Garage Door Finishing 101

The Perfect Guide When Buying A New Garage Door

There are a lot of important structures on your home, but in terms of practicality, none are more important than the garage door. It's what you use to get in and out of your home, after all. If you're in the market for a new garage door installation, be sure to keep this helpful guide in mind. 

Types

Garage doors have come a long way since models made just a few years back. Now, the types you have access to are almost endless. They fit into three categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Stock doors are great if you need the garage door installed as quickly as possible. Their pricing is relatively fair and there are several design options you can choose from.

With semi-custom and custom garage doors, though, you can design a garage door exactly how you want it. You may want multiple glass panels at the top, with unique panel designs at the bottom. You're only limited by your imagination. Just know that you'll pay more for custom doors, and the time frame for when they're delivered may be substantially longer compared to stock options.

Materials

Like garage door types, there are countless materials garage doors are made out of. If you prefer a traditional look, wood is a great material. Not only is it readily available and affordable, but wood also gives your home a warm look. You will need to put extra effort into maintaining it, though, such as painting and repairing chipped sections. 

For extra durability, consider steel garage doors. They may cost a bit more, but they are simple to maintain and designed to last in any type of weather condition. Aluminum is also a great choice because of its lightweight construction. 

Insulation vs. Non-Insulation 

When you purchase a garage door, you have the choice of having it insulated. The costs for insulating will be significantly more, but temperatures inside the garage won't fluctuate as rapidly. Insulated garage doors are ideal if the garage is attached to your home or if someone is planning on living out of the garage.

However, if your garage is detached from the home and you don't need a stable temperature range, you're better off not having an insulated garage door. You'll save on costs. 

If your garage door has seen better days, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of great replacement options. Research the different models and specs to find a garage door you're happy with for years.