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When the opportunity to start looking for a new garage door comes, homeowners start to have some important options to make because the majority of garage doors will last over 30 years before they need to be replaced.
The majority of our customers are first-time garage door buyers who are surprised to learn that choosing a garage door is a big decision. Residential garage doors make up about 30% of the aesthetics of your home. As such that it makes up about a third of your home’s exterior; and because of this, it’s important that you know what’s out there. Here are some tips for buying your first garage door:
- Don’t skimp on quality!
- Get more than one estimate!
- Take your time and do your research!
What Does Purchasing a New Garage Door Mean?
The benefits of a new garage door are many. You’ll have a new way to show off your style and personality, while at the same time increasing the value of your home. It’s easy to increase the value and exterior appeal of your house by installing a new garage door. Additionally, if you’ve lived in your home for a while, it’s a terrific way to update its appearance and remind yourself of the reasons you fell in love with it in the first place. A new garage door is more than just attractive. The general energy efficiency of a property can also be significantly impacted by a new garage door.
Many people think that only their front door makes an entrance statement for their home. While this is true, it’s not just about how you present yourself to guests when they pull up in front of your house; it’s also about how you present yourself to the world on a daily basis as well. A large portion of our lives take place near our garages, whether we’re getting into or out of our cars or walking through them on our way into the house at night after work or school.
Choosing a Door Using the Structure of the Garage Door
To help you choose the right garage door, we’ve created this guide to help you understand the different types of materials and features available today.
Steel Garage Doors
The best steel garage doors have two layers of galvanized steel that are either encased with composite material or primed and painted with a durable topcoat finish. Steel doors come with or without insulation and can be painted to fit your house. The drawback of steel doors is that they are prone to corrosion and dings, especially in coastal areas.
Wood Garage Doors
To avoid warping, wood garage doors are constructed with layers or plies. Redwood, fir, cedar, and meranti are some of the woods. Wood doors can be finished on-site, in the factory, or with paint or stain.
Wood Composite Garage Doors
Typically, composite garage doors feature a wood frame that is covered in fiberboard sheets. Better models have skins made of higher-density fiberboard and realistic features like overlays and grooves that mimic actual wood grain. Insulation made of polystyrene is used to fill cores.
Aluminum Frame Garage Doors
Although aluminum garage doors are easier to dent, they do away with the issue of rust. They come in a variety of hues and contemporary brushed finishes.
Vinyl Garage Doors
Since they are hard to dent or break, vinyl garage doors are advertised as being “kid-proof.” These are also often constructed with steel frames and filled with polyurethane insulation. Even though they come in fewer hues, vinyl doors resemble fiberglass doors in appearance. Aside from the odd hosing, they require very little upkeep and are incredibly durable.
Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass garage doors are less prone to denting or cracking. They don’t rust, but they can shatter when hit. Polyurethane insulation is commonly poured between two layers of fiberglass that are attached to a steel frame. End caps made of steel increase stiffness.
Selecting a Door Considering Inclement Weather
The temperature in your area is one of the most important factors to take into account when selecting a new garage door. Wood doors can be more difficult to maintain if your property is in a region where there is a lot of rain or snow because they become warped or bowed when they are exposed to a lot of moisture. Wood doors may require more maintenance if you live near a coastline since the salt in the air can damage the material.
The type of weather in your area will also affect how often you need to clean your garage door. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, then you may want to invest in an insulated door that keeps out moisture and helps prevent rusting on metal panels. In areas with extreme heat, it’s important to make sure that your garage door is well insulated so it doesn’t get too hot inside during the summer months.
When considering what type of material you want for your garage door, it’s also important to think about what type of maintenance it might need so that you don’t end up spending more money than necessary over time. For example, if you live in an area with harsh winters, then you may want to consider investing in an insulated paneled door so that it will last longer without needing replacement parts
Aluminum doors may be less expensive than wood or fiberglass, but they are more vulnerable to damage from inclement weather. Hail and flying debris can damage aluminum doors, which have a reputation for denting easily. If you choose an aluminum door and reside in a region where there are frequent storms with strong winds or hail, be cautious.
The main benefit of an insulated garage door is that it will keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This means less energy spent on heating and cooling your home, which saves money. Additionally, insulated garage doors are created from thicker materials than standard doors, so they can last longer without needing to be replaced.
But keep in mind that there are other ways to increase a home’s energy efficiency without installing an insulated garage door. A garage door allows in a lot of undesirable air that might seep through inadequately insulated walls and unnoticed cracks and crevices because of how frequently it opens and closes. Make sure your garage and house are well-insulated if you’re dedicated to raising the total energy efficiency of your garage and house. Pay close attention to the shared wall between your house and garage since it is the most important barrier against heat entry from the garage door
Mojo Garage Door Repair at your service!
Call Mojo Garage Door Repair now if you need help selecting a residential or commercial garage door. Our knowledgeable crew is prepared to assist you in choosing and installing a new garage door for your house or place of business as we serve the neighborhoods of San Antonio, Texas. We provide a comprehensive selection of the top garage door goods currently available. In addition to offering a vast selection of door styles, colors, and materials, we rigorously test each door to ensure that it can withstand heat, cold, and the elements.
Our staff is highly trained in all facets of garage door repair and replacement work. We offer expert advice on selecting replacement doors for your home or business. If you are interested in improving the appearance and functionality of your garage with a new overhead door, call us today!
