Your garage door is often one of the most used entrances in your home, raising and lowering every time you leave or arrive home. It seems a lot of daily use, so when choosing a new one, you have to be sure you’re choosing one that will withstand this use. In addition, your garage door affects the appearance and curb appeal of your home. It’s one of the first things visitors see on arrival. This means you’ll need a garage door with function and aesthetic appeal. Dave’s Garage Doors can help you find the perfect new door to meet all your needs. We’re here to educate you about the many options you have when choosing a new garage door. Continue reading to learn more.
What Are the Different Types of Garage Doors?
There are many different ways to classify garage doors, but one way to do so by the opening method of the door. Depending on the layout of your garage and the space you have available, you may have to choose a different style of the door than you originally thought. Some door types will require more space than others due to the way in which they open. You’ll want to consider all of these factors when thinking about a new garage door for your home. The most common door types include:
- Sectional: This is the most popular type of garage door in the country. It is constructed using horizontal sections connected by hinges, allowing it to easily roll along a track that lifts it up and back into the garage. The door sits parallel to the floor along with the ceiling of the garage when fully opened.
- Roll-Up: This type of garage door is most commonly used in commercial buildings but can also be used in residential settings. Because the entire door is made up of slats that roll up into a drum sitting directly above the door opening, it is perfect for structures with limited interior space due to support beams in the garage.
Finding the Best Garage Door Will Depend on Your Style Preference
There’s no single answer to the question “what is the best garage door,” as every homeowner will have different tastes and therefore prefer a different style of door. There are a variety of factors that determine the best garage door for your home. You may not have the space for certain types, or you may prefer one style over another, making your needs different from your neighbor’s. For this reason, you’ll want to think about what you want to see when you pull up in front of your home at the end of the day and consult with a professional about what options are available in the styles you prefer.
What to Consider When Buying a New Garage Door
As mentioned previously, one type of garage door won’t work for every single home, so you’ll want to consider all your options before making a choice. You’ll want to think about all the different types of doors we mentioned above and determine which style will work best for you and your needs. You’ll also want to think about your individual style preferences as well as the current style of your home. You should be sure the material, style, and color of the door you choose match the rest of your home. Otherwise, you may end up with two styles that don’t match. You’ll also want to consider the window options you’d like to have. We’ll go over each of these considerations in more depth below:
Material
Garage doors can be made from many different materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Different materials will produce a different aesthetic and will also offer different levels of durability and ease of care. All of these factors are things you will want to consider when choosing a new door for your home. The most common garage door materials include:
- Steel: Steel doors are by far the most popular because they are incredibly durable, come in a wide variety of styles, offer many color options including faux wood grain patterns, require very little maintenance, and come with a great warranty! They also offer different types and depths of insulation to help you better control the temperature in your garage. While they are low maintenance, they can be susceptible to dents if hit.
- Wood: Wooden garage doors can provide a beautiful rustic look, are easy to customize, and are relatively sturdy. However, they can be expensive, require annual maintenance, and are not as durable over the years as some other options are.
- Aluminum: Aluminum has many of the benefits of steel, providing a long-lasting option with a variety of finish choices. It’s also lighter and less expensive than steel. However, because it is a lighter metal it is more likely to dent.
- Vinyl: Vinyl garage doors are a great option for seaside locations as they don’t rust and are very durable, resisting dents and other damage. They are also easy to maintain. However, in some cases, you may have fewer color and design options, and the initial cost of a vinyl door is somewhat higher.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are one of the least common door types but still look great. They can be painted a variety of colors and are easy to customize. However, they are not as durable in cold climates and can easily fade from weather exposure.
Style
You want the style of your door to match the style of your home, so it’s important to find a door that will mesh well with the aesthetic of the rest of your home. Whether you want a classic look or something sleek and modern, you’ll be able to find an option that works for you. You can consult with your garage door professional to determine which option will look best with your current style. The right garage door can significantly improve the appearance and curb appeal of your home. Depending on aesthetic of your home, you’ll want to consider these three popular garage door styles to replace your current door:
- Traditional Raised-Panel: This is the most common door style and is characterized by it’s symmetrical, raised square or rectangular panels. The traditional panel door will bring a clean, classic look to your home, and you’ll also be able to customize the look with a variety of color options.
- Carriage Style: Carriage style doors are often referred to as “barn style garage doors” due to their rustic appearance. This style of door is a great addition to craftsman or mission style homes, as they blend well with the classic aesthetic.
- Contemporary: Those with more modern home styles will want a garage door to match their home’s aesthetic. A classic or rustic-looking door just won’t look right with the edginess of a modern home. A contemporary garage door will provide the added aesthetic and functional curb appeal you crave.
Door Color
When choosing a garage door, some homeowners may want a classic neutral tone that either directly matches their home or is at least in the same family of tones. Others want something outside the box, using their garage door as a way to add a pop of color to their otherwise neutral-toned home. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of options, as there is no shortage of colors when it comes to garage doors. A darker neutral tone can perfectly accent lighter siding. A bold or vibrant color can look great with neutral colors, bringing some fun to your curb appeal. Whatever your style, you’re sure to find a garage door to match your look.
Window Options
The final thing you’ll want to consider is window options. Some homeowners prefer to have no windows for added privacy, while others may like the aesthetic value or added light that windows provide. There are also numerous window options, including plain, obscure or frosted glass as well as your choice of decorative inserts. Think about the style of your home and how the look of the windows will mesh with this style before settling on a final decision.
Contact Dave’s Garage Door for a Selection of Doors
If you’re in the market for a new garage door in Oregon, you want to be sure you’re working with a reputable and trustworthy contractor. Dave’s Garage Doors can help you find the perfect new door for your home. Whether you’re located in Portland, Vancouver, Salem, or anywhere in between, the pros at Dave’s Garage Doors can help you choose and then install the perfect door for your home. Please reach out to us for more information and we can set up a time to discuss your needs and the options we have available.