Deciding on the type of garage door makes a big difference to the aesthetics, security, and operations of the house. The choices in types, styles, materials, and features make the garage door buying guide confusing. You can find all the information you need about garage doors in this guide, relieving you of the burden.
Hence, this guide will let you explore the following:
- Garage Door Types
- Garage Door Styles
- Garage Door Materials
- Garage Doors Cost
- Garage Door Insulation
- Garage Door Parts and Accessories
- How to Measure a Garage Door
- Measurement Table
Garage Door Types
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are the most popular type of garage doors in the United States. They are made up of panel parts joined with hinges. As the door opens and shuts, wheels at the panel’s edges roll inside a vertical track on either side of the aperture. You can customize these doors to a high degree and choose between insulated and non-insulated options, making them adaptable to diverse climates and applications.
Roll-Up Garage Doors
Roll-up garage doors, often found in commercial and residential settings, are ideal for limited ceiling space due to their durability and security features.
Slide to the Side Garage Doors
Slide to the side garage doors work by bending to one side of the garage and resting parallel to the wall. These doors were among the first operating styles, making them perfect for garages with little headroom. They are easy to operate manually and can be fitted with an automatic opener for convenience.
Side-Hinged Garage Doors
Side-hinged garage doors have a traditional design and operate like large barn doors. These doors are hinged on the sides and open outwards. They are ideal for garages with limited headroom and obstructions inside. You can make side-hinged doors from wood, steel, or composite materials to achieve a classic look with modern functionality.
Tilt-Up/Up-and-Over Canopy Garage Doors
Tilt-up canopy garage doors do not have sections. They are made of a single solid piece that tilts up to open. These doors extend outwards from the garage when open, creating a canopy. They are simple in design and can be a cost-effective solution for many homeowners.
Tilt-Up/Up-and-Over Retractable Garage Doors
Like canopy doors, retractable tilt-up doors lift up and into the garage. They differ in that they are suspended independently from the frame, allowing for smoother operation. These doors require more backroom compared to canopy doors but offer a more modern and clean appearance when open.
Garage Door Styles
Contemporary Style
Contemporary garage doors often feature clean lines and incorporate modern materials like glass, aluminum, and steel. They suit modern homes with their sleek and minimalist look. These doors can be customized with various finishes and colors to complement the architectural style of the house.
Traditional Style
Traditional garage doors are characterized by raised panel designs and can be made from wood or steel. They complement colonial, craftsman, and other classic home styles. Traditional doors offer a timeless appearance and can be enhanced with windows and decorative hardware.
Carriage House Style
Carriage house garage doors mimic the appearance of old carriage house doors, featuring a rustic and charming look. They often include decorative hardware and windows, enhancing their antique appeal. These doors can be made from wood, steel, or composite materials, offering durability with a vintage aesthetic.
Custom Design
Homeowners can design custom garage doors to match specific architectural details and personal preferences for a unique look. These can be made from various materials and feature unique aspects. Custom doors allow for complete personalization, ensuring the garage door complements the overall design of the home.
Garage Door Materials
Steel
Steel garage doors are highly durable and low maintenance, making them a popular choice. They can be insulated for energy efficiency and come in various styles and colors. Steel doors are resistant to warping, cracking, and weather damage, providing long-lasting performance.
Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, suitable for humid or coastal environments. They often feature contemporary designs with glass panels. Homeowners can customize aluminum doors with different finishes to match the exterior and they require low maintenance.
Wood
This timeless, classic aesthetic enhances curb appeal in homes through staining, painting, or crafting in various designs, requiring more maintenance.
Wood Composite
These doors provide the appearance of wood without high maintenance. They’re comprised of reclaimed wood fibers and can be painted or dyed. These doors offer the beauty of wood with enhanced durability and resistance to moisture and pests.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors are resistant to dents and cracks and can mimic the appearance of wood. They are a good option for homeowners looking for a durable and low-maintenance door. Fiberglass doors are also resistant to corrosion and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Vinyl
Vinyl garage doors are durable and resistant to dents and rust. They are an excellent choice for homes in harsh weather climates, requiring minimal maintenance. You can make vinyl doors energy-efficient and improve their thermal performance by insulating them.
Garage Doors Cost
The cost of a garage door can vary widely based on the type, material, style, and additional features. Below is a table summarizing the approximate costs for different garage door types and materials:
Garage Door Type | Approximate Cost (USD) | Material | Additional Costs |
---|---|---|---|
Sectional | $800 – $2,500 | Steel, Wood | Insulation, Windows |
Roll-Up | $600 – $1,500 | Steel, Aluminum | Custom Colors, Locks |
Slide to the Side | $700 – $1,500 | Steel, Aluminum | Insulation |
Side-Hinged | $1,000 – $2,500 | Wood, Composite | Custom Hardware |
Tilt-Up Canopy | $500 – $1,200 | Steel, Wood | Custom Paint |
Tilt-Up Retractable | $700 – $1,800 | Steel, Wood | Insulation, Windows |
The cost of installation, additional features, and customizations can also impact the overall price. Consulting with a professional garage door company like **247 Superior Garage Door Company** can provide accurate quotes and help you select the best door for your budget and needs.
Garage Door Insulation
Insulating your garage door is essential for energy efficiency, noise reduction, and improved comfort. Here are the common types of garage door insulation:
Polystyrene Insulation
Garage doors often use polystyrene insulation to achieve a good balance between cost and efficiency. It is available in rigid panels and is lightweight. Polystyrene-insulated doors offer moderate thermal resistance and can help reduce energy costs.
Polyurethane Insulation
Polyurethane insulation is a more efficient option, offering superior thermal resistance and noise reduction. The door panels are injected with a material that provides a higher R-value. Polyurethane-insulated doors are ideal for extreme climates and provide enhanced durability.
Reflective Insulation
Reflective insulation consists of reflective foil that can reflect radiant heat away from the garage, helping keep it cooler in the summer. It is often used in conjunction with other insulation types. Reflective insulation is a cost-effective solution for enhancing energy efficiency.
Insulation Benefits
- Energy Efficiency: Insulated doors help maintain a stable temperature inside your garage, reducing heating and cooling costs. The garage must be attached to the house or used as a living space.
- Noise Reduction: Insulated doors can significantly reduce noise from both outside the garage and inside if the garage is used as a workspace. This creates a quieter environment and enhances comfort.
- Durability: Insulated doors are generally sturdier and more resistant to dents and damage. The added layers of insulation reinforce the door panels, making them more durable and long-lasting.
Garage Door Parts and Accessories
Springs
Garage door springs balance out the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close. There are two main types:
Torsion Springs
Mounted above the door, torsion springs offer smooth and controlled operation. They are more durable and provide better balance compared to extension springs.
Extension Springs
Located above the upper tracks on either side of the door, extension springs are less expensive but can be noisier. They stretch and contract to lift the door, offering a simple mechanism for residential doors.
Tracks and Rollers
Tracks guide the garage door as it opens and closes, while rollers move along the tracks. Properly maintained tracks and rollers ensure smooth and quiet operation. Regular lubrication and inspection can prolong the lifespan of these components and prevent operational issues.
Openers
Garage door openers come in various types, including chain drive, belt drive, screw drive, and wall-mounted openers. Modern openers often feature smart technology, allowing remote control and monitoring. Upgrading to a smart opener can enhance security and convenience, offering features like smartphone control and integration with home automation systems.
Hinges and Brackets
Hinges hold the door panels together and allow them to pivot as the door opens and closes. Brackets secure the door to the tracks and help guide its movement. Ensuring these components are in good condition is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the door.
Weather Seals
Weather seals prevent drafts, moisture, and pests from entering the garage. The door has installations along its bottom, sides, and top. Replacing worn or damaged seals can improve energy efficiency and protect the interior of the garage from environmental elements.
Decorative Hardware
Decorative hardware, such as handles, hinges, and clavos, can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garage door, especially for traditional and carriage house styles. The homeowner can customize these accessories to match the architectural style of the home, making the garage door unique.
How To Measure a Garage Door
Proper measurements are crucial when purchasing a new garage door. Follow these methods to get precise dimensions:
Measure the Width
Take the widest point of the garage door opening and measure it. This is the distance that separates the opening’s left and right sides.
Measure the Height
Measure the height of the garage door opening at its highest point. This is the distance from the floor to the top of the opening.
Measure the Headroom
Headroom is the distance between the top of the door opening and the ceiling or the lowest obstruction. This space is necessary for the door and opener to operate correctly.
Measure the Backroom
The backroom is the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of the garage. This measurement is important for the installation of the door and opener.
Measure the Sideroom
Sideroom is the space on the left and right sides of the door opening. The tracks and hardware require this much space.
Measurement Table
Measurement | Description | Ideal Measurement (inches) |
---|---|---|
Width | Distance between left and right sides | Varies by door size |
Height | Distance from floor to top of opening | Varies by door size |
Headroom | Distance from top of opening to ceiling | 10-12 inches |
Backroom | Distance from the opening to the back wall | Door height + 18 inches |
Sideroom | Space on the left and right sides of the opening | 3.75-5.5 inches |
Accurate measurements ensure a proper fit and smooth operation of the new garage door. If unsure, it’s advisable to consult with a reliable garage door repair in St. Paul, MN to verify the dimensions and recommend the best door for your garage.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable garage door means that one has to consider elements such as the kind, design, material, price, insulating ability, and components. It is with these aspects in mind that you can arrive at an informed decision that not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the house but also the energy efficiency as well as security. You can rely on this guide as a one-stop shop for all things related to your search for the right garage door.
Also, it is imperative to understand that with the help of a good company like 247 Superior Garage Door, you can get professional suggestions, high-quality products, and experienced installation to achieve the best results and meet all your expectations.