What Every Homeowner Should Know Before Buying a New Garage Door
A garage door is more than just an entry. It's an essential component of your home's security, functionality, and aesthetic charm. Your choice has long-term effects, regardless of whether you're upgrading an old door or planning to install a new garage door. You may avoid future annoyances, save money, and save time by knowing what to prioritize when buying a garage door.
For over 15 years, we've been providing professional garage door services, and we have helped choose and install thousands of garage doors. Every time, this process starts with precise measurements and dialogue with our customers to ensure they get the door of their dreams. Let's go over all the information a homeowner should know before making this important investment.
Types of Garage Doors
When choosing a new garage door, the first step is to select the appropriate kind. The first thing people take into consideration is a door's look, which is quite understandable, but it can't be the only factor on which you base your decision if you want a door that not only looks great but also is functional.
Let's start choosing your new door step-by-step. These are the most well-liked garage door types:
Sectional garage door
This door is built of horizontal panels that glide upward along rails. These doors are renowned for their adaptability and space-saving design. If you're an owner of a small garage or want to preserve as much space as possible for your needs, this is a perfect choice.Roll-up garage door
These sturdy doors coil into a small roll above the opening and are frequently used in commercial settings. They are a great option for limited space, too, yet they might not be as appealing to the eye as the previous option.Slide-to-side garage door
These doors glide horizontally along the wall, making them perfect for spaces with limited overhead.Side-hinged garage door
This type of door is often found in older or historic homes, creating a misconception that no one is getting them now. However, this is completely untrue. These doors have a classic appearance and open like typical double doors, which means they are suitable for those who don't trust overhead doors and want something more traditional.
When choosing a type of garage door, remember that there are many different factors to consider. Not every door type suits every situation, and sometimes, that becomes obvious only when you start installing your new garage door.
Best Materials for Garage Doors
The functionality and look of your garage door can be greatly impacted by the material you choose:
Steel garage door
This is a great solution if you require a door made of a sturdy and low-maintenance material that works well with contemporary designs. Additionally, insulation can make it even more efficient.Wooden garage door
These doors are known for their classic elegance, but they need to be maintained often to avoid warping and splitting.Aluminum garage door
This is a perfect door for coastal regions since it is lightweight and rust-resistant. Additionally, it is available in sleek finishes.Composite garage door
These doors provide a well-balanced alternative by fusing the strength of steel with the beauty of wood.
Again, when choosing the best material for your future garage door, you will need to consider many factors.
Garage Door Insulation
A properly selected and well-fitted garage door will enhance the functionality of a house to an incredible extent. However, you can take it a step further with an insulated garage door to improve its energy and convert your garage into a multifunctional space.
An insulated garage door is always about better temperature control, less noise, and longer durability, which are all important for your investment.
Types of Garage Door Insulation
There are three most popular and proven insulation types available today:
Polystyrene
This insulating material is lightweight and affordable. Although it doesn't provide as much thermal protection as our next option, it is available in rigid panels that fit between the layers of the door. However, some climate zones don't need as much insulation as others. For example, if you live in a region with mild winters and summers, this type of insulation will be enough to improve your garage.Polyurethane
An expensive alternative that creates a denser and more energy-efficient barrier by injecting liquid insulation into the door's panels. It also increases the door's structural stiffness, which reduces the likelihood of damage. If winters in your region are harsh, this will be your perfect option.Reflective Insulation
In sunny regions, reflecting insulation can assist in lowering radiant heat in garages that are used as workstations.Garage Door Trends 2025
Garage door trends these days mostly rely on new technologies, which are changing rapidly, and some interesting new developments are coming soon:
IoT-enabled smart garage doors
You can use smartphone applications to remotely operate and keep an eye on your garage door.Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Materials
Recycled or renewable materials are increasingly being used by garage door manufacturers to ensure we leave as small a footprint on the environment as possible. However, an eco-friendly door doesn't mean it will be made of paper and won't endure as much challenge as a traditional door. Some of these materials are quite sturdy, offering strong protection.
What concerns modern design trends in this industry is that the market is dominated by enormous glass panels, vibrant colors, and sleek lines. A garage door isn't just an addition to your house anymore. It can be a fully independent piece of architectural art.
How to Choose a New Garage Door for Your Home
Selecting a new garage door may be a daunting task. Use these steps to streamline the procedure:
- When evaluating your budget, be mindful of your spending restrictions while taking durability and energy efficiency into account for long-term savings. A new garage door is an investment for years to come, so it may be reasonable to wait if this is not an emergency.
- Try to choose the door that will match the architectural style of your house. This way, you will get a perfect duo that works together and doesn't irritate you every time you take a look. Also, if someday you decide to sell your house, this might become a huge advantage attracting many potential buyers.
- Take climate and usage trends into account. The material and insulation of a door should complement your surroundings and way of life. If you live somewhere where summers are boiling hot, proper insulation could make all the difference in the world. So, we see that making sure you have proper insulation is not only a practical and wise decision but also an investment in your peace of mind.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Garage Door
Choosing a perfect garage door is also about avoiding some common mistakes that might negate advantages over time.
- Don't ignore warranty details to prevent unpleasant surprises in the future.
- Don't ignore long-term costs. A less expensive door now may require more energy or upkeep later.
- Don't concentrate only on aesthetics. Strike a balance between durability, use, and attractiveness to get a perfect door.
Summing Up
More than just a practicality, a garage door is an investment in the safety, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of your house. You can make sure your decision enhances the comfort and value of your house by keeping up with garage door trends, comprehending materials and insulation, and working with a reliable garage door service.
Remember to consider each of these aspects when you're ready to install a new garage door in order to choose the option that best suits your particular requirements. We at Up & Down Garage Doors are always ready to assist you with any of your garage door challenges!
