The garage door is a very prominent part of any house these days. Hence, keeping in line with the development, manufacturers of garage doors offer plenty of options too, differing in style, material and colors. It is rather important to have a good looking garage door in your house. It makes the house look complete and aesthetic. Besides, choosing the correct material will also ensure that your garage door last a long time.
So, when you are looking to pick a garage door, make sure you keep the following in mind.
Decide on the material
As far as the material of the door is concerned, you usually have four choices – wood, steel, aluminum and fiberglass. Each has their own characteristics when it comes to durability, cost, design and maintenance.
Aluminum
- Many style options, stock colors are available
- Almost zero maintenance
- Does not rust
- Lightweight and so, easier to operate
- It is less durable compared to steel and can form dents easily.
Wood
- Can be customized and is a traditional choice
- Requires plenty of maintenance
- Can be rather expensive.
Steel
- Offers a variety of styles
- Stronger than aluminum
- Can rust easily.
Fiberglass
- Comes in many designs
- Durability is better than wood and steel but does crack under immense pressure
- Cost is between steel and wood.
The style should suit your house
The garage door style should naturally blend in with the design of your house. Unless you have a contemporary styled house, it is better to not experiment with the style of the garage door. Here are some styles that you can consider:
Victorian/colonial
- Paneled wood
- Stable/coach look
- Light windows that are divided
- Decorative hardware in the form of handles/iron hinges
Edwardian
- Panels and sections that are raised
- Divided light windows that match your house or arch-top windows
Ranch style
- Plain finish that puts emphasis on design
- Hardware and windows that balance the exterior of the home
- One can forgo the handles if a streamlined look is needed
Modern/contemporary
- Gives you the freedom to choose your own design
- You can consider stained wood, frosted/pebbled glass, horizontal banding, etc. among several others.
Picking the right color
Next, on the list of things to check out, certainly has to be the color that you are opting for. Usually, the color that you choose should complement your home. It must blend in with the overall appearance and not stand out. In this regard, it is always better to avoid extremely contrasting colors and vivid ones.
Also, make sure to match the garage door to the home’s window trim or to the color that mixes with the siding or brick. Avoid matching it to that of the front door of the house. For example, you may pick tan that matches with the brick for less contrast with brick red rather than opting for white.
Picking the finishing details
Design aspects aren’t just limited to the garage door itself but also apply to a wide range of hardware.
Some of the most popular picks are:
Paneling – Offers square or rectangular sections that can help you create a coach house or colonial look.
Decorated hardware – Handles and hinges are available in a wide range of designs and styles.
Decorative strapping – you can go for decorative straps if you wish to give the garage door a nostalgic look.
Windows – you pick among various styles such as divided lights, etched glass, arch tops, and large panels. You can also opt for sandblasted or textured windows for increasing opacity.
Additional options to consider
Installation – The installation process should be carried out in a proper manner. It is best if left to a professional. You might also want to go for a branded door so that the company provides installation.
Insulation – Garage spaces are not just meant for parking the car but also often a workshop and even extra space for living. So, it is good to have an insulation of R14 or more to provide more protection from noise or external elements.
Safety – Adhering to safety precautions are a must. These days’ automatic door openers retract on detecting any obstruction. You can also have finger guards in order to avoid pinched fingers.
Garage door openers – Even the largest and heaviest of doors can be operated by an opener that has rating if 1/2HP. However, an opener of 3/4HP will definitely last you longer. You can also pick the tracks so as to reduce noise during operation.
Security – With several upgrades in terms of security, you can now opt for many features. You may opt for keypads that allow children to enter the house via the garage and without any key. The there are doors without handles to stop thieves and remotes that are known to change frequencies. So, you can program the garage door in a manner that suits you best.
If you keep all the given points in mind, picking the best garage door shouldn’t be a problem at all.