Things To Think Of When You’re Buying a New Garage Door

Whether you’re building an entirely new garage or just need to replace an old garage door, it’s important that you take some time to decide exactly what you’re looking for in a door. A garage door is a major purchase, and it’s definitely not a “one size fits all” type of situation.

Here are some things you’ll want to think about before you start shopping!

How big is the opening space?

This is arguably one of the most important things of all to consider. The exact measurements can be done by professionals, but you’ll want to have at least some idea of the dimensions (height and width of the opening, space between the door and the ceiling, etc.) you’re working with. Knowing these things ahead of time will also help you to both create and stick to a budget.

Do you want the door to match your home’s exterior?

In most cases, homeowners want their garage door to coordinate with their home’s overall exterior style. Even if you come across a great-looking door while shopping, it might not be the garage door for you if it clashes with the rest of your house. Consider taking some photos of both your garage and your home as a whole prior to shopping. Have them on hand for whenever you see a door you like.

What kind of material would you like the door to be made of?

There are so many options these days for garage doors, but in general, the main materials you’ll see are steel (can be painted just about any color with a variety of finishes), aluminum (lightweight and easier to use with window designs), wood (beautiful curbside appeal), fiberglass (great for paneling and window designs) and composite (a blend of materials for durability). Each of these materials comes with their own cons in addition to pros. For example, wood is beautiful but often harder to upkeep, while aluminum dents easier than others but is also often easier to repair. At Tempe Garage Door Repair, we’re happy to answer your questions about any material to help you figure out what is best for you and your home.

Do you want insulation?

Some people choose to insulate their garage doors while others do not. Insulation provides both sound and temperature control for the garage, and this can be important to a lot of people if they intend to use their garage for purposes other than just parking their vehicle. Others simply do not have any need for insulation, although in hot places like Arizona, it can be a great decision for helping to keep the rest of your home cool.

Do you want the latest technology?

Garage doors have come so far since the old days of manually rolling them up and down! Not only are the vast majority of doors automatic with the push of a button, but many can also be linked to smartphones so you can open and shut them from anywhere. It’s also a great idea to have a code or sensor pad outside so you can let yourself in from the outside (with or without your phone). You may also want a door that is linked to lights in the garage so you’re not left in the dark when you arrive or leave.

Have more questions? At Tempe Garage Door Repair, we’re happy to help! Contact us today.