Guide To Buying A Garage Door

Your Ultimate Guide To Buying A Garage Door 

Garage doors are an essential part of a house. It doesn't only provide security, energy efficiency, and easy access to your garage, but it also gives your home an instant curb appeal.

Deciding to invest in a garage door is not a decision that homeowners should take lightly. It's an expensive investment, and it will be a prominent part of your house for years. You should take time doing research and think twice before making the final purchase.

We've listed down the things that you should know and consider before buying a garage door to ensure that you are making the best choice. Don't forget to organize your garage as well so both the inside and outside look great!

What type of garage door should I buy?

You must know your options when choosing a garage door. There are several types of garage doors, but the six most common are roll-up, slide to the side, sectional, side hinged, tilt-up retractable, and tilt-up canopy.

• Roll-Up - Roll-up doors are usually from one large galvanized steel sheet, or slats rolled into sections that are interconnected to roll up into a coil above a door opening. It is useful for areas with limited space, and it can also withstand heavy usage or extreme weather conditions. This type of door is also fire resistant and less susceptible to vandalism. You can choose for a unit without enclosed or spring to prevent rust and freezing. High-quality units can also be insulated.
• Slide to the Side - Slide to the side garage doors is perfect for areas with low ceilings. This type of garage door is from panels that slide vertically and suspended from an aluminum top rail. The rail guides the panels to pivot against the garage's sidewall. Slide to the side doors can be automated, insulated, or ventilated. This type of garage door is also low maintenance and durable.
• Sectional Garage Doors - Sectional garage doors are panels connected with hinges that you can bend over a curved part of the track. This type of door opens vertically. When fully retracted, the panels sit parallel to the ceiling. These doors are low maintenance and commonly made from steel. It can be customized to include windows or insulation.
• Side-Hinged - Side-hinged garage doors resemble a traditional style of door that swings from hinges at either side of the opening. This type of door is ideal for garages with little headroom and side room spaces. Side-hinged garage doors are available in numerous materials, sizes, and door panel split variations. You can also purchase it to fit into existing openings or customize it to automate using individual conversion arms.
• Tilt-Up Retractable - Tilt-up retractable garage doors use a multi-tension spring at the side with steel lifting arms and horizontal metal tract that retracts into the garage when open. While some homeowners opt for this type, this type of garage door requires more space and is more challenging to operate. But, you can quickly and safely convert it into automatic operation.
• Tilt-Up Canopy - Tilt-up canopy garage doors they’re made of one solid piece with pivoting hinge mechanism that tilts up into the garage. This type of garage door sits parallel to the ceiling and extends past the front of the house when opened. Tilt-up canopy is great space savers and the easiest to install, among other garage door types. It is more efficient when manually operated.

What material should a garage door be made of?

Aside from the type of garage door, you'll also need to know the perfect garage door material that would coordinate with the style of your house, lifestyle, and budget.

The most common garage door materials are wood, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and vinyl.

• Wood - Among all the elements, wood is the most beautiful and elegant material for garage doors. Wood can stand up well to wear and tear but requires constant refinishing. Wood doors can be customized and vary from mid-price to expensive. Wood is the perfect material for large double doors. The average cost for a door made of quality wood is $1,200 to more than $4,000.
• Aluminum - Aluminum is the best alternative material for steel because it is incredibly lightweight. However, it is more expensive at around $800 for a basic door. Aluminum is rust-resistant and perfect for areas with extreme moisture. It also won't sag over time and requires almost no maintenance.
• Steel - Steel is the most common and least expensive material for garage doors. They also require less maintenance than wood, but it is susceptible to rust and dents. It is best to choose steel doors made from two layers of galvanized steel as they are more durable. You can also opt for one with fiberglass overlay or 25 gauge steel because they resist rusts and dents well. Most steel doors start at around $400 on average. It will cost more depending on the type and thickness of the steel
• Fiberglass - Fiberglass is very flexible and can mimic any sort of material. You can easily customize it without breaking your bank. Fiberglass is also rust, insect, and dent resistant. A fiberglass stock model begins at around $1,500. Just keep in mind that it can easily break or crack when exposed to freezing climates.
• Vinyl - Vinyl is a relatively new garage door material ideal that is extremely durable. It also requires less maintenance but only comes in a few designs and colors. Vinyl garage doors start at around $600. You can go for a vinyl material if you want a wood appearance but prefers a more lightweight option. However, it is best to use in areas with moderate climate conditions because they tend to warp in extreme heat and crack at low temperatures.

Should you customize a garage door?

Aside from the material and type of garage door, you can also consider making your garage door stand out and look appealing. You can add additional features to ensure the curb appeal of your home. You will also need to take into account any added expense such as updating all your garage doors assuming you have a home with a 3-car garage or more.

You can add windows to your garage door. Aside from adding an architectural appeal, windows will allow more natural light into the garage. It can also increase the value and add a personal touch to your house.

You can match your garage window to the current windows of your house for a more consistent look. Just keep in mind that adding windows will create an imbalance in the spring system. You might need professional help to ensure the balance of your garage doors.

Hinges are also a feature that you can add to your garage door. It can give a classic look and look similar to barn or carriage houses. It will add a rural and visual impression to your home. It's best with side-hinge doors.

Adding insulation to your garage door is also an option you can consider. Insulation can make your garage more bearable during the summer and winter months. It can also keep out the noise from your garage.

If you want more convenience, you can also automate your garage door. It allows you to open or close your garage door with the click of a button.

It is perfect for older adults or those with disabilities where opening a garage door can be a challenge. It can also improve your house's security, as it is more difficult to penetrate than non-manual garage doors.

Any customization is available in most reliable garage door companies. Adding features will cost more, so you may want to ask for a quotation before finalizing the deal.

Where to get garage doors?

Once you decide on the type and material you want for your garage door, you'll need to choose where to get them and who will install your new garage door.

Of course, the first thing you should consider is the company's reputation. The best way to check is through other client's reviews. You can check on Google, Yelp, or Facebook to see honest reviews with any company.

Be sure to validate the reviews because some are fake. Real feedback is more detailed with the experience. You can also rely on your friends and family's recommendation.

You should also favor companies that are available in your community. Being able to meet with someone within your area will give you a direct experience of their services.

Companies are usually more careful with dealing with customers that are within the community. There is a higher chance of you recommending them to other clients nearby.

Next to consider is the company's license to operate. Choose a company that is with the Better Business Bureau. BBB legitimized the level of professional work for a company.

Working with a licensed garage door company will give you a guarantee and peace of mind that they will accomplish the work for you.

It is also essential to know how long they've operated. Newer companies may offer cheaper costs but lack experience, while older and more established companies have years of experience, but you might be paying more.

Lastly, opt for a company that offers all the garage essentials that you need. They can provide you with high-quality garage doors, offer a hassle-free installation experience, provide any repairs like malfunctioning mechanisms or replace broken parts, and they can also add automated functions or customize any garage door according to your preference.

Choosing a company that will provide you all the services you'll need will give you a more relaxing and convenient experience. You will save time and effort when looking for all the services that you need.

Other garage door considerations

Once you finalize the type, material, additional feature, and the company you'll be getting your new garage door, you'll also need to take into consideration a few more things to ensure that the process will go smoothly.

• Get a quote - It's best to get a quote first before finalizing the deal. Most companies are offering free quotes, so get multiple quotes from different companies. It's also best to get a salesperson to check your actual garage to ensure a more reliable quote. You don't want to shock yourself with an unexpected cost once the project started. Once you gather all the quotations, choose the one that offers the most reasonable price for the services. Something within the average is usually the best choice.
• Written contract/ agreement - You should always demand a written agreement before making the final deal. Make sure that everything is listed in the contract before signing it. A contract will give more confidence in dealing with a garage door service and ensure that you are investing your hard-earned money to a reliable company. If anything is unclear, do not hesitate to ask a question. The company should be able to provide you with an explanation for the terms within the contract. Don't hesitate to ask for revisions if something won't work for you. You must be comfortable with anything you are signing.
• Check for garage door warranty - You should also consider if your garage door brand includes a warranty for their products as well as liability insurance for the company that you choose to install them. As a homeowner, it is your right and responsibility to assure that you are doing business with a professional, and you have protection if something goes wrong with your garage door. A warranty and insurance will also protect your money since garage doors are expensive investments.
• Check your property tax - Some garage doors may require to change the structure of your home. Doing so will increase your property's overall value. You'll also have to reassess your house's value to an assessor. If the assessment is more significant, you'll need to pay more property tax each year. In most states, property tax is determined based on the last sale price of the property. If you want to avoid this, you can opt for a more standard door that won't increase your annual property tax.

Garage Door Takeaway

Garage doors can be an expensive investments for your home. You should understand all the necessary factors you'll need to know before jumping with anything that involves your house and money.

Doing enough research will prevent you from unnecessary stress and costs once you decide to upgrade or add a garage door to your precious home. Take your time when buying a garage door and you will find exactly what you need at a price you are comfortable with.