Purchasing a garage door for a new home or replacing an existing one to freshen up the look of your current home is an exciting venture! Garage doors can last anywhere from 15-30 years, so most homeowners will find themselves needing to buy a new garage door at least once in their lifetime. There are lots of factors to consider throughout the process. When you answer these seven questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect garage door that matches your style, functionality preferences, and budget.
What Garage Door Style Do I Prefer?
The first question to ask yourself is, what garage door style do you prefer? Customized garage doors provide endless possibilities for design, but don’t let that overwhelm you. There are four main categories of garage doors to choose from; modern, contemporary, traditional, and carriage house. The architecture of your home may help you narrow your search for a new garage door. For example, carriage house doors pair well with farmhouse-style or Victorian homes. A newly built home might look great with a modern or a contemporary style glass garage door.
What Material Should My Garage Door Be?
The material you choose for your new garage door plays a big part in the cost, functionality, energy efficiency, durability, maintenance, and overall look of your door. Each material has pros and cons. Spend time researching garage door materials to determine which would work best for you and meet your needs.
7 Common Garage Door Materials:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Faux Wood
- Glass
- Vinyl
- Fiberglass
What Color Or Finish Would I Like For My Garage Door?
The color or finish of your garage door makes all the difference in your home’s design and curb appeal. The material you choose will play a part in color options. A wood garage door has several natural wood finishes available, while a steel garage door can be painted in bold or more traditional colors. Consider the color of your house. What color are the trim and shutters? Whether you want your garage door to blend in or stand out, your new garage door should complement your home.
Should I Add Garage Door Windows?
Many homeowners opt to add windows to their garage door. The natural light makes finding your way through the garage easier, and windows can add to your home’s curb appeal. On the flip side, if privacy is your number one priority, you may want to opt for a garage door with no windows at all. There’s no right or wrong here- just what’s best for you! Garage door windows are customizable in design and type of glass. Contact your local garage door installer for more information.
Does My Garage Door Need Extra Insulation?
The type of garage door material you choose impacts your home’s energy efficiency. Garage doors used as entry points for the home let warm air escape in winter and cold air in summer. Some materials, such as wood, are natural insulators, which help with energy efficiency, while others are not. Luckily, extra insulation can be added between the panels of most garage doors. Additional insulation can also make a new garage door operate more quietly, which is useful when a bedroom is above or near the garage.
Which Garage Door Brand Is The Best?
Remember, looks aren’t everything! Two doors can look the same, but the quality of the manufacturing process and parts will significantly affect the functionality and longevity of your new garage door. Our team at Dodson Garage Doors has extensive experience installing and repairing garage doors. Over the years, we’ve discovered that Clopay garage doors and Liftmaster garage door openers can’t be beaten. A new garage door is an investment that will last up to three decades! Choose a brand made to last.
What Is My Budget For Garage Door Installation?
Before you purchase a new garage door, determine your budget. The budget you set for yourself will serve as a guide as you prioritize what brand, material, customizations, and modern security features you’d like. Think about what’s most important to you:
- Security and safety
- Noise level during operation
- Garage door material
- Appearance, etc.
Knowing what’s most important to you will help you feel confident when the time comes to make a final choice.
Should I Hire A Professional For My Garage Door Installation?
Professional garage door technicians undergo extensive training in garage door installation methods and best practices. We recommend hiring a local garage door company you trust to help you through the process of choosing and installing a new garage door.
If you reside in the Greater Birmingham area, Dodson Garage Doors is here to help you! Check out our gallery of new garage door installations, and contact us for a free estimate!
