01.22.2021

5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Garage Door

When searching for the right garage door, you’ll have several decisions to make - the fun ones like what color and what hardware, and the less interesting, but important, R-Value. It’s not all about aesthetics. The right garage door can directly benefit your bottom line. According to Remodel magazine’s Cost Vs Value Report, you can expect on average up to 94.5% return on your investment.

1. Material

Today, steel is the most popular garage door material choice of homeowners. Steel doors can be insulated to be more energy efficient than wood doors and they are lower maintenance and usually less expensive than wood doors. Aluminum doors are typically the least expensive type of garage door and the most lightweight (and thus easiest to lift manually) but also the most prone to dents. However, aluminum has the advantage of being resistant to rust and corrosion, giving it an advantage in coastal regions. Natural wood doors need to be repainted or re-stained every few years and they can be more costly compared to steel and aluminum doors. However, the warmth and beauty that wood garage doors can bring to a home is undeniable!

2. Design

There are thousands of combinations of design, material, windows and hardware. A garage door plays a major part in your home’s curb appeal. It alone can set the tone for the style of your home. Choose a design that fits the current elevation, or take it from traditional to modern with a sleek glass panel garage door like the “Envy” by Overhead Door™ (below).

3. Energy Savings - R Value

The higher the R-value of the garage door, the greater the insulation value and energy efficiency. This is something to consider if you have living space above the garage. When the garage door helps keep out the hot and cold air, your living space above can be more comfortable. It’s also a consideration if you spend time in a garage work space like a wood shop. Generally, the higher the R-value of the door, the higher the price. So your need for a well-insulated garage door should be weighed against the extra cost.

4. Use an online visualization tool

When you begin your search, visit a dealer showroom to get a sense of how different door styles and construction materials actually look and feel. Once you know what you like, it can be helpful to experiment with an online visualization tool, like Mobile DoorView from Overhead Door™. Here’s how it works: After uploading a photo of your home to the site, you can see how different garage door designs (and different combinations of windows, colors, and hardware) look on your home. Tools like this make it easier to arrive at a final decision and add a bit of fun to the process.

5. Trusted Company - Warranty

Your new garage door is only as good as the company and the installation team. Research the reputation and reviews of a few companies. Some use third party subs for installation. Make sure you choose a company with a good reputation, employs their own installers, and will be around to service after the sale and stand behind the warranty.

When you are ready for your free in-home estimate, Schedule now