How to Choose a New Garage Door

The garage door is likely one of the first things you see when looking at your home's exterior. It not only makes an impact on the appearance of your house, but it also plays a pretty significant role in your everyday routine. For these reasons and more, choosing a garage door can be a bit of a daunting task. Follow this step-by-step guide to help you make the right decision for your home. 

Pick the Material

There are a number of different materials to choose from when selecting your new garage door. Each type comes with its own benefits and disadvantages, but only you can decide what conditions are most important in making your decision.

Wood

Natural, warm, and as high-end as it gets for a garage door, wood is a favorite for homeowners throughout the country. Refined beauty isn't the only benefit of a wood garage door; wood doors also score well in the insulation category. Wood doors do require a fair amount of maintenance, so if you don't enjoy sanding and staining, it may not be the right option for you.

Fiberglass

For a lightweight, dent-resistant option, choose a fiberglass door. Fiberglass doors do not rust easily, and they can be painted to suit your taste. Fiberglass doors don’t hold up well in extremely cold temperatures but can be beneficial in coastal regions where humidity levels are high. 

Aluminum

A more lightweight, economical alternative to steel, aluminum can be textured and finished to mimic the look of wood. If you’re not into the faux finish, consider choosing an aluminum frame door with windows for panels. This is an excellent way to convert your garage space into a more usable living area.

Steel

The most common choice among homeowners, steel is a classic option for garage door material. Steel doors are reasonably priced, highly durable, and require very little maintenance. Thanks to advances in manufacturing, steel doors can be designed to suit whatever look you’re searching for. Steel doors should be insulated for optimal performance.

Choose a Style

Once you’ve decided what material you want to use for your garage door, it’s time to move on to the style. When choosing the appearance of your door, it’s most important to keep in mind the existing architectural features of your home. You want the door to complement your home’s façade, not a detract from it. Working with a garage door expert will help you to narrow down your options and examining their project pictures can help provide inspiration.

Add Insulation

Whether you purchase a door that is already insulated or add insulation on your own, it’s important that you don’t skip this step. Insulating your garage door will contribute to your home’s energy efficiency and help reduce your heating and cooling bills throughout the year.

Finish with Windows

If you want to turn your garage into a more functional space, consider finishing your garage door with a few windows. The added natural light will allow you to get the most out of your space and the extra design element will bump up your home’s curb appeal. For optimal privacy, install windows in the top panel of your garage door. Remember, if you’re insulating your garage door, it’s probably a wise decision to choose insulated glass as well.

Get started on your new garage door with the help of the team at Doors by George. Our garage door experts will work with you to find a door that not only looks great with your home but also provides the reliability, security, and functionality you’re looking for. Get your quote now!