In Overhead Door Company of Brookfield™ Blog

Courtyard Collection Model 7560 (165T) – Sandstone
 

Choosing the right garage door is essential to the aesthetic of your home, as well as its security. Given the vast array of options to choose from, you should narrow down your decision based on factors such as color, functionality, architectural features and landscaping.

 

The right garage door will enhance your home’s appearance and security, and must never be an afterthought. In this article, we break down five key aspects to think about when choosing a garage door for your home.

1 – Cost

How much are you willing to spend on your new garage door? Your budget is one of the more important starting points to factor in when shopping around. There are more luxurious high-end options available and solid budget options as well. It is important to aim for a style and material within your budget while also taking quality and durability into consideration. This means avoiding cheap doors that wear out quickly and need to be replaced or continually maintained.

A well-designed and durable door improves aesthetics, enhances security, and adds value to your home. This all-around improvement is a boost to your home’s resale value, meaning you’re able to get more money for it should you choose to sell it in the future.

2 – Security

A garage door is more than just protection for your car. It protects your family as well. Therefore, a vital step to consider is whether to get a garage door that connects to the alarm system in your home. When you do this, interference with the garage door will trigger the home alarm, which will help detect burglars and deter crime.

Security features for your garage can extend beyond your garage door, too. You can think about installing motion-detecting lights and cameras that show activity around and inside the garage. Another option is to get a smart garage door opener as it alerts you when the door is open, enabling you to lock it remotely or even check who opened it.

Thermacore Model 5740 Thermacore Model 5740 (195) – Dark-Bronze
 

3 – Design

There are multiple types of garage doors to consider when shopping around. Traditional garage doors open outwards from a central split, while others slide to the right. One of the most popular options now is the overhead sectional door, due to its weather resistance and increased energy efficiency.

In addition to functional design, you also need to consider what your garage door looks like. There are several types of garage doors available that can meet your functional and design needs. From aluminum to traditional wood, a sleek design and high-quality material can add convenience and style to your home.

4 – Maintenance

While there are some higher quality options available, the hard truth is that no garage door lasts forever. All garage door materials require some degree of repairs and maintenance to retain their beauty and functionality, and some need more frequent and costly repairs than others. You should consider picking an insulated model made of durable, low-maintenance material like fiberglass or steel. This way, you enjoy the benefits of a new garage door without needing to worry about maintenance as much.

You may also want to consider replacing your garage door opener when choosing a new door. Your opener may fail, or maybe simply show signs of aging. Perhaps you just want a quieter model or one with more features. It’s easiest to replace both at the same time to ensure they’re compatible and will last for a while.

Durafirm Model 3560 (870) - Glacier White Durafirm Model 3560 (870) – Glacier White
 

5 – Temperature and Climate

When choosing a garage door, it’s vital to keep the weather of your area in mind. Certain materials behave differently in different weather conditions. This calls for caution, as failure to take this into account and choose a properly-insulated garage door could have you incurring extra maintenance costs.

Hot and humid weather is best suited for fiberglass, as it keeps the inside cool while also providing adequate insulation. Another way to keep your interiors cool and well ventilated is by installing the right ventilation.

Climates with freezing temperatures, hail, and snow usually call for vinyl garage doors, since they have excellent insulation capabilities. In addition, vinyl is less susceptible to rain, salt, wind and sand, which makes it all the more suitable.

Conclusion

In the past, homeowners focused more on functionality than form. However, with the vast array of options available today, you need to insist on advanced functionality and eye-catching designs. Be sure to pick a door that matches or complements the architectural style and color of your home.

Choosing the right garage door can increase energy efficiency, home security and the overall look and appeal of your property. This helps boost your home’s resale value as well as your comfort and peace of mind. To help you make the most informed decision, contact your local Overhead Door™ Distributor to find the garage door that meets your needs.