How to Choose Your Garage Door?

Choosing a new garage door implies taking into account both technical and esthetical aspects, all whilst picking a door that suits your budget. What are the most important factors to take into account when making a choice?

Which Material Should You Choose for a Garage Door?

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First of all, keep in mind that any addition made to a home should fit with the architectural style of the building. Therefore, it is important to maintain consistency with the elements that are already present on the façade of the house and this will help guide your choice when buying a new garage door. You should focus on creating a harmonious match between different materials as well as colours and textures.

Although this aspect is entirely up to you, it can be interesting to use the same colour as your window frames for the garage door.

A Wooden Garage Door: For a Traditional Style

If you prefer a more traditional style, choosing a wooden door is an ideal option. This type of door has the advantage of being more durable, so you can be sure it won’t dent from a minor impact and will never deteriorate due to rust.

However, keep in mind that it’s necessary to apply a waterproof protective coating every three years to prevent rain damage. Since this door has a lower level of insulation compared to a steel door, it’s essential to use expanded polyurethane foam to reduce heat loss.

If the cost of a solid wood door seems too high, many wood veneer models are available, offering a look comparable to that of genuine wood doors.

Steel Garage Door: For Incomparable Sturdiness

When choosing a steel door, it’s important to pay close attention to its thickness, which should be at least 0.6 millimetres. Choosing a textured surface with embossed panels will also help maximize rigidity.

The main drawback of this type of door is its vulnerability to corrosion. It’s essential to repaint the door as soon as any signs of rust appear to prevent deterioration. To address this issue, you can opt for a galvanized steel door, though you should plan for a higher budget when purchasing your new garage door. A steel door is, however, stronger than an aluminum door. Perfectly suited to a modern look, a steel door should ideally have double walls and be insulated with polyurethane foam.

Aluminum Garage Door: For Easy Maintenance

Choosing an aluminum door means selecting a material that won’t rust and is very easy to maintain. In fact, the surface can be cleaned with a simple sponge.

However, since this material is relatively delicate, impacts can significantly damage the door. You can reduce this drawback by choosing a textured finish, which will help increase the door’s strength. For those who prefer a motorized door, aluminum is an excellent choice, as it won’t warp under the effect of the mechanism.

To ensure the door provides adequate insulation for your garage, make sure to look for a double-layer aluminum door insulated with polyurethane foam.

Finally, note that aluminum doors are available in a very wide range of finishes, giving you the freedom to let your imagination run wild when making your choice.

A PVC or Fibreglass Door: For a Modern Look

The final option available to you is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or fiberglass door. These materials offer a longer lifespan than wood or metal.

On the other hand, they require a higher purchase budget. While they have a fairly respectable level of strength, they unfortunately don’t handle impacts as well as steel doors. Their main appeal lies in their great aesthetic value, which easily adds prestige to the modern design of any exterior façade.

Different Opening Methods for Garage Doors

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Sectional Ceiling Door

The first option is a sectional ceiling door. This door is made of 3 to 5 panels and works using a vertical retractable method, which helps avoid tilting inside or outside. Amongst the main positive aspects, it must be noted that a sectional door is only slightly permeable to air. Also, the railings are installed inside and are not cumbersome.

Another interesting fact is that replacing the panels is done easily and that it is possible to change them oneself with basic manual skills. Since the door is equipped with an anti-finger pinching device, accidents are quite rare.

Lateral Sectional Door (or Sliding Door)

Secondly, you can choose a lateral sectional door (or sliding door). As this door opens in a lateral manner, it offers the possibility to open up enough space to let someone into the garage.

This type of door is particularly useful for garages with low ceilings. The structure is made even lighter by the fact that the railing is set on the lateral surface and not on the floor.

Tilt Door

The tilt door looks a lot like the retractable door, with the exception that this door is made with only one panel that opens vertically. Since the door is not sectioned into several parts, it can include a standard door to make it easier to go inside.

However, when it is not completely open, it reduces the amount of space available under the ceiling’s surface. It must be mentioned that this is the most affordable model.

Roll-Up Door with Aluminum Blades

As indicated by the name, the roll-up door with aluminum blades retracts itself by rolling up inside a container that is installed on the ceiling. This type of door easily adapts to all types of openings, in addition to opening progressively and to having an excellent energy performance.

The main drawback is that it can be hard to open without a motorization system.

Other Considerations

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Panels and Windows

You will be able to personalize your garage door by choosing rectangular or square panels, as well as different styles of windows. A porthole window will give a unique look, as will half-circle windows which create a beautiful visual draw.

Other than the previously mentioned elements, adding decorative elements can be a way to add style and charm to your door.

Why not replicate the look of a barn door by installing wrought iron pieces? Mouldings with a strong relief are particularly interesting visually speaking and will allow the door to stand out from the rest of the façade.

Note that it is possible to integrate a front door for people to use, which will be both unique and practical when entering your garage.

Extension Spring System or Torsion Spring System?

This question deserves proper consideration as each option comes with its own set of pros and cons. For its part, the torsion spring system requires more space between the garage’s ceiling and the upper part of the door (being that the springs are installed directly over the door).

However, it is the best choice for a double garage door. It is worth mentioning that this system is more expensive to repair than its counterpart, which is the extension spring system.

An extension spring system is installed under the garage door’s railings and it requires less space than the torsion system. In order to limit the risks that a broken spring will damage the goods stored inside your garage, ask that a steel cable be installed inside the springs.

It is worth mentioning that a spring has a lifespan of approximately 5 to 7 years if said spring is made to withstand 10 000 cycles (a cycle being the equivalent of opening and closing a door). Using the door frequently will, therefore, cause premature wear.

Garage Door Motorization

Installing a motorization system on a garage door is not necessary but does come with several advantages. First of all, it limits the chances that the opening or closing process will be too abrupt, which prevents damaging the mechanism.

Also, the motorization of the door will cause it to lock as soon as it closes, thus reducing the possibility that undesired creatures and dirt will enter your home. Lastly, opting for a motorized garage door gives you the luxury of not having to get out of the car to enter or exit your garage.

Take note that motorization is not available for all types of doors. Therefore, if this characteristic is important to you, be sure to find out if it is available before you pick a door.

Why It Is Worth Paying Extra for an Insulated Garage Door

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In order to keep a pleasant room temperature in your garage, it is important that you do not neglect the insulation of your garage door. Since slight heat transfers can occur between the interior door of the garage and that of the house (if your garage is attached to the house), it is recommended to make sure that this section is weatherproofed.

Moreover, if you wish to spend time in your garage, it will be more comfortable to do so if the temperature is well-controlled.

Furthermore, if the air is too cold inside the garage, it could be more difficult to start the car. In order to do so, use spray polyurethane foam to fill in any openings between the wall and the door and install weather-stripping on the sides and upper part of the door.

Although it is possible to use polystyrene insulation as it is less expensive, note that its performance level is lower than that of polyurethane foam (rating of R-6.6 à R-10 versus R-12 à R-16).

Don’t forget that insulation materials have a significant impact on sound conductivity. In fact, it will be much more pleasant for people inside the house if they don’t have to hear the noise generated by the activities that happen inside the garage.

Warning About the Energy-Efficiency Level

Choosing an energy-efficient door is undeniably important, although a cautionary statement must be shared: a garage door that has an elevated tightness level (and whose price is also more expensive) may cause overheating during periods of warm weather in the summer, which will be very uncomfortable when you need to spend time in your garage.

Also, if the garage is not heated, a door with a high level of tightness will represent useless spending. As such, a door which has a medium degree of effectiveness will do a good job and will help maintain a suitable temperature even in the winter. On an indicative basis, it is advisable to shop for a door which has a thickness of around 2 inches.

How Much Does It Cost to Purchase and Install a Garage Door?

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On average, buying a garage door will cost between $720 and $1,800. However, as several factors can cause the price to fluctuate, it is preferable to seek several quotes to get a better idea of the differences. As an indicator, the price will depend on:

• the size of the door (single and double door);

• the presence (or absence) of insulating properties;

• the quality of the opening mechanism (a high-quality system costs around 180$);

• the type of material (doors that are made of PVC, fibreglass or galvanized steel are more expensive);

• adding PVC mouldings (quite expensive, they can cause the price to double);

• adding windows (extra cost of 25% to 50% depending on the number of windows and the quality of the glass);

• the thickness of the door;

• choosing a colour that is not sold by the retailer.

For the installation, the fee will vary between $300 for a single door and $510 for a double door. If you need a motorized door opener, add around $180 to this amount. Extra fees may be applicable if it is necessary to increase the clear space over the door, as goes with removing the current garage door.

Best Practices for Properly Maintaining the Garage Door

In order to preserve your door for the upcoming years, use a special type of soap that is made for automobiles. Start by rinsing the door (with low pressure) in order to remove the dust on the surface. A thin layer of wax should also be applied to the door’s surface once a year in order to help keep it looking good.

Wheels, hinges, railings and springs will have to be lubricated as needed. Lastly, do not forget to clean the weather-stripping with an all-purpose cleaner. These elements will also need to be lubricated approximately every three months. At all times, avoid the use of abrasive products on all parts of the door to prevent damaging the finish.

FAQ

How do I choose the right garage door manufacturer?

Look for a manufacturer with a good reputation, quality products, and strong warranties.

What are the latest trends in garage doors?

Popular trends include modern designs, smart technology, and energy-efficient insulated doors.

How do I choose the right horsepower for a garage door opener?

Choose the horsepower based on your door’s size and weight; heavier doors need more powerful openers.