Replacing an old garage door or getting one for a new garage is daunting for many people. Considering how it can either make or break the curb appeal of your home, we cannot blame you for being anxious about this. The door is so big that will definitely impact the way your house looks.
But even if just the thought of it scares you, the change is worth it- regardless of whether you’re thinking of selling your home or simply trying to add some curb appeal. The reason why replacing that old garage door is a good way to go is that it will help your house stand out in the neighborhood and, more often than not, deliver a significant return on investment when the time to sell comes.
Because of all the choices of garage doors available on the market, it can be bewildering to sort through them to one that best fits your home’s architecture. Once you factor in the materials and styles, the whole process becomes even more complex and confusing. After all, the materials can range from steel to vinyl or wood, while the styles can be anything from modern to traditional. Now, add to that having the choice between insulated doors and non-insulated doors, and other options such as windows, decorative hardware, and colors and you’ll understand why most people have a hard time choosing a door for their garage.
So, how can you go about it? Considering that there are more choices than you even think, how do you know what look for? To make sense of it all and find the garage door system that’s the perfect fit for your home, follow the steps we’ve outlined below:
Step One: Know your Options
Before going garage door shopping or looking for a contractor, which you will eventually have to do, take the time to do some research online. Find out everything you can about the types of garage doors there on the market, what’s available in your region and which distributor carry these doors in their showroom. Consider going through sites like Pinterest for ideas.
However, to really make the right decision you will have to make a decision about your budget. Determine the amount you can afford to pay, and from there you can move to the next steps.
Step Two: Determine the Door Material You’d Prefer
One of the most important factors when buying a new garage door is to consider the door material. There is a wide range of materials available on the market, and there’s a reason for it. While it’s true that no doors are created equal, it’s also true that each of them has its merits and shortcomings. So, let’s look at the different types of materials you can choose from:
- Aluminum
Doors made of aluminum are light and relatively cheap when compared to some other materials. They also come with long-lasting finishes and in different textures, such as faux wood texture.
- Steel
Steel garage doors tend to last longer, are low maintenance and are reasonably priced. They are also available in different textures and can even be painted over. However, steel can be rather easily dented and are generally poor insulators. More on insulation in step three.
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors are not that popular, and for good reason. While they can be painted and do offer better resistance to dents than a thin steel door would, they are very light and are generally very poor insulators. On top of that, they tend to fade from weather exposure. However, this type of material would be perfect in coastal regions because it is more resistant to salt-water corrosion than any other garage door materials.
- Wood composite
Wood composite is essentially recycled wood fibers. Wood composite garage doors offer the same level of strength as a steel door would and can be painted and stained but comes with the added advantage of having the natural look and texture of wood. Wood composite is also very resistant to rot and splitting, unlike solid wood.
- Wood
While it’s true that wood is a better insulator than steel and is incredibly strong, this material requires routine maintenance and is very expensive when compared to other types of garage doors on the market. However, wood doors are unquestionably beautiful and can be easily custom designed to perfectly complement your home’s architectural style.
Step Three: To Insulate or Not?
You should consider insulating If you live in a region with extreme winter temperatures. If the door is not insulated, it will be less energy efficient hence leading to a hike in your electricity bills.
Step Four: Consider all the Different Styles
Once you’ve determined the basics of what you want in a new garage door, you can work with your contractor to find the perfect style for your home. This will generally involve looking at raised-panel doors, traditional-style doors, carriage doors, and contemporary slab doors.
Step Five: Time to buy
Once you’ve worked out all the kinks, you are finally ready to buy. Blue Diamond Impact Windows & Doors is a good place to find a door that matches your home and increase its curb appeal.
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