Choosing a garage door is an important decision. This feature can make your home look more welcoming, unique or luxurious. With so many options to choose from, homeowners may feel confused about which is the best for their property. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selecting the perfect door.
The right garage door depends on your personal style, needs and the climate in your area. Read on for the ultimate guide on choosing a door that you will love for years to come.
Importance of Choosing the Right Garage Door Style
Choosing a garage door style is a crucial decision that affects your property’s day-to-day functionality and appearance. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you select the right garage door for your home:
Enhanced curb appeal: A new garage door can improve your home’s curb appeal and make your property look more inviting and luxurious. With so many different styles of garage doors, you can easily achieve your preferred aesthetic, from sleek and modern to charming and rustic. Select a garage door that blends seamlessly with your current home decor.
Increased property value: If you install a high-quality garage door, it can boost the value of your property, allowing you to increase the sale price.
Boosted security: A sturdy garage door can be a deterrent for thieves and create a more secure feel in your home. Incorporating features like LiftMaster enables you to protect your garage door from forced openings through electronic controls.
Improved energy efficiency: If you live in an area that gets cold, like South Central Pennsylvania, well-insulated garage doors can help keep garage door temperatures comfortable and protect your vehicle from extreme fluctuations. A high-quality garage door upgrade can lower your energy bills and help keep your house more comfortable all year.
7 Steps to Choose a Garage Door
With so many possibilities, finding the right garage door for your home and lifestyle needs can be challenging. Investing in a new model can refresh your home’s exterior and boost your property value. Here is how to choose a garage door that will adorn your home with style and safety for years to come.
1. Decide on Your Preferred Aesthetic
What kind of aesthetic are you going for in your home exterior? The main thing to consider is your existing or preferred color palette. If you have a minimalist or neutral color scheme, you will want to choose shades like beige, brown and gray. For a bold design, choose a vibrant garage door with a pop of color.
If your home has elements that incorporate natural materials like stone, consider choosing earthy-colored garage doors or ones with more texture to draw more interest to the space. Match the color and texture of the garage doors to other exterior elements like the front door, shutters and trim for a more cohesive appearance.
Homeowners who enjoy sticking to the latest styles of garage doors can choose from the latest garage door trends, like windows, to let in more natural light.
Aside from the garage door itself, you should also consider the decorative hardware. For the ultimate style hack, choose handles, decorative nails and hinges in an elegant shade like gold to uplift any exterior space. If you are looking for a more vintage appeal, go for black iron hardware that emphasizes the rugged, rustic charm.
Some homeowners prefer a simple garage door that will not take away from their outdoor features. They may prefer modern garage doors that typically have sleek lines and neutral color tones.
2. Consider Your Budget
Considering your budget before shopping around is crucial. Doing so will help you save time by directing you solely to options within your price range. Generally, new garage door styles with advanced features and trendy designs will cost more but offer value, aesthetic appeal and reliability.
While deciding on a budget that you are comfortable with is important, it is also crucial to know that cheap garage doors are not usually a good investment. They could break, lose value quickly or offer inadequate protection, leading to higher repair and replacement costs down the line.
Spending a bit more on the initial investment is best. A sturdy, well-designed garage door is a smart investment that will save you money in the long run and may even make you money by increasing property value.
The initial investment is not the only cost to consider in your budget. Here are some other elements to factor in:
Accessories: Consider the cost of additional accessories like remotes and hardware.
Maintenance: Garage door springs and other parts may require lubrication or other maintenance products to keep things running smoothly.
Installation costs: Add the installation cost to the total budget as part of the initial investment. You never want to perform the installation yourself — garage doors are extremely heavy and pose serious safety threats. If you are not a professional, account for additional expenses for expert services.
Repairs: Over time, garage door parts like springs and cables may wear and need to be repaired or replaced. Factor in the cost of replacing the part and labor costs.
Electrical updates: If you want to add features like a remote opener, then factor these costs in and the estimated amount for maintenance and upgrades.
3. Analyze Your Climate
To find the perfect garage door for your home, you must consider your climate. The type of weather, especially extreme weather your area experiences, determines the type of garage door you should choose. If you buy a door that is not ideal for your climate, you risk causing damage to your home and vehicle.
The temperature in your location should also influence your garage door decision. For example, homeowners in South Central Pennsylvania may see temperatures as low as 15 degrees below zero. Some areas, like Elizabethville, have seen wind chills as low as 24 degrees below zero due to recent icy blasts. Homeowners in these areas would be wise to choose insulated garage doors to help maintain a more stable temperature year-round, save on energy costs and protect assets stored in the garage from the freezing temperatures.
Insulated garage doors are excellent at preventing cold weather from freezing up the garage. In areas with extremely cold temperatures, installing a reliable unit heater can also help warm up the inside of the room. Insulated doors are not just for cold weather. They also help keep cold air in, saving you money on energy costs associated with cooling and heating.
4. Check out Glass and Window Options
When choosing garage doors, it is crucial to consider what the interior looks like. Windows can improve the inside appearance of the garage and also add style to the outside.
Windows offers several benefits for garage spaces, such as:
Providing natural light: Windows bring more sunlight into the area and give it a more welcoming atmosphere. It takes the garage from dark and gloomy to bright and uplifting.
Enhancing privacy: Tinted, stained or frosted glass windows provide more light without infringing on your privacy. They protect your assets from prying eyes and offer you a private space.
Extending garage usage: If you want your garage to double as a gym, yoga room or workshop, incorporating more windows makes the space more welcoming and comfortable.
Saving on energy usage: With more natural light, you will not have to use electric lighting during daylight hours, saving you money on your electricity bill.
Improving curb appeal: Windows make your garage door look more inviting and unify your home’s exterior aesthetic. You can also choose from a variety of window styles and shapes to add more flair to your design choices.
Windows aren’t suitable for all garage types and sizes. For example, they may not be the best option for roll-up or low-down garage doors as they could hamper functionality or privacy. Here are the top types of garage doors that blend seamlessly with windows:
Craftsman garage doors
Modern garage doors
Carriage house garage doors
5. Evaluate Door Functionality
Selecting a garage door that will make your daily life more convenient and reliable is essential. Here are the top factors to consider with different types of garage doors for your home:
Roll-up garage door: Also known as rolling steel doors, these garage doors roll up and down, offering maximum space efficiency in areas with limited ceiling clearance. They are typically made from durable materials like aluminum and steel. The interlocking slats also provide added security because it is difficult to gain access through these doors.
Counterweight garage doors: Also known as counterbalance doors, these garage doors are a space-efficient solution suitable for tight areas. They use pulleys, cables and weights to enable smooth opening and closing. You can operate counterweight doors automatically or manually, giving homeowners unmatched flexibility.
Sliding garage doors: Homeowners looking for that farmhouse or rustic appeal often enjoy sliding garage doors. They are also ideal for rooms with low ceilings since they use more side space. They are not as convenient as motorized garage doors and may not offer the same kind of weather-protectant benefits as more modern doors, so they may not be as suitable for homes in areas with extreme weather.
Sectional garage door: These garage doors open vertically and are ideal for rooms with more ceiling space. They feature locking systems and strong materials like steel, wood and aluminum. They often come with insulation, offering homeowners energy savings and added comfort. Sectional garage doors are excellent for areas with extreme weather conditions.
6. Consider the Material and Maintenance Needs
The garage door material you choose can affect the amount of time you need to spend on regular maintenance. Most garage door styles for different homes are available in four main materials, each with its own set of advantages and considerations:
Wooden garage doors: Wooden garage door styles are excellent for curb appeal improvements. They offer a timeless and elegant aesthetic and can be used to create rustic appeal. They are not the most suitable option for regions prone to weather damage, especially in areas with high humidity and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Steel doors: Steel doors are perfect for achieving that sleek, modern aesthetic. They offer durability and longevity, making them a great long-term investment for homeowners. Steel doors are low maintenance and highly attractive, adding value to your property.
Faux wooden doors: Homeowners who want the look of wooden doors but do not live in suitable climates will enjoy the convenience and visual appeal of faux wooden doors. They do not require extensive upkeep like wooden doors do and offer similar insulation. These doors are moisture and insect-resistant, making them suitable for most climates.
Aluminum doors: These doors are easy to maintain, lightweight and resistant to rust. Their properties are better suited to warm coastal climates since aluminum is not the best insulator. However, they provide excellent thermal regulation when insulated, so they can still work well in colder areas like South Central Pennsylvania.
7. Consider the Brand and Supplier
Two of the most important points to consider when buying a new garage door are the brand and supplier. Purchasing from a company that prioritizes quality, safety and customer satisfaction is crucial. Here are a few of the top factors to consider:
Business experience: A garage door is a big investment that is meant to last a long time. Putting your trust in a business that has been around long enough and is likely to stand the test of time is essential.
Reputation: Check customer reviews and ensure you choose a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Warranty policy: Assess the garage door supplier’s warranties on things like defects, dents, structural failures and labor.
Product quality: Look for prominent garage door brands like Clopay and LiftMaster.
If you are looking for a garage door that will last you a long time, beautify your home exterior and increase your property value, we have what you need. At Cornwell Door Service, we install top-quality garage doors in South Central Pennsylvania for homeowners and businesses.
Cornwell Door was established in 1972, and we have had countless positive testimonials since. We have years in the business, a good reputation and annual maintenance packages and warranty repairs.
We stock a wide range of residential doors that suit any homeowner’s tastes and preferences, so you are sure to find the right door for you. You will find everything from modern steel doors to rustic wooden doors. Request a free estimate today to find your perfect garage door.
