too light then they might show dirt quickly. However, if you choose doors that are too dark then they can absorb heat in the summer. Consider a neutral color that will be easy to keep clean. 

Also, think about the style of your house. A modern home will look out of place with a rustic wooden door, and vice versa. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional before making a final decision. 

6. Prioritize Quiet Over Aesthetic

Most people overlook the noise aspect of a garage door but it can be quite loud, especially if you have living space above the garage. When possible, always prioritize quiet over the aesthetic appeal of the garage doors you’re interested in installing.

In this aspect, we’re talking about the actual garage door opener used to open the door. Nothing’s worse than a loud, creaky garage door opener each time someone leaves or arrives back home.

However, this can sometimes be caused by the garage doors themselves, too. Certain garage doors open in ways that are inherently noisier than offers. If noise is a concern, make sure to bring this up to your specialist when shopping for a new garage door.

7. Consider the Windows

Are you looking for a door with windows? If so, what style of window do you want? There are many different styles of garage doors with windows, from small decorative windows to large ones that let in a lot of light. 

Depending on the location of your garage, you may want windows that let in natural light to save on energy costs. If privacy is a concern, you may want to choose a garage door with frosted or opaque glass. 

Consider what kind of look you want for your garage and choose accordingly.

8. Get an In-Person Quote

Finally, one of the most important parts of shopping for a garage door is getting an in-person quote. This will allow you to get the most accurate quote possible.

Find a local garage door specialist and inquire about their services in your area. When possible, ask for a custom quote after they’ve seen your garage and the size of the space you’re working with.

Check Your New Garage Door Warranty

We briefly mentioned this above but it’s worth mentioning again as it’s something that many people overlook. If you’ve just had a new garage door installed, be sure to check your warranty. Or if you’re still shopping for garage doors, ask about the warranty available. 

Most manufacturers offer at least a one-year warranty on parts regardless of who installs the doors. This warranty offers peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, the repair will be covered. 

Be sure to read through your warranty carefully so you know what’s covered and what isn’t. Additionally, keep a copy of your warranty in a safe place in case you need it down the road.

Work With the Right Garage Door Installation Company

Garage door shopping is just the first step in the process of installing new garage doors. While garage door installation may seem like a simple process, it’s important to work with the right company to make sure the job is done correctly. 

We have years of experience installing garage doors and know how to do the job right so you can avoid any headaches down the road. 

Contact us today to get an estimate on your garage door installation!

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