A well-chosen garage door can do wonders for a home’s curb appeal, resale value and safety. Let’s take a look at the six most common types of garage doors, each with its own advantages. We’ll also cover why choosing the right garage door matters and how to choose the right one for your Bloomington, IN, home.
Why Does Picking the Right Garage Door Matter?
There are a number of reasons why it’s important to choose the correct garage door for your house. In addition to affecting the property’s curb appeal and value, it also makes the inside more pleasant. With the correct door, you can improve the home’s insulation and temperature control while also increasing energy efficiency. The door’s security features are also important since they protect your house and family from intruders and harsh weather. If you take time to pick the right door, you’ll end up saving money in the long run. A quality door means fewer garage door repairs and less maintenance.
Raised Panel
Traditional raised-panel garage doors have rectangular panels set at an angle from the door frame. These doors, made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel or fiberglass, provide an elegant and classic look. As an added bonus, they complement both classic and contemporary house designs with ease. Elevated panels also improve aesthetics by adding depth and visual attraction to the façade. A few of their advantages include being adaptable, long-lasting and insulating. If you’re looking for a traditional style for your house, raised-panel garage doors are a great option.
Recessed Panel
With their delicately arranged panels, recessed panel garage doors have an air of understated elegance. Crafted from materials such as wood or steel, these doors emphasize sleek design and an upscale appearance. Their adaptability to different architectural types and simplicity make them a great choice for boosting curb appeal. For a more subdued look that works with modern, sophisticated houses, recessed panel garage doors are a great option.
Flush Panel
Because they don’t have any raised or recessed panels, flush-panel garage doors perfectly reflect contemporary minimalism. Made of materials such as steel or aluminum, these doors contribute to a contemporary, streamlined appearance. Flush panel doors are simple and versatile, making them perfect for houses with an industrial style. Among their many advantages are their low care requirements, contemporary architectural compatibility and minimalist appearance.
Carriage House Overlay
Overlapping conventional carriage doors with carriage house doors gives a garage a timeless look and feel. These doors are usually made of steel or wood and include ornamental hardware and overlays. For houses that want to exude an old-world charm, they work well. Carriage house overlay doors are a great addition to any property because of their stylish appearance and practicality.
Carriage House Stamped
Stamped carriage house garage doors are an affordable way to acquire the traditional look of carriage doors. These doors, made of steel and decorated with stamped designs, look like carriage doors but are much lighter and cheaper. They work well with both contemporary and classic house designs. A few advantages include affordability and achieving the classic carriage house look without sacrificing durability. This is because they are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Accent Planks
Garage doors with accent planks provide a unique design with textured and character-enhancing horizontal or vertical planks. These doors provide an old-world charm with their natural wood or wood composite construction. The textured surfaces of the doors are a good choice for houses that are looking for a distinctive focal point. Their usefulness lies in the fact that they provide a personal touch, pique the eye and help make the outside seem more welcoming.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door
The garage door you choose has a major impact on the aesthetics, energy efficiency and safety of your property. With so many options in terms of design and material, it’s important to consider a few factors when making a choice.
Material
Steel is strong and inexpensive. Wood is warm but might take more work to maintain. Aluminum is light and resistant to corrosion. Fiberglass is low-maintenance but may not last as long. Steel doors are easiest to remove dents from. To make an educated choice, consider your lifestyle, environment and intended aesthetic when choosing a material. Your region can also affect your choice of material. A metal door is a better place if you live in an area prone to wildfire. If you live in an area near the ocean, aluminum that is not coated properly can pit.
Insulation
Think about the R-value, which is a measure of thermal resistance, when selecting a garage door. Insulation is better when the R-value is greater. Think about how often you park in the garage, how hot it gets outside and if it’s linked to the house; in the former case, you need a door with a higher R-value. Insulated doors not only make the garage more pleasant, but they also help with energy efficiency. To further reduce drafts and maximize insulation efficacy, search for features like weatherstripping and appropriate seals.
Style and Design
Consider your home’s architecture, your own aesthetic tastes and the door’s impact on the curb appeal when making your selection. Think of several designs, such as accent planks, carriage house stamped panels, flat panels, raised panels and recessed panels. Bring the door’s style in line with your home’s architectural style for a perfect fit that will boost your home’s curb appeal. Also, make sure the design fits in with the external aesthetics while still satisfying your own style.
Budget
To include a budget when choosing a garage door, add up all the costs, including the door itself and the installation. Think about your financial situation and the characteristics you want. Then, set a reasonable budget. Strive for a happy medium between short-term cost and long-term worth. To do this, you’ll need to investigate a variety of materials and styles within your financial constraints. Keep in mind that there may be recurring expenses for things like repairs and upkeep.
Security Features
Robust locking mechanisms, clever technological integration and long-lasting materials are important security characteristics to look for in a garage door. Try to choose doors that have strong panels, modern locking mechanisms and safe entry points. To make it more difficult for intruders to enter your door, consider using rolling code technology for openers. Also, think about getting a smart garage door opener that you can control from afar. Prioritizing these features adds to the safety and comfort of your home.
Climate Compatibility
Think about the insulation, weather resistance and material durability of the garage door with the local climate. To maximize energy efficiency, insulated doors with high R-values are perfect for homes in Indiana. This is because the state tends to experience fluctuating temperatures and precipitation. Doors made of steel or fiberglass are long-lasting, and they can withstand water with the right weather sealing.
Garage Door Doctor does so much more than help homeowners with garage door installations. We also specialize in garage door maintenance, repairs and even emergency services. Give us a call now to learn more about choosing the right garage door for your home.