Garage Door Design Guide

Posted on: 15 May 2019

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Choosing a new garage door isn't as simple as ordering one in the size and color you need. You have several options to choose from, so it's important that you do some research before making a purchase. The following guide can help you make an informed decision so you will be happy with your purchase for years to come.

Material

Back in the day, most garage doors were made of wood. Although you can still purchase wooden garage doors, there other other materials that can be a better option. Steel and aluminum doors are durable, secure, and long-lasting. They require very little to no maintenance. PVC or vinyl doors are another durable option, although these can be more damage-prone. Where metal doors can be dented, vinyl tends to be punctured or cracked. This can be a concern if you life in an area prone to hailstorms or high winds.

Insulation

Insulation in the garage door can save you a ton on energy costs if you have a heated garage or an attached garage. Even in mild climates insulation can provide benefits of maintaining a more comfortable temperature inside the garage. You can choose doors with integrated insulation that is sealed between layers of outer material. Another option is to have rigid insulation panels installed on an existing, non-insulated door.

Design

Design is just as important as function since a garage door can make up a substantial portion of your home's exterior. Fortunately, today's metal and vinyl doors come in nearly every color imaginable, including custom colors. You can even choose doors with realistic wood grain patterns. To take a basic door design a step further, you can choose doors with integrated shatter-resistant windows and details like carriage hinges or scroll designs. Make sure the design you choose complements the rest of your home's exterior.

Mechanism

There are two main types of residential garage door mechanisms -- swing doors or rolling doors. Swing doors are a solid piece that swings up and then slides in. This is a simple mechanism, but it can put a lot of stress on the tracks. These also require room in front of the garage in order to open, which means you can't open the door at all if a car is parked too closely. Rolling doors make more sense for most homes, since these roll up the track and do not require extra room. They are also often lighter and have less sway, which makes them better suited for use with an automatic garage door opener.

For more information, contact a garage door installation service or a place like Edgemont Garage Door Service in your area.