Garage Door Selection for Beginners

Selecting a garage door doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Sure, there are a number of things that you have to take into consideration, like garage door styles and materials, but with the help of our garage door buying guide, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right garage door for you. Below are some questions you should ask yourself before deciding on a garage door for your home.

What Material Should I Choose?

Garage doors are available in a wide range of materials, and it can be difficult to choose the right one for your house. The material you choose will depend on a number of factors—the style of your house, the longevity of the material, and the level of maintenance you desire. The table below provides some information about steel, fiberglass, wood, aluminum, plastic, and glass garage doors that should assist you with choosing the right material for your home. Learn more about garage door materials like steel, fiberglass, and wood.

What Style Should I Choose?

Your garage door style should complement your house, and it shouldn’t be too hard to choose the right door from the many styles that are available. And you can easily add a layer of personalization to your door by choosing different panel designs, colors, window patterns, or window styles.

Should I Insulate My Garage Door?

If you have an attached garage, installing an insulated garage door can aid in maintaining the temperature in your garage as well as regulating the temperature in the rest of your home. But more importantly, you should make sure that the other walls in your garage are insulated to ensure that the entire space is sealed against extreme temperatures. Look into more factors you should take into consideration before choosing a garage door.

What Spring System Should I Choose?

If you’re installing a garage door, then it’s highly likely an automatic garage door, which requires a spring system. Lightweight garage doors use extension spring systems, and heavier garage doors use torsion springs. Extension springs are installed on both sides of the garage door, while torsion springs are installed above the door. Garage door experts warn against installing these systems on your own; it’s best to have a professional install any spring system since they have to counterbalance the weight of the door. Because the type of spring system you use will depend on the door you wish to install, a professional garage door contractor will be able to recommend which system is right for you.

How Should I Maintain My New Door?

To keep your door working properly, it’s important to spray the moving parts—rollers, hinges, springs, and bearing plates—with lubricant. If you have trouble locating these parts, ask a garage door professional to show you where to spray. Also, ask for any additional maintenance tips specific to your door.

What Problems Should I Look For?

Luckily, common garage door problems are fairly easy to identify. Anything out of the ordinary, such as an unusual noise or delay in operation, can be a sign of a problem. If you suspect that your door is malfunctioning, look at some simple garage door maintenance tips to see what steps you should take to remedy the problem. The article will also show you how to test your garage door to make sure that it’s functioning properly.

The information above should help you narrow down your search for the perfect garage door. By answering these questions, you can easily find a beautiful door that will help elevate your home’s style and increase its curb appeal.