How To Choose A New Garage Door
There are an abundance of options as far as building materials and designs available in new garage doors, wood and steel being the most commonly installed. Each type will have options available for the exterior style/color, decorative windows, hardware, insulation, etc. Every manufacturer will tell you theirs is best, and give you tons of reasons why you should agree. Just like any other product or service. That being said, you should keep in mind that the new garage door you are thinking of purchasing is going to be around for a long time. They usually last anywhere from 10-20 years, depending on usage and maintenance, and can possibly last longer.
Steel is the most commonly installed type. Their lower costs, maintenance, and a variety of available designs make them the obvious choice for most homeowners. No painting is required, although they can be painted, and most manufacturers offer different finish warranties. Styles include, but are not limited to, raised panel designs, flush panels, and various carriage house designs. Most have insulation options, as well. Considering the fact that most garages share an interior wall with the home, upgrading to an insulated model can help conserve on heating and cooling costs.
While their not as common as they once were, wooden doors are still readily available in most places. They are available in the same standard styles as steel models, and can be built to suit. Their costs are generally slightly higher than steel, and they will need to be painted or stained to prevent water damage. There are still benefits from using wood. A standard model can provide a better R-value than a basic non-insulated model. They can also take a little bit more punishment than the steel types-something to consider if you have kids that play near the garage, or work in or around it yourself. Options for insulation are available. Their versatility is probably their best point. Homeowners wanting custom garage doors for their home typically go with wood.
Vinyl is beginning to make a larger impression on the market as a more durable material. These models won’t rust, and are more resistant to dings and scratches than the steel. Prepare to pay substantially more for this type of product. Many dealers don’t carry any in stock, so a lead time of 2-4 weeks can be expected. They usually look like just like the steel types as far as exterior styles are concerned. They also have similar insulation options to a steel model.
Composite products are becoming more mainstream as consumer demand for environmentally-friendly options grows. They are typically made from recycled wood, and are insulated in most cases. Again, opting for insulation can provide a higher R-value. They can be painted, or even stained.