Making Your Garage Door More Interesting

« Back to Home

Five Tips For Buying A New Garage Door

Posted on

Garage doors, like all home components, do not last forever. If yours has become leaky, is deteriorating, or is off-kilter, it is time to take action and replace it! Before you do, read up on the following tips for buying a new garage door.

1. Get quotes from several companies

When you buy a new garage door, you don't typically just buy the door. You also pay to have it installed. There is a certain amount of customization that has to go into every installation job, which means that even if you have the same garage door size as your neighbor, you may pay more or less for the job. The best way to get an accurate and fair price is to get several quotes from several garage door companies. You can then compare the quotes and go with the company that offers the best price. In-person quotes are best because the contractor will actually see your garage. Quotes given over the phone are not always as accurate.

2. Consider alternative materials

For years, wood was considered the premier option for garage doors. It looks stunning when it is new, and nothing is more natural! However, today, there is a way to get the look of wood without the high maintenance requirements. Composite garage doors are made from a mixture of wood pulp and plastic. They look like wood unless you look at them very, very closely. However, the plastic in the composite protects the door from rot and moisture damage. If you want the look of wood, give composite a chance instead.

Of course, other materials like vinyl and aluminum are also suitable if you do not crave the wood look. These materials are also less expensive, so take a look at doors made from them to see what you think.

3. Look for an insulated door

If your garage is heated, or even if it is unheated and attached to your home, it's worthwhile to pay a little more for an insulated door. You'll recoup the costs in the form of energy savings over the course of a few years. There are two types of insulation that are typically used in garage doors: polystyrene and polyurethane. Polyurethane is typically the better choice because it insulates more effectively, but it does cost a bit more. Polystyrene is not a bad option, either.

4. Replace your opener too

If your opener still works, you may be tempted to keep it. However, openers have a limited lifespan, too, so there is a pretty good chance your current one will fail before the new door does. Have the opener replaced at the same time as the door, and you will often save on installation costs. Your garage door installation technician can also then recommend an opener that works well with the specific door you choose. If your new door is heavier or lighter than your old one, you may have to get a new opener anyways.

5. Choose windows carefully

Garage doors do not need windows, but windows do help keep your garage better lit and can save you money on electric bills, especially if you use your garage as a hobby space. Choose carefully when it comes to windows, though. Look for ones that are dual-pane glass and coated in reflective materials, as these do a better job of keeping your garage warm in the winter (and cool in the summer).

If you keep the tips above in mind, your garage door purchase process should go smoothly. You should also end up with a door that looks great and lasts you a long time. Contact a company like Overhead Doors Unlimited Inc for additional advice.


Share