Hоw tо choose a garage door аnd what аrе the different tуреѕ of garage doors
When having a new garage installed at your home, there is a wide choice of doors available to choose from, in terms of type, style, color, material, and finish. Some garage door companies will focus on one particular manufacturer, whereas others will represent several manufacturers.
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Garage Door Types
There are four main types: Up & Over, Sectional, Roller, and Side Hinged each offering different advantages over each other. Whilst Up & Over represents a low-cost option, sectional & roller are ideal for those with limited driveway space, as the garage door opens vertically. Side Hinged Doors offer a more traditional character with the doors opening from a central position outwards.
There are many types of garage doors on the market for residential use. They include sliding, folding, up-and-over, and roll-up doors. The sectional door is the type of door most commonly used in the United States and can be operated manually or with an automatic garage door opener. Sectional doors are available with or without windows. Carriage or swing-type garage doors operate just like a pair of large french doors. They are attractive and their strong vertical lines often help integrate the garage with the rest of the house.
Swing-type doors tend to be more energy efficient as they seal well. They do require more clearance to open and close and can be complicated and expensive to automate. Sectional doors are even available that resemble the popular carriage styles garage doors but operate like the sectional types. From contemporary to traditional.
There are many decorative types of garage doors as well. We pride ourselves on our friendly customer service, our attention to detail, and our long-standing expertise.
We can guide you through the different types of garage doors and help you choose the perfect one for your home. Contact us for all your garage door needs.
Garage Door Styles
Garages used to be considered more of a utilitarian structure, providing little or no aesthetic value to your home, especially a detached garage. In recent years, the majority of single-family homes have an attached garage which is simply an extension of their home. The appearance of the garage can have a significant effect on the curb appeal of your home. When choosing a garage door for a new build or an upgrade, you want to choose a material and style that's durable, easy to maintain, and complements your home.
Most manufacturers offer a range of styles. Up & Over and sectional tend to be available in virtually every style, from smooth single panel doors to vertical or horizontal ribbed paneled doors. Also available are decorative panel designs, for that classic Georgian or victorian feel. Due to how the doors open and roll, roller garage doors are more limited to thin horizontal panel styles, with limited decoration.
Garage Door Paint and Finish
Due to advances in paint mixing, most manufacturers can provide a garage door that perfectly matches your house windows and doors. Typically you will be offered a basic range of color options at the standard price, and then a much wider of premium colors.
Most manufacturers produce garage doors in a range of finishes. These include smooth for a classic finish, wood grain for a robust surface with a timber look, and micro grain, which features a wave profile that is embossed into smooth steel, producing attractive light and shadow effects.
5 Steps in Choosing Your Garage Door
- 1. Determine your budget. Garage doors can be expensive, with wood and fiberglass doors being the most costly. Should you plan to have insulation added, then plan on an additional 10%. Of course, if you live in a region where winter temps often dip below the freezing point, or where typhoons or hurricanes are common, this extra expense is well worth it and will soon pay for itself in energy costs and peace of mind. Another added cost is whether or not you want windows as part of your garage door. Also, when looking at the doors, be sure to ask about maintenance costs and warranties.
- 2. What's your style? Is your home reminiscent of the Old South? Then you may want to use recessed paneled doors. Does it have a modern flare? Then look at doors made of contemporary materials such as wood and copper or aluminum, fiberglass, and contemporary materials like glass, copper, or a combination of wood and zinc. You may also want to think about what color if any, you would like for your garage door. Most doors come already finished in natural colors, but you may wish to accent the other colors in your home’s exterior.
- 3. Decide whether you want your door to roll up or tilt when being opened. Tilting doors often allow moisture and debris into the garage but are cheaper to price. Roll-up doors are composed of several sections, save on space, and are stronger, but they are more expensive.
- 4. Decide whether you want windows. Having windows can add style and break up the painful look of a door. You can select from curved, square rectangular, or arched windows. However, keep in mind their placement in the garage door in regards to what can be seen through them from outside.
- 5. How much maintenance do you have time for? Metal doors dent and show imperfections like scrapes caused by branches. Wood doors can accent your home's exterior features, but can be easily damaged if not maintained as per instructions; fiberglass doors are long-lasting but are not recommended in colder climates.
Garage Door Materials
The two most common doors are manufactured from steel or timber. Most manufacturers will color coat a steel door with a range of basic and premium colors, to help you achieve a perfect match to your home's windows and doors. While more expensive, a timber door can achieve that perfect natural look if you have an old, traditional or rural property.
Much like the front entry door of your home, garage doors are constructed in a variety of different materials. Different materials will create different looks. Some materials can be made to have the appearance of wood, which remains a popular choice with homeowners seeking a traditional style. It is a good idea to first familiarize yourself with the different types of garage doors before choosing one.
Wood Garage Doors
The first garage doors were built of wood and many still are today. Wood doors are built with layers or piles to prevent warping, and woods like cedar, redwood fir, and meranti or luan. Wood doors may be factory-stained or painted or finished on-site.
The most cost-effective option is painted wood with flat hardboard panels. While stain-grade wood doors are more expensive, the warm natural wood provides can go a long way when it comes to curb appeal.
Wood doors are available in a variety of different styles with or without windows. Wood garage doors require regular maintenance and refinishing to keep up their appearance.
Wood naturally insulates better than steel, but modern steel doors tend to be insulated and are more energy-efficient.
Composite Garage Doors
Composite garage doors typically have a wood frame covered with sheets of fiberboard. The cores are filled with polystyrene insulation. Better models offer higher-density fiberboard skins and often include details, such as overlays and grooves to simulate natural wood. Composite doors provide the strength of steel with the looks and texture of wood. They can be painted or stained and are more durable than wood as they resist rot and splitting.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel doors can be painted to match your home and are available with or without insulation. Superior quality garage doors are constructed of two layers of galvanized steel. The surface of the door can be primed and painted with a tough topcoat finish or clad with a composite material. Steel doors are reasonably priced, durable, low maintenance, and available in just about any style you like.
The downside of steel doors is that they can be dented and are subject to corrosion, especially in coastal areas.
Aluminum Garage Doors
Lighter and less expensive than steel, aluminum doors share many of the characteristics of steel. They are available in many contemporary colors and finishes. Aluminum frame doors are typically fitted with aluminum panels but translucent glass panels are used instead to let in more light. Aluminum garage doors will eliminate the problem of corrosion associated with steel doors but tend to dent easily.
Fiberglass Garage Doors
Garage doors made from fiberglass are less subjected to denting or cracking. They do not rust but can break upon impact. Two layers of fiberglass are typically bonded to a steel or aluminum frame and filled with polyurethane insulation. While fiberglass garage doors represent a smaller segment of the market, it is more resistant to saltwater corrosion, making it a good choice for coastal locations. Because it is a lightweight material, it can fade from weather exposure and does not insulate as well as some other garage door materials.
Vinyl Garage Doors
Often labeled as “kid-proof”, vinyl garage doors are difficult to dent or break. Usually built upon steel frames, they are filled with polyurethane insulation. Vinyl doors are very durable and are low maintenance. They can simply be cleaned with the hose. Similar to fiberglass doors in appearance, vinyl doors may not be available in as many colors.
Garage Door Remote Control
All garage doors can be fitted with an electric device that will automate the opening, closing, and locking function, using a key fab. They are particularly useful for those wanting that extra peace of mind and security, or those that are less mobile. Regardless of what you use your garage for, it is an important feature of your home and as such you will want to put some thought into the door selection.
Choosing The Best Garage Door
If you ever thought of buying or replacing your garage doors you will quickly find yourself with many options of what the door is made up of. But which one, between aluminum, steel, and hardwood, is best for you?
The answer lies between a few factors including how much money you’re willing to spend and how much style you wish to add to your home. Truth be told, not all homes will look good with hardwood garage doors. Not all homes would look good with an even smaller option such as overhead doors. In essence, it's great to have options but when you end up stuck between so many options - it can grow into a never-ending headache pretty quickly!
The very first thing you should do is think about how much money you’re willing to spend. Essentially, aluminum doors will turn out to be the cheapest, but they are also not as durable as say, steel doors. Steel doors, although much more expensive and much heavier than aluminum. If you’re thinking of installing the door by yourself you need to consider the weight aspect of it too! Hardwood doors are free time on their hands. These types of doors bring style and design to the home and really make it stand out in a group of 20. But, nevertheless, they don't come cheap.
Teak garage doors can be quite expensive and some houses will actually look worse than before. So you really need to think about what you need before you make a big purchase and then regret it later. It’s important to inspect the design of your home and try to get a garage door matching. If you want a hardwood "design" door but you don’t have the money for a hardwood garage door you always have the option to order an aluminum garage door with a special design that, to the naked eye will make it look exactly like a hardwood door What will really make your garage door stand out is the special accessories such as windows, handles, lighting, and special designs.
If you have something in mind, simply contact a local dealer , tell them what you have in mind, and they will always work with you to try to come up with a solution for your needs. Never miss the chance to ask someone experienced about which type of door is recommended for you. Remember, not all materials are the same, and not everyone requires the same materials.