A garage door is one of the ways people exit and enter their house. Therefore, it is one of the key parts of your home, which needs to be splendid. A good garage door adds to the beauty of your home, ensures additional security, and can withstand bad weather conditions. Therefore, having a functional and reliable garage gate is necessary.
Installing a new garage door can prove to be a big opportunity for an upgrade. You can also consult professionals for recommendations.
There are certain factors that you need to keep in mind before upgrading your garage door.
Things to Keep in Mind before Upgrading a Garage Door
1. You can’t do Garage Door Installation Yourself
You might want to prove useful or save additional installation costs by installing the garage door yourself. But doing it yourself requires dedication, necessary skills, and resources to mount the garage door yourself. Not only will it take more time for you but it will also cost you extra.
Always go for professionals since they almost do garage installation every day and have a firm grip on their skills. Moreover, they also take all the safety precautions before proceeding. Doing It yourself may put you at risk of injury since the task requires heavy labor.
2. Choose a Garage Door Style
Before you go far upgrade, you should have the perfect picture of how you want your garage door to look. Determining a door style beforehand will make the buying process seamless. There will be plenty of options available in terms of styles in the market. Some will have traditional designs with wooden panels, while others may have the same style with glass panels.
Explore your options carefully before going ahead with the purchase.
3. Choose a Material
There will be a few options for materials in the market which will include Wood, Steel, and Aluminum. You may go ahead with aluminum if you face humidity problems around your house. The material can resist rust and avoid corrosion.
Another option for you is steel, one of the most common materials in garage doors. Steels offer plenty of designs and customization for customers. The material is also budget-friendly compared to aluminum.
The last option is wood. This material may look elegant and fresh but often requires maintenance after a few years. But if you don’t mind refinishing and want something that looks good, wood is the best choice.
4. Upgrade your Insulation
Consider upgrading your insulation with your garage door since it could be old and outdated. Having proper insulation will stabilize the temperature in the garage and maintain a decent atmosphere. It is worth spending additional money on insulation since it can also reduce energy costs.
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5. Invest in Quality Springs
Springs are key elements of a garage door since they are responsible for the door’s movement. Most garage doors use torsion springs above the garage door. The standard Torsion spring may last up to 10,000 cycles, which will last six to ten years.
It is better to invest in a spring that will offer you 20,000 cycles since it will save you from any spring-related accidents and future maintenance costs.
6. Consider Whether You Want Windows or Not
Many garage doors include windows on the top row of the panel. Consider the overall look of your home before making a decision. A glass window will look stunning and appealing if it reflects your house. Moreover, you will have access to natural sunlight, which can be great for some users.
But if we look at the downside, the windows may need regular cleaning to look good. Moreover, some garage windows have only one sheet of glass, which can prove weak. These types of windows often require monthly cleaning to look good.
7. Consider Latest Technology
You can also find technologically advanced garage doors as well. The latest garage doors often have the option to use your mobile phone to control the garage door, and that too from anywhere! This technology can help you when you forget to lock your garage door, and now you can do it with only a few clicks. Tech-based garage doors can significantly boost your security and improve your overall experience.
8. Check out Prices
One of the most important factors for upgrading your garage gate will be your budget. It could be a deciding factor for you to determine which door to buy. Keep in mind that a good garage door will be a long-term investment, which requires avid research.
Compromising the door’s quality just for the sake of saving money can hinder your investment and ultimately cost you more in the long run. Try to get multiple quotes from different vendors and ensure that you get the best price for your desired garage door. Choose the one which is pleasing, reliable, and sturdy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are too many aspects to consider when getting a garage door. Make sure not to get overwhelmed by these tips and make a calculated decision. On many occasions, people end up buying a low-quality door that not only looks dull but lasts for a few years only.
Going for the wrong option may put your life at risk since they may come loose due to the weakening of the springs. It is also easier for thieves to break in and steal your valuables.
Another common mistake people make is not measuring their door properly. Not only do you have to measure the size but also the length and breadth of the door for best results. This can result in huge problems and a possible loss of investment.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned above, there are numerous factors that you need to take into account before upgrading your garage door. Try not to get overwhelmed by the options and make a calculated decision based on your needs.
If you need to consult a professional to make the best decision, please contact us!
Contact the Garage Door Experts at Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay™ for your Garage Door and Loading Dock Equipment needs.