4 Things to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Garage Door
What’s not to love about having a garage? After all, it means you have a place to park your car making it easy to avoid walking in the elements, can provide a place for your hobbies, offers additional area for storage and many other possibilities. Of course, not everyone has a garage, but if you are one of the fortunate who do, then you are more than aware of their potential.
However, if you are building a home or planning to renovate your current one, then chances are you will want to include a garage. Consequently, you should keep a few things in mind regarding your garage door selection. As a garage door is the largest moving part of a home as well as one of the features that can give (or not) your home curb appeal, you will want to consider carefully when making your garage door selection. Before you begin your quest for the perfect door for your garage, make sure you have already established your budget, preferences, needs and your home’s style; then start shopping, keeping the following 4 things in mind.
Type:Garage doors come in a variety of materials, but the most common are steel, wood or composites. A steel door requires little to upkeep, cost less and have multiple style and color options. Wooden doors not only cost more, but require more maintenance, but they can be customized to suit the look of your home easier. Composites are made o recycled wood and are better insulated.
Function and Fit: Most garage doors present a face and descend and ascend. They typically work by travelling rollers and are maneuvered via hinges and pulleys. If you live in area where extreme cold is common you will want to be sure that you select a door that is insulated and avoid single section doors. Standard sized garage doors are 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall for a single door and a two car garage door is typically 16×7 or 20×8.
Insulation:Depending on what type of door you choose and where you live, you will need to decide if you want insulation. For metal doors a common choice is polystyrene or injected foam insulation. The polystyrene offers a lower level of insulation than the use of injectable foam. Wood doors may be insulated by creating a sandwich between the wood face and the interior facing; however, wooden doors are a good insulation, without need for anything else.
Endurance:For your metal garage door to last you will need to protect it from dings, dents and scratches as this can destroy the finish and result in rusting. A wooden door will need to be resealed at least every two years. Regardless of the door you have installed, be sure to keep water from drains and gutter from running onto it by protecting the door with a splash back from the roof eaves and keep “kids” from using it as a sports back stop.
