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Garage doors don’t have a short lifespan. That’s why when you buy one you want to be absolutely certain you have picked the right one. Most people never even have to buy one; they last so long. So if you are in the market for a new garage door – what aspects should you consider? And how do you know which features are important? Here are my tips on how to choose a door to suit your needs and things you need to know before you set out to get a new one.
Budget
Like virtually everything else in the home improvement marketplace, there are varying levels of quality, construction and features in garage doors and that translate to varying price ranges. It is important to know ahead of time what your budget will be since they can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500 or more, depending on the quality and features chosen. Some aspects that impact price include materials used in construction, whether or not there are windows, the type of door opener, level of quietness and the door type.
Insulation
Before you determine what type of insulation you want in your new garage door, it is a good idea to check your garage’s insulation level. Is the garage already insulated? Do you have an attached garage or a detached garage? If you do, by installing an insulated garage door it will help keep your home cool in the summers and warm in the winters. You can do this by using a Styrofoam insulation, which is soft and has a vinyl backing to it. Another option is to purchase a door with insulation that has a steel-backed side to it. Not only does this keep in airflow but it also gives a lot of extra strength to the door.
Windows
Windows in a garage add character to a home and also increase the amount of light in a garage. If you do choose to get a door with windows in it, it’s a good idea to think about the added cost versus the amount of use you will get out of the enhanced garage door design. If your garage is in the back alleyway you may not want to install windows however if the home is facing the front of a street you may want to install a garage door with windows in it to improve the overall look of your home.
Security
There are multiple options in terms of security for garage doors, including the choice of several locks such as an inside lock or one that functions on the outside. Many people find the outside lock is the least security-conscious approach so they opt for the third and most common type of security mechanism – a garage door opener. One tip is to avoid a lock that is operated from a motor located outside the home since they can be hacked into causing security concerns. A solution is to install a wireless keypad using a pin to operate the door.
Size
Many homeowners neglect to realize that doors for garages come in several sizes, shapes and functions. A typical clearance is about 8 feet from the ground up and of course when you request an estimate the company will measure everything. One thing to consider is the type of door needed because sizing will change accordingly. For instance, the standard sectional doors are usually standard across the board however flip-up styles may vary and would need precise measurements.
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If you would like further tips on this or any other garage door related concerns – please contact us today for a customized consultation on how we can serve your needs and help to achieve them!
