Residential Garage Doors
We believe that the more you know, the better you’ll feel about the work we do for you. So please browse these tips and learn about the best choice you can make for a safe, efficient and good-looking garage door that will enhance the value of your home. Now more than ever, you’ll find that garage doors are an easy and affordable way to increase the value and curb appeal of your home. A good garage door will stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. If you are able to upgrade to a custom door, your home will stand out from the crowd.
TIPS ON HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT DOOR FOR YOUR HOME
Type: The most common garage doors are “sectional” because they open and shut vertically, allowing cars to park very close to the door without keeping it from opening. You’ll hear terms such as “upward acting” and “self storing”. This means that the door rolls up and away on a track when you open it and slides down the track to close. This kind of door is the standard overhead garage door that most of us have. It’s easy to use and comes with a number of safety features for homeowners.
Materials: When you’re planning to install a garage door, you must consider door type and materials. You can also incorporate into your plan such things as heated garages or unique window options. Doors are generally made out of three materials: wood, steel and fiberglass.
Wood garage doors are often preferred for their appearance and affordability rather than for their durability. You can select wood types like solid cedar for a durable garage door, which will last for years and look wonderful. The main disadvantage to a wooden garage door is that wood expands and contracts and can warp or crack as it weathers. It demands repainting or refinishing every couple of years to keep it looking good and in top condition.
Steel garage doors won’t warp, crack, or fall apart because of weather. They often look a lot like wooden doors, with graining and wood door designs. Steel doors are a low maintenance because they don’t warp or crack, but still have good curb appeal for your home. Most steel garage doors are made of hot-dipped galvanized steel that is vinyl clad or given a baked on polyester finish. They will not rust or require repainting like wooden doors. The only downside to steel doors is the possibility that they will dent, which can be difficult to repair. A premium door is often 2 inches thick, filled with insulation, and clad in 24-gauge steel. Less-expensive doors are usually thinner and made of 28 gauge steel. So steel costs less and it needs much less maintenance than wood, but can look very much like wood.
Fiberglass garage doors, sometimes called GRP garage doors, are often installed where light is important or in salty ocean climates. GRP garage doors only need a mild cleaning to retain their quality finish. They generally do not need to be stained or finished. The most popular style for a GRP garage door is the retractable garage door. Fiberglass is a tough and durable material which will keep looking good for years.
Any new garage door you select should increase the curb appeal and the value of your home, and improve the security and energy benefits as well. Whether you select steel for its sturdiness and great value, wood for its look and insulation, or fiberglass for its low maintenance, you’ll benefit from a professional installation and servicing to keep your door working efficiently for you for years to come.
TIPS ON HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT DOOR FOR YOUR HOME
Type: The most common garage doors are “sectional” because they open and shut vertically, allowing cars to park very close to the door without keeping it from opening. You’ll hear terms such as “upward acting” and “self storing”. This means that the door rolls up and away on a track when you open it and slides down the track to close. This kind of door is the standard overhead garage door that most of us have. It’s easy to use and comes with a number of safety features for homeowners.
Materials: When you’re planning to install a garage door, you must consider door type and materials. You can also incorporate into your plan such things as heated garages or unique window options. Doors are generally made out of three materials: wood, steel and fiberglass.
Wood garage doors are often preferred for their appearance and affordability rather than for their durability. You can select wood types like solid cedar for a durable garage door, which will last for years and look wonderful. The main disadvantage to a wooden garage door is that wood expands and contracts and can warp or crack as it weathers. It demands repainting or refinishing every couple of years to keep it looking good and in top condition.
Steel garage doors won’t warp, crack, or fall apart because of weather. They often look a lot like wooden doors, with graining and wood door designs. Steel doors are a low maintenance because they don’t warp or crack, but still have good curb appeal for your home. Most steel garage doors are made of hot-dipped galvanized steel that is vinyl clad or given a baked on polyester finish. They will not rust or require repainting like wooden doors. The only downside to steel doors is the possibility that they will dent, which can be difficult to repair. A premium door is often 2 inches thick, filled with insulation, and clad in 24-gauge steel. Less-expensive doors are usually thinner and made of 28 gauge steel. So steel costs less and it needs much less maintenance than wood, but can look very much like wood.
Fiberglass garage doors, sometimes called GRP garage doors, are often installed where light is important or in salty ocean climates. GRP garage doors only need a mild cleaning to retain their quality finish. They generally do not need to be stained or finished. The most popular style for a GRP garage door is the retractable garage door. Fiberglass is a tough and durable material which will keep looking good for years.
Any new garage door you select should increase the curb appeal and the value of your home, and improve the security and energy benefits as well. Whether you select steel for its sturdiness and great value, wood for its look and insulation, or fiberglass for its low maintenance, you’ll benefit from a professional installation and servicing to keep your door working efficiently for you for years to come.