How to Choose the Right Garage Door
Choosing the right garage door can help improve your home's security while delivering a number of other benefits.
Many people think of their garage door simply as a functional entry point for your home. It’s much more than that, as it’s also a major design element that impacts curb appeal, security, and even energy efficiency. With so many different styles, materials, and features available to choose from, selecting the right door can feel like an overwhelming process. Here’s how to make the best choice for your home.
Consider Your Home’s Style
Your garage door should complement your home’s architecture, not compete with it. Traditional homes often look best with carriage-style garage doors – many of which feature decorative hardware. If your home is more of a modern design, it would pair well with sleek, minimalist panels and glass inserts. Craftsman or rustic styles benefit from wood or wood-look finishes with rich textures. Matching your garage door to your home’s overall aesthetic creates a cohesive look and can boost resale value.
Choose the Right Material
The material of your garage door impacts both the appearance and performance. There are a number of common options to choose from. Steel is a popular choice because it’s durable, low-maintenance, and available in many styles. It can also be insulated for better energy efficiency. Aluminum doors are very lightweight and modern, and are available in a number of styles to make them perfect for contemporary design. Wood doors require a lot of upkeep, and their weight lends to parts wearing out faster. There are also composite materials that mimic the natural grain of wood while resisting weather damage.
Think About Insulation & Security Features
If your garage is attached to your home or is used as a workspace, insulation is a must. Insulated doors help regulate temperature, reduce noise, and bolster energy efficiency. Insulated doors have an R-value, which indicates insulation performance. The higher the R-value, the better. Your garage door is the largest entry point to your home, making it a powerful insulation tool for your garage.
The size of this entry points also makes it crucial to the security of your home. Consider heavy-duty locks for your door. Your vehicles are big investments, but there are likely other things of value in the garage – and it offers easy entry into your home. Also think of implementing rolling code technology with your garage door opener for enhanced security, and the panels of the door can also be reinforced.
Set Your Budget & Keep Up with Maintenance
The price fluctuates greatly between different doors, depending on the materials, size, and customization. It might be tempting to pick the cheapest option, but investing in a quality door will pay off through increased curb appeal, better insulation and longer lifespan. Different materials require different upkeep. Choosing a low-maintenance option can save you lots of time and money over the years.
A professional garage door expert can ensure you are getting the right door for your situation – while keeping it safe, balanced, and operating correctly. They can also help you select a model that will fit within your budget. For more information on selecting the right garage door for your home, reach out to the experts at Aeonic Garage Doors today.
