There are a few essential qualities that make up a good garage door. Of course, the main purpose of this door is to keep your car and other belongings inside the garage safe and protected, but it can also enhance the curb appeal of your home. A good garage door should be durable, stylish, and easy to operate. Here are five tips for choosing a new garage door that will meet your needs both functionally and aesthetically.
Durability
the garage door should be able to withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy use. It should be made of materials that are resistant to rust, dents, and scratches. The door should also have a strong frame and be well-insulated to protect your belongings from the elements.
One important factor to consider when choosing a garage door is the material from which it is made. Some of the most popular materials include wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose one that will best meet your needs.
Wood garage doors
The most traditional option and come in a variety of styles and colors. They are also the most affordable option. However, they are not as durable as other materials and can be damaged by weather conditions.
Steel garage doors
This is the most popular type of garage door because they are very durable and can withstand severe weather conditions. They are also relatively affordable and come in a variety of styles. However, they can be a bit heavy and difficult to operate.
Aluminum garage doors
These are another popular option because they are very durable and lightweight. They also come in a variety of styles and colors. However, they can be more expensive than other materials.
Fiberglass garage doors
The least popular option, but they have many advantages over other materials. They are very durable and come in a variety of styles, colors, and textures. They are also lightweight and easy to operate. However, they can be more expensive than other materials.
Style
The garage door should complement the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, you might want a wood garage door with decorative hardware. For a more modern home, a steel door with a clean design might be the best option. There are also many different styles of garage doors available that can give your home a unique look.
Some of the most popular styles of garage doors include those with classic paneling, wood grain finishes, and glass panels. Garage doors can also come in a variety of colors to match the exterior of your home.
Classic panel garage door
A type of garage door that has panels that are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. These doors are made of wood, steel, or aluminum and come in a variety of styles and colors. They are often considered to be the most traditional type of garage door.
Wood grain finish garage door
A wood grain finish garage door is a type of garage door that has panels that are made to look like wood. These doors are often made of steel or aluminum and come in a variety of styles and colors. They are considered to be a more modern option than traditional garage doors with paneling.
Glass panel garage door
These are a popular option because they are stylish and allow natural light to enter the garage. This can be helpful in brightening up the space and making it more comfortable to work in. Glass panel garage doors are also a great way to show off your home’s architecture and style.
Easy operation
The garage door should be easy to operate, even if you are not mechanically inclined. Look for a door with a smooth-operating opener that can be activated with remote control. If you have a tight space, look for a door that can be opened manually. The door should also be balanced and open and close smoothly.
Remote control garage door
A remote control garage door is a type of garage door opener that can be activated with a remote control. This type of opener is often preferred because it is convenient and easy to use and they are also a great option for people who have a tight space. However, one disadvantage of remote-controlled garage door openers is that they can be expensive. Another disadvantage of remote-controlled garage door openers is that they can be difficult to install. Finally, some people find that remote-controlled garage door openers are disruptive to household members or neighbors.
There are three types of garage door openers that are available in the market: chain drive, belt drive, and screw drive.
Chain drive garage door openers
These are the most common type of garage door openers and are the most affordable. They are powered by a chain that is attached to the trolley. Although this type of garage door is that it can be noisy. This can be a problem if you live in a residential neighborhood and you want to avoid disturbing your neighbors.
Belt drive garage door openers
Belt drive garage door openers are powered by a belt that is attached to the trolley and are known for being quieter than their chain drive counterparts, but they also come with a few disadvantages. Firstly, belt drive garage door openers are more expensive than chain drive ones. Secondly, they can be more difficult to repair if something goes wrong. Finally, they are not as durable as chain drive garage door openers, meaning they may need to be replaced more often.
Screw drive garage door openers
They are powered by a screw that is attached to the trolley. They are also the most durable type of garage door opener and can handle heavy doors.
One disadvantage of screw drive garage door openers is that they are more prone to breaking down than other types of garage door openers. This is because the screws that lift the door can become stripped, which can prevent the door from opening or closing properly. Another downside of screw drive garage door openers is that they are typically more expensive than other types of garage door openers. Finally, some people find that screw drive garage door openers are louder than other types of garage door openers, which can be disruptive to household members or neighbors.
Manual garage door
A manual garage door is a type of garage door that can be opened and closed manually. This type of door is often preferred because it is easy to operate and can be opened in a tight space. They are also a great option for people who have a limited budget.
There are three types of manual garage doors that are available: sliding, swing, and folding.
Sliding garage doors
These are the most common type of manual garage doors and are easy to operate. They are made of panels that slide horizontally on tracks. They are a great option for people who have a limited amount of space.
One disadvantage of sliding garage doors is that they can be difficult to open if there is a lot of snow or ice on the ground. This is because the panels can get stuck on the tracks. Another disadvantage of sliding garage doors is that they are not as durable as other types of garage doors and may need to be replaced more often.
Swing garage doors
These are the most traditional type of manual garage door and are the most affordable. They open by swinging outwards on hinges like a pair of doors. They require more space than other types of manual garage doors, but they are the most durable. However, one disadvantage of swing garage doors is that they can be difficult to close if there is a lot of wind.
Folding garage doors
These are the most expensive type of manual garage door, but they are also the most stylish. Folding garage doors are made of two or more panels that fold up like an accordion. This type of door is often preferred because it is easy to operate and can be opened in a tight space. They are also a great option for people who have a limited budget. One disadvantage of folding garage doors is that they can be difficult to close if there is a lot of wind. Another disadvantage of folding garage doors is that they are not as durable as other types of garage doors and may need to be replaced more often.
Security
The garage door is one of the most important entry points to your home, so it is important that it is secure. Look for a door with a robust locking system that will deter burglars. The door should also have sensors that will detect when someone is trying to break in and an alarm that will sound if the door is breached.
There are a few simple things you can do to secure your garage and deter burglars from breaking in.
- Make sure that your garage door is locked when it is not in use. Many burglars will try to break into a home through the garage door if they think the house is unoccupied.
- Install a security system that includes sensors on the garage door. If someone tries to break into your garage, the alarm will sound and notify you immediately.
- Install a motion sensor light outside of your garage. This will light up the area around your garage when someone walks by, which will deter burglars from trying to break in.
- Always keep your garage door closed and locked when you are not home. This will ensure that no one can break into your garage while you are away.
Energy efficiency
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you will want a garage door that is energy efficient. This type of door will help to keep your garage temperature regulated, which can save you money on your energy bills. Look for a garage door with good insulation and weather-stripping to keep the heat or cool air inside the garage.
There are a few simple things you can do to make your garage door more energy efficient.
- Install a weather-stripping kit around the perimeter of your garage door. This will help to keep the heat or cool air inside the garage.
- Replace your old garage door with an insulated garage door. This will help to keep the temperature regulated in your garage, which will save you money on your energy bills.
- Install a motorized garage door opener. This will allow you to open and close your garage door with the touch of a button, which will save you time and energy.
So, whether you’re in the market for a maintenance checkup or just need to have a few repairs made on your current one, be sure to keep these five tips in mind. And if you’re still not sure which type of garage door is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact Blue Pro Garage in Rancho Mirage, CA at (760) 313-6869. We would be happy to help you find the perfect option for your home and budget.
