Garage Door Buying Guide
Garage doors not only add style and curb appeal, they also serve a very important function. If it is time to replace your old, weathered garage door, now is the time to reference a garage door buying so that you make the best investment. With so many different design options, window patterns, colors and sizes to choose from, there is no denying that selecting the right garage door can be daunting task. Here is your guide to select the perfect garage door that will act as the perfect barrier between the outside world and the inside of your garage, utility room or play area.
Considering the Function of Your Garage
In today’s day and age, not everyone uses their garage for storing their vehicles. In fact, a garage can become a man cave, a children’s playroom, a wood shop, a workshop, an exercise room, a laundry room and more. One of the first factors to consider when shopping for a garage door is how the space you are barricading will be used. If there will be a lot of activity in your garage, you will need a door made of materials that are designed to maintain temperatures in the space. Doors with good insulating qualities will have a good R-value rating. This value should be between 3 and 10 if there will be regular activity in your garage.
Choosing the Appropriate Size
Once you consider the function, an easy way to narrow down your choices is to focus on size. You will need to select a door with the dimensions that fits your garage opening perfectly. If you purchase the wrong sized door, you risk the chance of losing efficiency and also increase the chance of your door being tampered with.
Choosing the Appropriate Type of Construction
Garage doors can be constructed by manufacturers in one of three different ways. Here is a breakdown of the three different types of construction you will have to choose from when making your purchase:
* Single-layer
Single-layer doors use one simple outer layer of the material (fiberglass, steel, wood) used to construct the door. While these doors are very economical, they have virtually no insulating qualities.
* Double-layer
A double-layer door will have an inner and outer layer. The center of these doors are typically filled with polystyrene. This material adds insulating value, but will cost more than single-layer doors.
* Premium or Triple-layer
Triple-layer doors used the same construction techniques of the double-layer doors except for a minor difference. In addition to the inner and outer layer, there is a layer of skin surrounding the polystyrene material inside of the door to protect it. These doors typically are the most expensive and have the higher R-values.
Garage Door Panel Style Options
Both detached and attached garages can take up a large portion of your home’s exterior. When you are selecting the right door for your property, you must consider how the style that you choose will blend with your home’s exterior decor and architectural features. The most popular doors use one of three different panel styles. These panel designs include:
* Painted Panels
Some homeowners prefer panels that create more dimension to the exterior of their home. Painted panels use a contrasting color on the raised or sloped part of the panel to add color, appeal, and dimension.
* Flush
Flush panels are not raised but they are flat and textured. These panels are perfect when you want to draw attention away from your garage.
* Raised Panels
Short and long raised panels will add depth to any door. If you have ornate architectural features around your home, the raised lines can help add distinction that will compliment the intricate details around the property.
Take your time to price the cost of doors in your area, and never forget to consider both style and function as you are shopping. By using this straightforward guide, you can narrow down your options so that you choose a door that will work with your home for years to come.
