Design Your Door
Where To Buy
- Not researching the latest design and material options.
When was the last time you bought a garage door? Good garage doors are built to last so it’s possible you’ve never even had to shop for one.
A quick online search will reveal tons of styles and colors to choose from, so instead of just going with the latest and greatest version of what you already have, take time to explore new designs and low-maintenance materials that will upgrade your home’s curb appeal.
Gallery Steel door in Medium Ultra-Grain finish. Photo courtesy Elyse McCurdy Home Designs.Wood-look garage doors made in steel or weather-resistant composite are a relative newcomer in the category, and an increasingly popular choice that will warm up any exterior with organic texture.
Have a garage door without windows? Considering adding them to brighten up the garage during the day and make your home feel more open and welcoming from the street. If privacy is a concern there are plenty of choices to obscure the view without blocking out natural light altogether.
Change can be scary, especially on something like a garage door that takes up so much visual real estate on your façade. Eliminate some of the fear factor by using an online visualizer tool like our Door Imagination System to upload a picture of your home and try on different door styles.
Many garage door dealers have full-size doors on display in their showroom so you can get a sense of the quality and finish. At the very least, you can order free color samples to compare in person so you aren’t ordering sight unseen.
- Skipping insulation.
Garage door insulation improves the comfort of your garage and the long-term durability of the door. That means less chance for dents and quieter operation. (If you know, you know.)
Polyurethane insulation is the gold standard in garage doors. The foam expands and hardens between the steel skins, filling every nook and cranny to offer the greatest strength and highest R-values.
Polystyrene insulation is another good option that will improve thermal protection. In this case, sheets of insulation are adhered to the steel skins to reinforce the door.
Bottom line, insulation is better than no insulation at all when it comes to keeping your garage comfortable in hot and cold weather, reducing door noise, and improving appearance and longevity.
- Thinking installation is an easy DIY project.
Garage doors have a lot of moving parts and they are heavy. It can take an experienced DIYer 8 to 10 hours to install a new door and it’s definitely a two-person job. Some things are better left to the pros who can get it done in a few hours and have the skills, training and tools to make sure the door is operating smoothly and safely.
- Shortchanging a long-term investment in your home’s value.
Like we said before, quality garage doors last at least 15 to 20 years or longer if they are well-maintained. If you plan to be in your home awhile or even if you plan to move in a few years, don’t miss out on the curb appeal and comfort a new garage door can add by skimping on the details.
According to the 2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value report, (https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2023/) garage door replacement offers the best ROI at resale and makes a big first impression on buyers when you sell. Owners can expect an average 102.7% return on the cost of a new door.
When you have a home improvement project that essentially pays for itself, it pays to do your research and explore your options, pay attention to the details that will protect your investment and rely on the pros to guide you to the best garage door decision for your home.
Ready to find your new garage door?
