If you own a house with a garage door long enough — say 20 years or more — eventually you’ll need to replace the garage door. It’s inevitable. as you probably use that garage door 2 to 3 times per day. That’s roughly 1000 times over the course of a year. One day, the time will come that repairing your garage door won’t be enough — you’ll need to install a brand new garage door. But no fear. We’ll break down how to choose the best garage door for your needs and budget in 3 easy steps.
Step 1: Choose the Right Material
Perhaps the most important step is choosing the right material that fits your lifestyle and needs, as well as your cosmetic wants. After all, you’re going to be stuck with this new garage door for years, sowhat kind of material do you want the door made from? A lot of this comes down to budget considerations but cheap doesn’t have to mean ugly
The beauty of steel, fiberglass and aluminum is that they require very little upkeep. Aside from the occasional paint job, there’s not much required to maintain them. Cleaning these doors is also a breeze – just hose it down and it should look good as new. And modern doors made from these materials don’t tend to dent easily — unless you go too cheap. These doors also have a variety of looks and styles that fit traditional house, as well as new, modern ones. Fiberglass garage doors especially are quite versatile and can take on the looks of wood, or even faux-glass.
Wood has a beautiful aesthetic appeal.but they do require more maintenance. They’ll need more frequent paint jobs and you’ll need to seal and sand them every 3 years or so. And they do tend to be more expensive, though you could opt for composite or veneer alternatives that provide a similar look at a lower price. On the plus side, your house will be the envy of all your neighbors.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Color
Your garage door is likely the biggest front facing feature of your home. The color of the door has a profound impact on the visual appeal of the rest of the house. Choose carefully. Realtors rate curb appeal as the most significant factor when it comes to resale value. Style and appeal are important.
That being said, don’t be afraid to get creative. After all, this is Sacramento, California. We’re known for setting trends. Bold and bright colors can make a positive statement that people will notice.
It’s also a good idea to have the color of the new garage door and the house trim match or at least complement each other.
Step 3: Accentuate Your New Door with Windows, Extra Hardware
Windows can add beautiful natural light to the interior of your garage. They also help warm your garage and save on heating costs. If security or privacy is an issue, consider using opaque or colored glass. You could also use material that is reinforced to prevent break-ins. Windows also add a nice appeal to the outside of the door.
Feel free to further accentuate your new garage door with a creative selection of hardware. This is more about style than function. Consider extra handles, hinges, emblems and symbols. This is your door. This is a way of making it your own, celebrating your personality and standing out in the neighborhood.