Every home has a garage door. It is often one of the biggest parts of the home’s façade, and therefore it can really make an impact on the entirety of the home. Any homeowner will want a garage door that they can be proud of, one that represents the look and feel of the entire house. Garage doors should:
- Enhance the appearance and overall feel of the home
- Function accurately without any problems and without any need for maintenance
- Last for many years
If you own a garage door, you may have several questions about its use. Don’t worry, there are several tips ahead that will teach you everything you need to know about garage doors before making a purchase. These are 5 important things to consider during the garage door purchasing process.
There are many types of doors
Garage doors are typically made from one of three different types of available materials: wood, vinyl, or metal. The metal doors are typically made of steel or aluminum.
- Steel or aluminum metal garage doors are typically the most common types of garage doors you’ll see all across North America. They take up over 85% of the garage door market due to its lower costs and easy maintenance. The cost of steel is lower than any other material for garage doors, and aluminum is always a good choice because it is heavy and will keep cold weather out. Both types of metal are insulated well and require little maintenance. The different types of metal doors available in different styles to best suit the mood of your home. Choose from contemporary, modern, carriage, ranch, mixed panels, classic, or ribbed styles.
- Wood garage doors are the oldest type of garage doors available. They are still a popular choice in the modern world as they present a natural beauty and vintage appeal. This is a versatile choice for garage doors as it can be painted, stained, or decorated in custom ways. There are several different types of wood available for the make of your door, and they all range in cost and quality. Choose anything from composite wood to solid wood for the construction of your door. This door does require more maintenance.
- Vinyl garage doors will never require any maintenance. The material it is made out of, which is usually a hard vinyl or fiberglass, is scratch resistant and is good for keeping out climate weather patterns. While the initial cost of making them is more expensive, it is affordable in the long run as it never needs to be replaced or fixed. They are usually available in a rich wood appearance, such as oak or cedar, adding a pleasant touch to the façade of the home.
Know your company beforehand
There is no strict monitoring of garage door companies in the USA or Canada. Unfortunately, a lot of companies are uninsured and do not offer workers’ compensation to their employees. Be careful of these fly-by-night companies that can cause you to pay more expenses without the promise of an insured garage door.
Before selecting a company, make sure that the company is:
- Professional and ethical
- Able to provide references from past clients for proof of business
- Clean and uniform, providing proper trucks and tools
- Insured
- Able to give you warranties on all purchases, including materials and labor
One of the most important things to consider before choosing a company is whether or not the company provides proper training for their employees. More garage door-related accidents occur yearly than lawnmower or leaf blower accidents. By making sure that the company trains their technicians, you can ensure that the door will be installed using proper safety procedures.
Know when you need to buy
Knowing when you need to buy or replace your garage door is one of the most important factors to consider before making the final step. The most obvious time when a garage door needs to be replaced is when your current door does not operate properly. Since it acts as a moving wall, it can be a danger to you and your family if left in disrepair.
The most obvious reason to replace your garage door is when it does not operate properly and is a potential hazard. A garage door is a heavy moving wall that, over time, can pose greater potential danger to you and your family.
Another reason to replace a door is simply because you are seeking a newer or different style. Maintaining the appearance of the home is important, and you want your façade to stand out and look good. The garage door is one of the first things that a passing driver or pedestrian will see when glancing at your house. Make the right first impression by installing a newly designed door.
Know where to purchase your door
You can choose between retailers, door and window dealers, or large hardware stores for your garage door. The best choice is to go with a company that has several garage door specialists. They will be able to insure your door and properly install it to reduce the risk of hazards.
This company can pay a visit to your home and can send a sales representative to your home to assess what kind of door you might need or want. There may also be a showroom available for you and your family to visit. Specialty companies like these are able to provide their own garage door specialists, as well as all material and labor required. They are a professional company with the slogan: “Quality work time after time!”
Know your warranty
As with most important purchases, you’ll want to make sure your garage door comes with a warranty. Most garage doors do come with a warranty, but make sure you know exactly what you’ve paid for and how you’re covered. Both materials and labor costs should be covered under the warranty, which is broken down into sections to help you understand exactly what you need. A garage door warranty can cover all of its sections which include installation, insulation, decorative windows, hardware, electric opener, spacing, and more. Be sure to double check the warranty for fine print and to understand what is being promised to you during your purchase.
A few things to keep in mind
The most important fact to remember is that the longevity, durability, and safety of your garage door is only as strong as the quality of the installation team. The product itself can be made with a range of quality, but it’s the installation team that does the real work.
Contact us at 1-800-409-3667 for any further questions regarding garage door selection and installation. We can answer your questions, provide tips, and more for your satisfaction. We typically respond to a service call in just a few hours. You can also visit our website to send us an online request for a free quote. We encourage you to use our interactive and online Design Centre to create your own garage door. Upload a photo of your home and then change its garage door. See what other clients have come up with as well!
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