If your garage door is bent, sagging, rotting or just generally an ill-functioning eyesore, it’s probably time to start shopping for a replacement.

Actually, it may be past time, but you’re not alone if you view it as such a daunting task that you want to put it off until it’s absolutely necessary!

Don’t buy a garage door until you download our free Guide to Buying a Garage Door.

Having some knowledge of your options can help you to confidently make a choice that is perfectly suited to your home.

What’s your style?

Your garage door should not only complement your home’s exterior but also show off your personal style.

There’s no shortage of designs to choose from.

Some of your options include:

  • Panels that are raised or recessed, short or long.
  • Windows of different shape and configuration.
  • Decorative hardware.
  • Colors, including customized to match the shutters or another aspect of your home’s exterior.

Take your time and decide on the look you want.

Remember, a garage door is a purchase that you won’t make often! Be sure you’re getting exactly the look that will make you happy for years to come.

To insulate or not to insulate?

As people become more energy conscious, the number of garage doors sold without insulation is in decline.

Garage doors with insulation have a big impact on the energy efficiency of your home. You’ll want all the help you can get keeping your home cool during those sweltering hot months, as well as keeping things toasty when the temperature does drop.

This is even more important if your garage is situated under a living space in your house.

Another reason for the drop in sales of non-insulated garage doors is that garages are being used for multiple purposes such as workshops, a place for social gatherings or even man caves.

Insulation serves more than one purpose.

The size of a garage door makes it susceptible to wind damage. Insulation helps to strengthen the door and lessens the likelihood of harm.

An insulated garage door is also a great buffer for outside noise.  

Safety first

Any large, moving mechanical item in your home will have the risk of injury.

A garage door is no different.

Fortunately, safety features have improved over time, an important one being pinch-resistant doors. The unique design pushes fingers out of the way if they come too close to a door as it’s closing.

Tamper-resistant bottom brackets are another safety feature that newer doors have. They prevent injury from occurring due to the constant tension that the garage door experiences.

Selecting garage door materials

Choosing the material that your garage door is made of should go far beyond achieving a certain look.

The durability will determine how long the door will last and how well it stands up to wind or other environmental elements.

There are a variety of materials to choose from, each with their own unique qualities.

Here are some of the options to consider:

  • Steel. Steel doors are durable and only occasionally need to be cleaned or touched-up.
  • Wood composite. This choice will give you the look of wood without the maintenance, warping, or swelling.  
  • Wood. Wood is beautiful and adds major curb appeal to your home, though it will need to be painted or stained every couple years.

Window on the world

Many people don’t even consider windows for their garage door, but they should!

Not only do they allow in natural light, but they can also add a lot to the look of the door.

To see the difference, try the Garage Door Builder. 

Breaking down the options you have into smaller chunks can help you tackle the big decision of choosing the right garage door for your home! Take style, insulation, safety, garage door material and windows into consideration when building your door.
What do you think the hardest style decision is? What’s a look you love?