How to Choose a Garage Door That Compliments Your Home and Style
Your garage door is an extension of your home. The garage is one of the areas that stands out the most when someone stops by for a visit. Does your house look the same as others in the neighborhood? Are you considering replacing your door or upgrading the look of your property since curb appeal and home value go hand in hand? We have a few tips that can help you determine what style of door will go best with your home. We can also assist you with a new design.
Size is the first consideration when looking at replacement entrances
This step is the easiest part of the process. You need three specific measurements to help you find a replacement garage door. For the height, you want to find the tallest spot in the opening and measure from there to the bottom, and do the same from side to side to get the width. For the thickness, you want to measure from the edge of the inside of the opening to the opposite edge. You can use these measurements to help you find stock options for your new door.
What materials or construction should you choose for a new garage door?
Next, you will want to think about the construction of your door. Do you prefer a metal option to reduce heat buildup because you live in a humid climate? Are safety, warmth, and energy-efficiency a concern? Single-ply doors are the most affordable options. Dual-ply doors have an outer skin with an insulating layer of polyurethane or other materials on the inside. Triple layer doors are the best ones when you need a soundproof door or the most durable option for your home.
Garage door materials
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Composite
- Fiberglass
- Vinyl
The style options are diverse
Whether you want to transform your garage door with a traditional carriage style or you want something more sleek and modern, there is an abundant variety of doors for you to imagine owning. Glass inserts are something that you might think about to break up a large door and provide interest. For privacy, you can opt for tinted windows. You want a design that flatters the house and your property. Do you want to accentuate the door with a crisscross theme, a flat design, long raised panels, or something else? Choose textures and panel lengths that add dimension to provide more character.
Garage door styles
- Textured
- Flat panel
- Arched trim
- Glass strip
- Glass front
- Custom
- Industrial
- Carriage
- Arched windows
Function defines the energy efficiency rating you need
The R-value is the rating given to the insulation in your door. How well will it block out hot and cold? If you are using the garage for living quarters, then you want something sound-proof with a high R-value of at least three. For extremely cold areas, you can go with products up to ten on the scale if you wish. Bob Vila says if you live in these climates, then you want the highest R-rating for metal doors to prevent condensation. Dual and triple pane glass panels provide natural light and keep the energy rating high in more temperate climates.
Accessorizing your new door
Hardware changes the look of your garage door and property dramatically. For instance, any door with brass or wrought iron hinges and handles is going to grab the attention of everyone that passes. You can paint the garage trim the same color of your gutters to create a seamless style. You might paint the shutters on the house to match the trim around the windows on your garage door. To reduce humidity levels in the garage, you can purchase a variety of bottom seals and weather stripping for your entrance. Some seals go between the panels where others run along the sides of the door. Bottom gaskets prevent water from running in the garage keeping playrooms and extra bedrooms dry. There are a variety of door openers that you can consider for your home as well.
How to find a product that suits your needs
At Commonwealth Garage Doors, we use Amarr Doors for replacements, and our technicians have the experience, tools, and skills to repair any model or manufacturer design of garage doors including custom builds.
We can help you create a custom garage door design for your property at Commonwealth Garage Doors. If you have questions, or you want to schedule a time that we can provide you with a free estimate, please give one of our friendly staff members a call at 804-920-9677.
