Garage doors are a convenient way to keep your vehicles under a secured hood on your property. A good-quality door can keep your garage and belongings safe from extreme weather conditions such as hailstorms, hurricanes, and torrential rain.
However, every now and then, you may need to replace an old garage door, and for that, you must know what you must consider when buying a new one. So let us dive right into it.
What Should You Look for When Buying a New Garage Door
Without adequate protection, extreme weather conditions or vandalism attempts can leave your vehicle and home a wreck. Therefore, it is important that you buy a new door that offers you everything from security to aesthetic appeal and style to strength. That said, here are some things you must consider.
Size Does Matter
There is no such term as “close enough” when it comes to the size of your new garage door. Therefore, you must measure the accurate size of your door before you start shopping for a new one. Failing to do this will delay your installation and may cost you a lot more, especially if you are getting it custom-made.
The Cost Factor
The cost of your new garage door will depend on various factors, but a decent garage door shouldn’t dig a hole in your wallet. For example, a basic garage door may cost you a few hundred dollars. In contrast, a well-insulated garage door with an automated or web integrated garage door may cost you a couple of thousand dollars.
The type of material and added features such as insulation and smart device integration would increase the price.
Garage Door Materials
There are various types of materials to suit your style budget, these include
- Wood – it is a traditional material used and offers luxurious curb appeal. You can easily paint them, and it requires minimal maintenance. However, wood is prone to cracks, rots, and termite infestations. So, you may want to look into other materials with the appearance of wood.
- Steel – Steel protection with proper insulation can help keep your garage 10 degrees warmer during the winter. Plus, it does not crack, rot or warp, and the only thing that can dent your steel door is when it gets hit by a hard object. However, steel does not offer much aesthetic appeal.
- Aluminium – this material can appear like a wooden or steel door. An insulated aluminium new garage door will keep your garage warm. Not to mention, it won’t rust like steel or rot like its wooden counterpart. However, this material is more susceptible to dents.
- Fibreglass – this is the lightest material for buying a new door, which means no strain during the opening or closing of the door. Additionally, the fibreglass doors will not crack, rot or dent easily.
Garage Door Style You Prefer
Now, you can buy a style that suits your taste and compliment your home’s aesthetics. From classic solid wood to one made of tinted glass panels, you can choose from a wide selection of styles when buying a new garage door. You can even ask some manufacturers to make a custom door as per your specifications, i.e., size, colour, style, texture, features, material, etc.
Garage Door Openers
Once you have decided what size, material, and style you would like your new door to be, it is time to choose the opening mechanism for it. There are three types of openers you can get.
- Belt Drive – these are the most popular openings because they are affordable to buy and cheap to repair. Additionally, belt drive door openers are quieter than chain-drive openers and do not require lubrication like other counterparts.
- Chain Drive – these can be fairly noisy ones, and the chain will require lubrication every now and then. But chain drivers are still one of the most cost-effective door openers.
- Screw Drive – these are the most expensive of the three, but also the most dependable ones for sure. All you need is to ensure they are adequately lubricated at all times, and voila, you have the quietest openers.
No matter what type of opener you use, it is important that it comes with an appropriate motor. It should have enough horsepower to open and shut your door without breaking.
For instance, having an underpowered motor for a steel door will burn down the motor sooner than you think. So, speak to a professional to find out how much horsepower your garage opener motor must have to operate your new door type.
Tips to Buy a New Garage Door
Here are some useful tips to remember when you are ready to shop for your new door.
- Always buy your new door in person – You do not want to take any risk of simply going for one that looks great online. Plus, it is best to visit the manufacturer and speak to a professional to discuss your needs and get assistance in picking one that fits your style, needs, and budget.
- Always Buy an Insulated One – An insulated door will help reduce your utility bills. Because un-insulated garages can suck the warm heating air out of your rooms, your heaters will work twice as much to keep the house warm. An insulated door will also keep your vehicle warmer during winter. Additionally, it helps your tires to last longer, and your car will start easily, even on the coldest days.
- Springs are everything – while the door openers operate the opening and closing function, it is the springs that do all the heavy lifting. A modern-day opener requires extension or torsion springs. However, you can also buy a motor that is powerful enough to carry out the entire operation by itself. That said if springs are your option, then get slightly bigger ones to relieve pressure on your opener.
- Buy them together – instead of using old springs with a new opener; it is best to buy a new set of springs when you buy a new opener. This will help with compatibility for harmonious and long-lasting operations.
- Always leave it to the professionals – while you may be a DIY pro, but the installation of a door is a heavy-duty task. Therefore, deciding to do it yourself will put you and your garage’s structure at risk.
Conclusion
Now that you know what things you must consider when buying a new door, it will be easier for you to ask the right question when shopping. Keep the above-mentioned factors and tips in mind and have your new door professionally installed to keep your garage, equipment, and vehicle secure.
