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7 Benefits of Smart Garage Door Openers

If you’re a smart home enthusiast, smart garage door openers offer even more automation. New features continue to be added, contributing an even greater level of convenience. A Wi-Fi enabled garage door opener has changed the way you open, close, and interact with your garage door. Here are seven benefits you may not have known about.

1. Improved Security

The garage is a common entry point for burglars, who use an ever-evolving array of techniques to open garage doors. Criminals know people store all kinds of valuables in garages. You can lock your door remotely and even receive alerts on your smartphone when it opens and closes. Some systems have built in smart cameras with feeds you can view remotely, including those with streaming night vision video.

2. Never Forget to Close Your Garage Door

Have you ever left your house and had that nagging feeling you left the garage door open? Like most people, you probably have. Now, you can just check your smartphone to verify your suspicion, and just tap the screen to close the door. A smart garage door opener may even automatically close after a certain period of time. You may also get an alert if it senses the door is open, even if you’re just outside doing yard work.

3. Open Your Garage Door from Anywhere

Your garage door opener may sense when your car is pulling into the driveway. A family member may have arrived home and doesn’t have or lost their key. Rather than risk sharing access codes, you can open the door from anywhere in the world.

4. Set a Schedule

If you leave for work and come home the same time every day, or your child departs and returns from school on a regular schedule, you can set your smart garage door opener when to open and close. Is your neighborhood relatively safe? On the weekend, you can program how long to leave the garage door open while the children play outside.

5. Keep Track of Things at Home

The app with your smart garage door opener keeps a log of all activity. You can see every instance in which your garage was opened or closed, and at what time. There are even apps that provide two-way audio so you can communicate directly with visitors. It’s in your power to let someone in or not.

6. Protect Your Deliveries

Far too many delivery packages end up being stolen. Bad weather can ruin a package as well. Amazon offers a service for LiftMaster garage door openers that enables delivery personnel to enter and safely store your package. The garage door will automatically close again afterward.

7. Great Features

Some smart garage door openers now include additional features such as:

  • Pairing with smoke/carbon monoxide detectors: An alert is sent to your phone if smoke, fire, or dangerous fumes are detected.
  • Laser guidance systems: Activate once you pull your car into the garage to help park perfectly instead of risk hitting any objects or storage units.
  • Temperature monitoring: Smart systems often have sensors to track temperature, which can help determine if your garage door is open and/or it’s too hot or cold for equipment, food, or other temperature-sensitive items.

Smart Garage Door Openers from Garage Door Doctor

At Garage Door Doctor, we install, repair, and service all brands of garage door openers, including smart systems in our Elite Series® and Premium Series from LiftMaster. Several models are available to meet the needs of your home. To learn more, feel free to reach out to us online or call (317) 342-4995.

How to Tell If Your Garage Door Sensor Is Out of Alignment

The garage door safety sensor is the reason your heavy garage door reverses if something is in the way. If it is misaligned, your garage door may not work properly. It might reverse for seemingly no reason or not work at all if the sensor fails. Dirt on the lens is a common issue, but it’s also possible for a sensor emitter or receiver, or both, to go out of alignment.

A garage door sensor, or photo-eye, consists of two devices. One sends a signal and the other receives it on the other side of the garage door opening. This creates an invisible beam that, if broken by anything in its path, triggers the garage door opener to reverse and return the door to its original open position.

What to Look For

If you believe a garage door issue is caused by a misaligned sensor, first check whether an object or stored item is obstructing the light beam between the two units. Perhaps you stored a toolbox nearby or a child’s ball rolled in the way. Remove any potential obstructions. If nothing is in the way, and there doesn’t seem to be damage to the sensors or their wires, then:

  • Find your garage door’s photo-eyes. One sensor is installed on the left-hand side and the other on the right. Both are mounted on the inside of the garage door opening, about six inches off the ground. The actual appearance, shape, and design differs depending on the sensor brand and manufacturer.
  • Determine the status of each sensor by looking at the LED light on its side. Each should have a steady green light. A flashing red light or no light on at all means there may be a misalignment. If the sensors are properly lit and the door still doesn’t work, check the lens for dirt, dust, or debris and clean off any you find with a soft cloth.
  • Measure the height of each sensor unit and use a level to determine if they are aligned. It’s important for both sensors to be at equal heights and facing each other. If not, they may have been installed improperly or the mountings may have been damaged. The best step is to call a garage door repair professional to find and fix the problem.

Can I Fix a Misaligned Garage Door Sensor?

You can adjust a misaligned sensor if there is no damage. First, loosen the screws on the pivot bracket. Then you can move the device up or down and direct one sensor to be in line with the other. Once the sensors are aligned, the LED light will come on.

Test the sensors after the adjustment is complete. To do so, place a cardboard box or other relatively soft object under the door and activate the switch to close it. The system should detect the object and stop the door. However, if a sensor problem persists, the door will close on or even crush the box or object. In this case, you should call a repair professional right away to service your garage door.

Contact Garage Door Doctor for Help

Serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas, Garage Door Doctor can help if your garage door sensors are misaligned, damaged, or not working. Our team of experienced service professionals can address your problem 24/7. We can service all types, makes, and brands of garage doors, openers, and parts. Call (317) 342-4995 today to request same-day service or contact us online to set up a free consultation.

What Makes a Good Garage Door?

Buying a New Garage Door in Indianapolis?

There are a lot of things to consider when you’re hunting for a new garage door for your home or business. Sometimes, it is necessity that drives you — such as your current garage door has given up its ghost, and you need a new garage door right away. Other times, your garage door just isn’t performing up to the standard that you expect, and it’s time to upgrade. In either case, Garage Door Doctor has compiled this checklist of things to consider when you’re in the market for a new garage door. Follow these tips for the best results!

Get a Quote from a Real Live Person

There may be a convenience factor in simply ordering a garage door online, but you may be setting yourself up for a major headache if you go that route. To ensure that you’re getting a garage door that’s right for your property and tics all of the boxes for your needs, it’s best to get a quote from an in-person garage door technician. Did we mention that we offer this service for free? Don’t get misled by vague online descriptions of garage doors — instead, let us guide you and make a recommendation based on our years of experience and our value of excellent customer service.

Choose the Material That’s Right for You

Those fancy wooden garage doors may look spectacular, but are they right for your home? On the other hand, those industrial-strength commercial doors look secure, but are you getting a garage door for a home or a penitentiary? Garage doors can be made from all sorts of materials, and there is one out there that is right for you. You can get steel doors that look like wood, textured or smooth, colored or neutral— the list goes on. The point is that you should consider what amount of maintenance you’re willing to put into your doors, and let that guide your material decision.

Consider Insulation

Do you plan on spending a lot of time in your garage? During the cold winters and warm summers, proper insulation in your garage door could be your best friend. If your desire is to have an area set up in the garage as a studio or shop, or if you’re looking to save money on energy costs, it may behoove you to invest in a more insulated garage door. Depending on the insulation, some garage doors can be over twice as effective as standard models.

You Usually Get What You Pay For

Most garage doors are rated to operate reliably for a few years before they need maintenance. It should go without saying that when you start with a higher-quality product, the components that make everything jive well together will last longer than if you go for a more bargain-based model. Doing as little as opting for a higher quality torsion spring can effectively double the expected lifespan of your garage door! That’s some smart shopping.

Spring for a New Opener With Your Door

As long as you’re upgrading your garage door, you should take the opportunity to make sure your garage door opener is up to snuff. You’d be amazed at some of the things that garage door openers can do today — including smartphone connectivity, added security features, and whisper-quiet operation. As an added bonus, when you get your new garage door and your new opener installed at the same time, you can potentially save a lot on labor costs!

Consider Door Volume

If the overall volume of your garage door is an important factor in deciding which door is right for your home or business, there are some options that you should consider. Noise from your garage door can be significantly dampened by the insulation in the door, as well as the type of rollers that you choose. Nylon rollers tend to be much quieter than traditional metal rollers, for example. When it comes to the garage door opener, models that use belts rather than chains tend to be much quieter. The experts at Garage Door Doctor can recommend models based on their overall volume!

Windows or No Windows?

You’d be surprised at how much natural light that windows can provide to your garage. If you’re planning on having that shop or studio in your garage, windows are certainly something that you should consider. Many windows are also available with a high insulation rating, so you won’t compromise your garage climate.

Always Go for Durability

You never know exactly what life is going to throw at you, much less your garage doors. Some models of doors are made of thinner metal to lower the price point, and while you may save a few bucks, you may end up having to deal with unwanted dents and poorer insulation. Once again, the garage door experts can help you determine what gauge of steel is best for the amount of activity you predict to be around your garage doors!

Trust a Professional to Install Your Door

Sure, you could install your garage door yourself, but unless you’ve had years of experience doing big installation projects like this, you could be looking at a days-long project. Garage doors may look fairly simple, but there are a lot of moving pieces, some of which require special tools and substantial strength to use properly. Tackling this project yourself might seem like a good way to save some money, but the wiser decision is to trust someone like Garage Door Doctor to get the job done right and in a timely manner. Garage doors are what we do!

Contact Garage Door Doctor in Indianapolis

With decades of combined experience, the experts at Garage Door Doctor can recommend, install, and repair any garage door in the Indianapolis area. We hope that this handy checklist has helped you narrow your focus in regards to choosing a garage door for your home. The next step is to contact us, let us come out to your home for a free estimate, and get started on installing your new, perfectly suited garage door! Contact us today! We look forward to working for you.

Advantages of Roller Shutter Garage Doors

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Shutter Doors Could Give You An Edge

So you’re considering getting shutter-style garage doors for your commercial space? If you need some more details to finally help you decide which garage door is right for you, then you’ve come to the right place! Garage Door Doctor in Indianapolis would like to walk you through some of the major benefits that come along with shutter garage doors.

Enhanced Security

When you own and operate a business, the safety and security of that business is your number one priority! Roller shutter garage doors can provide your commercial and retail spaces with optimal security. These garage doors feature lasting durability and are very strong, deterring would-be intruders. The material that these doors are made from can also vary depending upon your budget! They are available in steel or aluminum, and both options provide you with strong security and safety to ensure your business space stays safe.

Improved Functionality & Appearance

Shutter garage doors are ideal for commercial spaces that require a lot of use of their garage doors, and have the frequent need to move large materials or vehicles through them. The sleek look of rolling shutter garage doors also provides your commercial space with a level of professionalism that your customers will appreciate. The design of these shutter doors is also very economical, being naturally very sound-proof, and can reduce noise from inside your outside of your commercial space. That can come in handy when you’re in a noisy part of the city!

Premium Weather Protection

When the weather turns chilly or the summer heat starts to get you down, you want to be able to have at least some control over the temperature in your commercial space. Harsh weather conditions will not affect the operation of these strong doors, and they will keep your commercial space at the temperature that you desire most. These doors have the additional benefit of containing fires to one area, in the unfortunate or unlikely event that a fire occurs.

Super-Gloss Appeal

These roller-shutter doors are available in super-sleek aluminum glossy finishes. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about your garage door looking dingy and industrial— it can be functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time! This is a big selling point for small businesses that use garage doors as their main entrance. A nice doorway, even if it is a garage, can leave a lasting first impression on your customers.

Simple Operation

A great selling point for these rolling shutter-style garage doors are their ease of operation. There are no complicated levers or operating systems— they function very similarly to your garage door at home! The sturdy material of these garage doors also means that they are very unlikely to cause you mechanical problems down the road.

Protect Your Storefront Windows

Some businesses use shutter garage doors to protect the storefront windows of their businesses. Not only does this protect your windows when your commercial space is closed, it is also a great security feature and deterrent from anyone who could be seeking to break into your business.

Let Garage Door Doctor Be Your Garage Door Solution!

If you’re interested in the installation of durable, dependable, sleek and easy-to-use shutter garage doors for your commercial space, contact us today! We can handle installation, maintenance and repair of all garage doors in the Indianapolis area! If you have any further questions about this great option for commercial garage doors, please do not hesitate to contact us! One of our garage door specialists will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. We look forward to working with you and keeping your business safe, secure, and looking fantastic![/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Commercial Garage Doors in Indianapolis

Commercial Garage Door Installation and Repair

When a garage door in your commercial space malfunctions, it can bring your company’s production schedule to a grinding halt. You need garage door installation and repair that lives up to the quality that you would expect from your own business, and you’ll find it with the garage door experts at Garage Door Doctor in Indianapolis! Your business has enough on its plate to have to worry about your garage door going bust. We take pride in only installing the absolute best garage doors in the industry, so you can rest easy knowing you have a quality product installed and an expert team to back it up.

Types of Commercial Garage Doors

Depending on your commercial business needs, Garage Door Doctor can install or repair several different varieties of garage doors. Every business is different, and Garage Door Doctor can help you determine which garage door choice is right for you.

Insulated Sandwich Doors

These simple, sleek doors are designed to look great and keep the climate controlled in your commercial space. When the weather outside is freezing cold, these will help keep your space warm, and when it’s muggy and hot in the summer, you can keep the air conditioning stable inside. Insulated sandwich doors are ideal for warehouses, shipping and receiving docks, and even fire stations.

 

Ribbon Steel Pan & Pan Insulated Doors

These commercial garage doors are designed to hold up under the stress that comes with a high volume of movement. When your garage door needs to open and close several times throughout the day, you should consider a ribbon steel pan garage door. This variety of garage door offers high performance, reliability, and a durability that will keep things moving smoothly for years to come. These doors are great for storage facilities, industrial manufacturing, loading docks, and factories.

Aluminum Commercial Doors

This variety of commercial garage door is the show pony of the bunch. The design of these doors makes them the perfect candidate for restaurants, repair shops, car dealerships, or any other business where a garage door could also function as a window display into your business. These doors are clean and modern, while retaining the durability that you need from a commercial garage door. These doors are also easily customizable, with easy-to-remove panels that allow for quick and easy window installation. These garage doors look so good, they’re even quite common in residential projects!

Our Trusted Brands

Garage Door Doctor doesn’t trust just any brand of garage door. We have high standards for quality, because we believe our customers deserve the best. That’s why we offer doors from C.H.I. Garage Doors and Haas Garage Doors. C.H.I. doors are rugged and built to last, requiring as little maintenance as possible for the lifespan of the door. Haas doors have a reputation for industry-leading energy efficiency, sound transmission, durability, and insulation. Regardless of the environment of your commercial space, Haas doors are incredibly reliable.

Contact Garage Door Doctor Today!

Don’t hesitate to contact the expert garage door technicians at Garage Door Doctor today for your commercial garage door needs! We’ve served the Indianapolis area for several years, and we intend to continue offering quality service, installation, and repair for years to come. Contact us today for an on-site consultation, and let us provide you with a garage door your business can depend on! If you need repairs to your existing door or would like us to install a brand new product, we’ll work with you through the entire process from start to finish. We look forward to hearing from you!

Common DIY Garage Door Installation Pitfalls

More and more people are diving into the DIY craze. Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to get help with DIY projects, especially those around the house. With the resources available, why wouldn’t you save money while simultaneously achieving a sense of accomplishment?
At Garage Door Doctor, we are all for DIY projects to enhance the look and functionality of your home, but here to remind you that not all projects should be tackled on your own — and that includes garage door installation.

Don’t Risk These DIY Garage Door Installation Mistakes

At the beginning of the new year, our garage door contractors shared a post on Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Try DIY Garage Door Installation. Unlike other DIY projects, rather than save you money and bringing a sense of accomplishment, trying DIY garage door installation will likely result in damage expenses and a sense of incompetence and frustration. If you do not have the proper knowledge, experience, and equipment, the mistakes made during your attempt with garage door installation can result in costing you more than having a professional garage door company install your garage door from the get-go.

Regardless, some people have larger egos and think they can accomplish the task at hand, and it’s to those DIY-ragers that we dedicate this blog to. Continue reading, as we look at some of the common garage door installation mistakes that untrained people make when attempting to install their garage door.

Not Considering The Garage Space Beforehand

More likely than not, when homeowners try the DIY route it will be their first time installing a garage door. Many make the rookie mistake of installing their garage door after finishing the interior of their garage, including all the electrical wiring outlets and fixtures. This often leads to installing lights and other fixtures in the wrong area, throwing the whole installation off. The garage door opener needs to be at the exact center of the garage door; if the light is in this spot, the light will have to be moved to ensure a proper installation. The only solution to this problem is changing all the wiring to the light fixtures or installing the garage door opener off-center (which we don’t recommend – see why below).

Improperly Alignment Of The Door And Opener

When fixtures or outlets are placed in the center of their garage ceiling, many homeowners will install their garage door opener slightly off-center believing that it will not affect the functioning of the garage door. This is a big-time mistake as automatic garage door units need to be lined up with the center of the garage door itself. Even the slightest error in alignment of cani result in the twisting of your garage door whenever opening or closing, causing damage to the garage door system itself. Fixing this problem will definitely require the services of a professional garage door contractor, so why not hire one to begin with and avoid these risks?

Using Nails To Install The Tracks

Many do-it-yourselfers will try to keep some cash in their wallet by using nails instead of screws to install the garage door tracks. This is a total waste of time and money. In order to properly install a garage door track, you should use lag screws, not nails. Garage doors simply put too much stress and strain on the track and will easily pull nails out of, surely causing some damage to whatever the tracks and door fall on. When you hire professionals for garage door installation, you won’t have to worry about them using the wrong hardware and increasing the risk of damages.

Not Adjusting The Garage Door Once Installation Is Complete

Another common DIY garage door installation mistake is failing to adjust their garage door after installation. Professional garage door experts will check your garage door system after installation to ensure everything is in working order. If needed, they will make small but critical adjustments to ensure your new garage door system functions properly. If you do not have the proper knowledge or experience of garage door installation, you will not know if adjustments are necessary nor how to properly do them, which will cause your garage door to be less efficient and can lead to expedited wear and tear on system parts and components.

Common DIY Garage Door Installation Pitfalls

Trust Our Experts For Garage Door Installation Service

Don’t be a victim to the damages, expenses, and frustration that comes with trying DIY garage door installation. Instead, let the professionals handle the job. Hiring a professional garage door company to perform the installation services will save you money in the long run and give you the extra peace of mind that your home and family are safe. If you are in need of garage door installation in Indianapolis or the surrounding area, contact Garage Door Doctor for prompt and affordable service.

Preparing For Garage Door Installation Service

Maybe you’ve noticed the signs that indicate you need a garage door replacement or maybe you just want to enhance the look and curb appeal of your home with a new, modern garage door — whatever your reasoning for garage door installation your new door will ready for installation before you know it!

Garage door installation requires a lot of planning. Our technicians need a safe working environment to ensure proper installation and to avoid any setbacks. If we can’t access the garage, objects are in the way, or we have no electrical access, the installation may be delayed.

Preparing For Your Upcoming Garage Door Installation

What can you do to help ensure a smooth professional installation? There are a few simple steps you can take that will make the garage door installation process easier for you and our crew of garage door technicians.

1. Clear Your Garage

The first thing you will want to do to prepare for garage door installation is to clear your garage. In order to properly install a new garage door system, there cannot be any vehicles or obstructions in your garage. It is helpful if you move vehicles out of the garage and to a spot far enough away that still allows us to park our work vehicle near the garage door opening and work around that area without risking any damage to your vehicle.
Additionally, you’ll want to clear any other equipment or objects in your garage that may get in the way. Lawnmowers, sporting equipment, garbage bins, and other items that are near the garage door or the garage door tracks should be moved outside of or to the rear of the garage. As a safety measure, have at least one foot on each side of the garage door track and fourteen feet back into the garage clear. This will ensure there is plenty of room for our technicians to set up a ladder, remove your existing door and opener, and set up and assemble the new door and opener system.

2. Make Sure We Have Access

In order to replace your existing garage door system with a new one, our team will need access to your garage. Therefore, it is important to be present, at least for the beginning of the installation process. Once we have access to your garage, you are free to go about your normal routine, just make sure that you remain reachable in case any questions arise.

3. Keep Your Pets Inside

If you have pets, make sure they have a safe place to stay while the installation is going on. While our garage door contractors enjoy seeing your friendly furry companions, far too often customers let their pets roam free during the installation process. This is dangerous for both your pet and the installation team. It is easy to trip over a pet or drop large objects. Your pet may even find something interesting to chew on that may in fact be dangerous. To avoid these risks, simply make sure you keep your pets inside or in a safe area away from the garage door.

4. Watch Your Kids

Children are often curious about what goes on during a garage door installation, but they need to remain a safe distance away from the garage area. It is not safe for children to be playing or hanging around the garage area during the installation process. Removal of your existing door and the installation of your new garage door includes items under spring tension, heavy items, overhead items, and power tools. This being the case, the only people that should be in the garage or the area of the installation are the trained and experienced garage door contractors.

5. Choose A Spot For Your Wall Console

Typically, wall consoles or keyless entry pads are placed next to the personnel door that enters the garage, on the garage side of the wall. Exterior keyless entry pads are normally installed on the left side exterior jamb of the garage door that is closest to the personnel door into the garage. If you would like a special location for the wall console or keyless entry pad for your garage door system, be sure the garage door contractors are aware of your preferred location

By doing your part to prepare for garage door installation service will make the process go that much more smoothly and efficiently. The garage door contractors on the job will truly appreciate that you took a few moments to follow these simple suggestions.

Request An Estimate For Garage Door Installation

If you are in need of a garage door installation service, you can count on the team at Garage Door Doctor. Our trained and experienced technicians will work promptly and efficiently to replace your existing door and opener system will a new one that will last for years to come. If you would like to receive an estimate, contact us!

Signs You Need To Opt For Garage Door Replacement Service

Your garage door is likely to experience some issues and require professional repair from time to time. Luckily, professional garage door repair services are available to get your door back up and running. However, if you have had to dish out money for frequent garage door repairs over the last couple of years, you may want to just opt for new garage door installation.

The overall cost of a new garage door will seem minimal when compared to the repeated costs of expensive garage door repairs. In this blog, we are going to share some of the obvious signs that it is time to replace your residential garage door with a new one.

Repeated Garage Door Repairs and Persistent Noise

If your current garage door or garage door opener experience frequent breakdowns, it might be time to upgrade to a more modern garage door model. Rather than spending your money on garage door repair service calls, labor, and parts, that money can be put towards a new garage door installation. Another sign that your garage door needs replacement is if it is making more noise that it used to when opening or closing. Many of the leading garage doors today operate almost silently, so you will never have to deal with a noisy door again!

Out-Of-Date Design

Nothing can make your property look unattractive and unappealing quite like an antiquated garage door. And because of their usually large size, unsightly garage doors are hard to miss. Your garage door takes up at least 40 percent of the facade of the house, so a new garage door can have a significant impact on the curb appeal of your home. A new, modernly-designed garage door will not only be more visually appealing than an old garage door, but it will also help increase the value of your property.

Lack Of Safety and Efficiency Features

Compared to modern garage doors, older garage doors, particularly ones that require frequent repairs, do not operate as safely or efficiently. A garage door opener that is faulty or out-dated can be a significant safety threat to you and your family, and will not provide you with the security measures that you need for your garage. Installing a newer, more modern garage door and opener means that you will have a much more attractive residential garage door, as well as access to innovative safety features and energy-efficient insulation. Modern garage doors have newer, more efficient methods of insulation to ensure that air from your home’s heating or cooling system won’t escape, and your energy bills will be lower.

Your Garage Has a New Function

Garages can be used for something other than vehicle storage you know. If you have recently remodeled your garage and it now serves a different purpose other than a space to store your vehicles, it may be worth it to upgrade your garage door. Modern garage doors are available in a variety of styles and designs. If your garage is now a gym, office space, or a game room, you can find a new garage door can reflect that.

Do You Need Garage Door Replacement?

If you are in need of garage door replacement in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, you can rely on the team at Garage Door Doctor! We have a variety of residential garage doors and garage door openers to choose from, and our team of experienced garage door contractors will handle the entire process, from the removal of your old garage door to the installation of your new one! To receive an estimate for our garage door replacement service, contact us today!

Essential Questions To Consider Before Garage Door Installation

Whether you are building a new home or garage and are installing your first garage door or you are having your old and worn garage door replaced, garage door installation requires a lot of thought and consideration.

Before having a new garage door installed, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

Did I Choose The Right Garage Door Installation Company?

Choosing a reputable, trustworthy company to install your garage door is, without a doubt, the most important part of the process. Before hiring a garage door contractor, be sure to do your research and read online reviews to get an idea of what kind of experiences other people have had with some of the local garage door companies in your area.

What Is The Best Garage Door Material For My Home?

There are a variety of garage door materials to choose from, all of them serving different purposes. The most commonly used garage door materials include steel, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. Before choosing a material, first consider factors for each such as affordability and durability — this will make it easier to narrow down the choices and eventually choose the material that is the best fit for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

What Garage Door Style Should I Choose?

Just like materials, there are a variety of garage door styles to choose from, and selecting the right one can make all the difference to not only your garage but your home and it’s curb appeal as well. There are many different garage door styles, some that are designed to enhance your home’s curb appeal, create a focal point, or add the perfect finishing touch. Some of the most popular garage door styles include:

  • Raised Panel – This offers a classy, elegant look, typically featuring a pattern of raised square or rectangular panels. Windows are often added to the door as a simple decorative feature.
  • Recessed Panel – Closely resembling raised panel garage doors, recessed panel doors are classic and strikingly stylish, but instead of the panels being elevated, they are sunken for a contemporary flair.
  • Carriage House Overlay – Highly traditional in its design and beautiful in its appearance, an overlay carriage garage door will add character and warmth to the exterior of your home.
  • Carriage House Stamped – Adding classical charm to the exterior of your home, this style of garage door has the conventional carriage design stamped into the surface of the door.
  • Flush Panel – Flush panel garage doors are sleek and modern, often featuring clean lines and simple designs that create an effortless exterior appearance.
  • Accent Planks –  Elegant and eye-catching, accent plank style garage doors are a true asset to modern and traditional properties thanks to its beautiful wood-tone accenting.

If you want your garage door to have a more classic look, the classic carriage house style or the popular traditional raised-panel style door may be the best options to fit your needs. If you want your garage door to have more personality, you may want to choose a contemporary style or design the entire door to your liking with a custom style.

How Can My Garage Door Be Personalized?

Did you know that most garage door styles and materials can be customized to reflect your personality and match your home’s overall look and feel? When you work with the right garage door installation company, you will have the option to choose from different colors, finishes, and glazing options, or the choice to add windows to enhance the door’s appearance. Additionally, you can choose to embellish it with decorative hardware such as handles and hinges.

What Other Elements Can Be Added?

There are other elements for your garage door that you may want to consider. For example, insulation is one of the most important elements to look for when you are purchasing a new garage door. Many garage doors already come insulated, so it may be worth investing in a door with a higher R-value now so it is something you do not have to worry about in the future. Other elements to consider include the type of garage door opener you choose and any exterior design features to add.

What Warranties Are Available?

Most garage doors that are installed by a professional company will come with a warranty, or at least the option to purchase one. The contractors you work should be able to explain the available warranties, answering any questions you may have.

How Will I Keep My Garage Door Maintained?

Most garage doors follow a similar maintenance plan. Once installed, the garage door installation company should also offer routine maintenance services to make sure that everything is always in working order. Opting for routine garage door maintenance will help extend the life of your garage door while also preventing injuries and damages within your garage. The International Door Association suggests having your garage door system inspected by a professional garage door company at least once a year.

Asking yourself these questions before purchasing a new garage door will help ensure that you choose the right one for your home.

Need A Garage Door Installation Company In Indianapolis?

If you are in need of a new garage door, you can rely on the team at Garage Door Doctor to help you choose the best choice for your home. We have years of experiencing installing garage doors throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. To receive a hassle-free estimate, contact our professional garage door contractors!