7 Tips for Garage Door Selection

A garage door is a significant investment because it accounts for much of your home's exterior. You likely want a door that not only looks great but also functions exceptionally for many years to come. Below is a guide for buying a garage door.



1. Understand the Basics

You may not understand manufacturer descriptions when you look through garage door catalogs. A good place to start is the three primary garage doors: single-layer, double-layer, and premium. 

A single-layer door features a lightweight layer of steel, fiberglass, or engineered wood. These doors are inexpensive and available in different panel styles but often have low insulating value.

A double-layer door features a layer of polystyrene board for insulation and rigidity and a thin back cover. These doors are more energy-efficient and enduring than single-layer varieties. 

Premium garage doors are highly insulated and durable due to their inner and outer layers of heavy-duty steel, fiberglass, and wood and a thick middle layer of polystyrene or polyurethane.

2. Work With a Budget

You will likely be overwhelmed by the limitless options when garage door shopping. A budget narrows your choices and makes it easier to make a decision.

Primarily, garage door prices depend on the material. Steel, aluminum, and wood are among the most budget-friendly options, and you can get a sturdy door for as little as $600. Wood composite and vinyl doors get expensive, although they perform exceptionally well in the long run.

3. Be Ready to Maintain a Wood Door

Wooden garage doors have a timeless charm and look marvelous when newly installed. But, the door needs a lot of maintenance to maintain its appeal. You must regularly finish and stain a wooden garage door to protect it from the elements and extend its life.

If you prefer the look of wood but would rather avoid the upkeep, composites are the perfect option. Composite wood doors come in various designs, including embossed steel featuring a faux wood finish. These doors resist the elements and insects and look brand new years after installation.

4. Consider Your Home's Architecture

Garage doors come in different designs and colors, and you can choose a standard frame-and-panel design or intricate segments. Your home's architecture can help you narrow your options without wasting too much time. For instance, carriage-style doors often suit ultra-modern houses, while a flush garage door achieves a contemporary aesthetic.

Typically, most garage doors are white because it matches any existing color scheme. Consider bold choices like red or blue if you want the door to stand out from the trim, windows, entry door, gutters, and siding. Beiges and browns are also great garage door colors, especially if you have a brick home. 

5. Consider Safety

A sturdy garage door prevents break-ins and stands up to extreme weather. Also, consider a garage door's safety features that protect children, pets, and other garage users. 

All garage doors must have an auto-reverse function, where in-built sensors retract a moving door when they sense even the slightest resistance. Newer garage doors have other safety features like manual operation during power outages and motion detectors to detect burglars.

6. Upgrade the Opener and Springs 

Garage door installation is the perfect opportunity to invest in a quieter opener and beefier springs. If your old opener shows signs of failure, consider a new one with sophisticated features. You may even save money by negotiating a deal for the door and opener. Also, shop around for newer springs that hold up your new door.

7. Get an In-Person Quote

Each garage is unique, and a door you order online may not fit your space. An in-home quote is better because a garage door technician measures the opening size and shape, side clearance, headroom, and other dimensions to get the perfect door for your home. 

A garage door expert can also customize a garage door according to preferences like windows, sculptured elements, and security features.

At Town & Country Door, we work with all types of garage doors and enjoy great relationships with most distributors. Contact us today for residential or commercial garage door installation.