Garage Doors

Just a Few More Considerations When Purchasing a New Garage Door

Materials. Today, homeowners can choose among wood, steel, composite or aluminum garage doors. Here’s the lowdown on the pros and cons of each.

Wood: There’s no substitute for the warm, distinctive look of wood. It offers the most design flexibility to create a one-of-a-kind door, and the species and stain options are endless. Wood doors can be expensive, with an average starting price of $1,000. They also weigh more than typical steel doors, so an opener with a higher horsepower is recommended. Depending on the climate and exposure, wood doors require more finish maintenance.

Composite and Steel: Steel doors with composite overlays offer the benefits of durable, insulated steel with added charm and design flexibility. Details like coped edging, true divided lites and embossed woodgrain texture make it an attractive, low-maintenance alternative to real wood, if you’re in the market for a carriage house style door. Prices start at about $900.

Steel: Classic steel panel doors offer the broadest range of insulation and price options from as little as $300 for a single layer, non insulated door, up to $1,500 for a premium 24-gauge, three layer sandwich door featuring 2” thick insulation and decorative windows.

Aluminum: Rust-proof and corrosion resistant, this material is ideal for humid, caustic environment as well as coastal areas. And it’s incredibly durable.

See our selection of materials at the Clopay website.

Additional Things to Consider When Purchasing a New Garage Door

Lifestyle. If you have children or use the garage as a workshop, opt for an insulated, heave gauge steel door that isn’t going to dent every time a ball or bike hits it. This type of door will also help keep the space a comfortable temperature.

Upkeep. Maintenance is another consideration. Every door needs regular check-ups to maximize its life and reliability. Steel doors are very durable and virtually maintenance free, but some people prefer the warmth and character of wood and the limitless design options. Depending on the climate and exposure, wood doors will need to be painted or stained every few years.

“Green Factor.” Sustainability is a key element of green building, and, with a life cycle of between 15 and 20 years, an investment in a durable garage door that can withstand the rigors of daily use is money well spent for a home and the environment.

Look for galvanized torsion springs, which look better and last 50% longer than the industry’s standard oil-tempered springs, heavy gauge steel to ensure a quality appearance, dent resistance and quiet operation, a hot dipped galvanized coating topped with a baked-on paint finish that resists fading and peeling, and environmentally safe, CFC-free insulation that is bonded on both sides of the door panel for improved strength and energy efficiency.

Building Code Requirements. If you live in a coastal region or high wind area you may need a reinforced door as specified by the local building code authority.

Because of their size, garage doors are more susceptible to wind damage than other exterior openings- especially two-car garage doors. Unless you have a tested, reinforced door installed, high winds can force it out of the opening, putting your home and property at risk.

What to Consider When Purchasing a New Garage Door

The average age of the U.S. housing stock is 34 years old, according to a Harvard University study, which means many homes are candidates for a new garage door. Here are some factors to consider:

Budget. Like everything, budget dictates options. Garage doors range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the size, material and design you choose. Even if you have a small budget you can still get a great looking door that is going to enhance the look of your home.

Design. Let the home’s architectural style, the shape and size of the windows and entry doors, and exterior design details influence the design of the garage door.

It’s a good idea to visit retailers and review manufacturer web sites to get a sense of the options available. Many companies like Clopay offer doors predesigned to match specific architectural styles, which can make the selection process easier.

Insulation. Doors can be insulated or non-insulated. If the garage is attached to the house, choose an insulated door. This will help reduce utility bills- both in hot and cold weather. An insulated door is especially important if there is a regularly occupied room above the garage. In addition to being more energy efficient, it will also help block out noise.

If you live in a mild climate or have a detached garage that will be used only to park the car, specify a less expensive, non-insulated door.

More Garage Door Winterizing Tips

A few more garage door tips before it gets too cold...

Surface Cleaning

Wash steel garage door surfaces with a mild household detergent and rinse with water.  In harsh coastal environments, applying car wax to a painted steel door surface will help maintain its finish. This should be done twice a year, immediately following cleaning.

Remove Rust

Visible rust or flaking paint on a steel door indicates that moisture is taking its toll. Sand the rust, apply a zinc-rich primer, and paint with a quality exterior latex.

Replacing your garage door

The average life span of a garage door is 15 to 20 years.  If you are in the market for a new door, use the Internet to research garage door manufacturers and find a professional garage door dealer in your area.

Put Your Garage Door on Your List of Home Winterizing Projects

It’s the single largest opening on a home and the most frequently used entrance. Yet when it comes to winterizing, many homeowners forget to include the garage door on their list of items to inspect and repair.

Here are some tips to help get your garage door ready for the cold. 

Keep the Heat In

Keeping the garage warm in the winter doesn’t have to be a challenge. The easiest way to trap heat in and keep cold air out is with a weather seal. If you see a gap between the bottom of the garage door and the driveway when the door is closed, it’s time to replace the stop.

If cold living spaces above or next to the garage are an ongoing problem, upgrade to an energy efficient garage door. Today’s insulated garage doors can help keep an unheated garage 10 -20 degrees warmer on a cold winter day. Homeowners who purchase a qualifying energy efficient garage door by December 31, 2010 will not only save on their heating costs, they may qualify for up to $1,500 in federal energy tax credits, thanks to the new stimulus legislation.

Visually Inspect Hardware for Wear and Tear

Look for bent or loose hinges, broken wheels, bent shafts or worn out bearings on steel rollers, and bent or misaligned track. Tighten or replace loose or missing bolts on the door and track supports. Check the spring lift cables for proper operation. Regardless of its age, your garage door should open and close smoothly. If it doesn’t, the spring system may be out of balance.

The bottom brackets, cables, pulleys and springs are under great tension and should ONLY be repaired by a garage door professional.

Clean and Lubricate Hardware

Use a clean rag to remove any debris, grease or dirt build-up from the track. Lubricate all moving parts of the door (hinges, metal rollers and track) with 3-in-1oil. Never use heavy oil or grease. DO NOT LUBRICATE nylon rollers, plastic idler bearings or locks. Use graphite to keep locks in operational condition.