Selecting the right garage door can become a rather detailed decision considering the number of features and materials that are available today. When shopping for your door, consider what type of use you put your garage to and what sort of functionality this door will provide. This five-part guide will help you navigate through the options that are available so that you can zero-in on the features that are most important for your home.
Material
When deciding what type of material you want to use, consider not only the appearance you are trying to achieve, but the amount of maintenance you are able to contribute and what type of weather extremes or possible abuses the door will be exposed to.
- Vinyl can stand up to extreme weather conditions, will never need touch up paint, resist dents and will never rust, unlike steel.
- Steel is the most commonly used type of door, and it does provide great functionality and durability for the price. Steel doors will need very little touch up, as opposed to wood.
- Wood doors may require a bit more work and touch up, but can add a rustic beauty to the front of your home whether painted or stained to show their natural tone.
- Fiberglass doors can mimic the appearance of wood without the extra needed touch ups. They are more durable, but may require extensive repair for cracks if hit hard.
Panel Style
Your choice of panels can complement or detract from the face of your home, depending upon whether they are compatible with your architectural style.
- Long raised panels can break up an otherwise muted surrounding, adding a decorative touch without drawing too much attention to the eye.
- Short raised panels work well for Victorian or Tudor style homes, but can be a bit too busy looking for some of the more modern, sleek designs.
- Flush panels allow the eye to focus more on the surrounding architecture, if you wish for the garage door to be more of a background detail.
Windows
If you are deciding whether or not to install windows, think about the use that you put your garage to and the visual impact you desire. Windows allow natural light to enter the otherwise gloomy interior of your garage while adding an unbeatable decorative touch to your home. There are many types of designs materials that can be used such as tempered glass or obscure glass depending on the safety features, appearance and privacy level desired.
Insulation
Insulation provides interior protection from heat and cold while adding the benefit of noise reduction. If you use your garage as an added living space or shop, insulation of R14 or greater and better weather stripping will help.
Safety Features
There are obvious safety features that most modern doors should have, such as a sensor that prevents automatic doors from closing if there is an obstruction, but here are some additional features that can greatly increase the safety and value of your door.
- Remotes are available that can easily change frequency so only you can program your door.
- Tempered glass windows resist shattering into sharp pieces if struck.
- Pinch-resistant doors are designed to push fingers out of the way should they get to close to the joints.
- Tamper resistant bottom brackets reduce injury from the components that are under pressure.
- Polyurethane insulation can reduce the amount of flames and smoke occupants are exposed to from a fire.
Most importantly, remember that no matter what style and features you choose, your garage door should be installed by a certified professional for your safety and protection.
Author’s Bio:
This post is submitted by TriNorth Media on the behalf of Natalie Addison. Natalie has written many Home Improvement articles in the past. She recommends interested readers to check out Automated Door Systems, which has a lot of trusted and reliable information on garage doors.