Things to Know Before Upgrading Your Garage Door
Upgrading your garage door is a fairly simple project, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make the job less frustrating and less costly. The layout of your garage will determine the type of door you purchase. If you have an attached garage, a single panel steel door is a safe bet, whereas sectional or carriage-style doors are better for detached garages. You can never go wrong with a new garage door, but it is important that you do your research before you decide. New garage door installation comes with many benefits, like enhancing the look of your home and providing increased security measures.
Sometimes, finding and fixing the problem can be time-consuming when your garage door acts up. Components like garage door cables, rollers, springs, and opener motors can all malfunction, and you’ll need to call a professional to get the repairs done. But these repairs can also be expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you know what to look for. That being said, here is a list of some of the things that you should keep in mind before a garage door upgrade.
Get an “In-person” Quote
An in-person quote is the most vital piece of information worth knowing before getting a new garage door installed. Ask the garage door company about their in-person quote when you call up to book an appointment. Better yet, insist!
Be Aware of Wooden Garage Doors
Wooden garage doors are becoming increasingly popular, which should explain why many homeowners go for this type of door. Yes, they add charm and style to your home, but wooden garage doors can pose some unique challenges in the form of water absorption, rotting, and termite exposure. You need to know how to care for them to keep them looking their best, and as such, they often need more attention compared to steel doors. It is always best to watch out for signs like door swelling or rusty hinges. That said, if you feel that the level of damage on your garage door is minimum, it might be best to consider having it repaired instead of investing in a brand new one.
After investigating, if you choose to repair, keep in mind that it is not easy to carry out the process alone. One has to be careful in such situations as accidents could take place. Therefore, consider calling a friend or taking aid from professionals to help you out with garage door repair. Since professionals tend to have a lot of experience, the repair can be done hassle-free. Moreover, you do not have to trouble yourself by trying to figure out the right tools and materials you are supposed to use.
Upgrade Your Insulation
The garage is the heart of the home, and keeping it comfortable and warm is necessary. Additionally, the garage also happens to be an important entryway to your home, and it should be treated as such. Many people prefer to build their garages in their front yard or beside the main building. People like them tend to get a small metal building rather than constructing the whole garage. Going that route, they may just need to find reputable steel building contractors in their area who can build a metal garage at their home. That being said, insulation upgrades (including adding insulation to garage doors) are one of the ways to keep a garage comfortable. However, it can be a complex job trying to retrofit insulation into a garage; it’s therefore best to leave it to professionals. Once that is done, you can modify the heating to affect the garage and keep it warm throughout the winter. You may need some additional heating fuel for this however, so consider stocking it up from providers like Romeo’s (romeosfuel.com).
Buy a New Garage Door Opener Too
Buying a new garage door opener while you’re replacing your garage door is a smart thing to do. That way, you’ll not have to go out looking for another opener when you eventually need to replace the one that’s currently installed on your door. Plus, installation is faster and easier that way.
Choose Windows Wisely
When you have to replace your garage door, it should ideally increase your home’s curb appeal. In that respect, a full panel of windows can add a modern touch. and while you may already have one existing panel (or none), having the full setup affords more light into your garage. Keep in mind that when your door is dark, the windows are the first thing to fade and age. It is why most vinyl windows have a white or clear finish, so it will be more difficult for them to fade. However, if you opt for a wood or metal frame, the window colour will fade faster but may match your door colour. So it is all about personal taste.
Choose 24-gauge Steel
If you’re planning to buy a new garage door, you might want to look online. Also, you have to keep a few things in mind. First, choose a 24-gauge steel model. This is stronger than the standard 26-gauge steel models, which are generally used for residential garage doors. Piggybacking on that idea, make sure that the door you choose has reinforcement. This will give it more strength, and make the door less prone to damage from things like hail and high winds.
There can be different reasons to upgrade home features – maybe because some of them have gone out of date. Your garage door is no exception. It is a central point of entry to your home and is a key expense, so it’s important to know everything you can about your options before you make your decision.
