Most people do not acknowledge the existence of a garage door unless it breaks down. However, with some maintenance, a garage door will last for several decades, so it makes sense to spend a little time and effort buying the best one you can afford. A few tips on choosing a garage door you will be proud to have:
Get the Quote after an In-Person Inspection
You may think it convenient to buy a garage door online or place an order over the phone, but there are quite a few details and measurements that make every garage unique and easy to get wrong unless an experienced person checks the garage out. Moreover, a personal inspection and measurement will safeguard you if the garage door does not fit properly.
Invest in Stronger Springs
Springs help the garage door go up easily and come down smoothly and slowly. Usually located above the door, the typical torsion spring rating is 10,000 cycles. It may seem a lot, but average use means a life of around five years. An extra investment of just $50 will get you springs rated for double the cycles and give you peace of mind for many more years.
Get a New Door Opener
When buying a new garage door, you should consider getting a new door opener because you can save significantly on the installation charges. A new door opener will be quieter and packed with more features. Look for an opener with a belt drive for smoother movement and less noise. A door with nylon rollers and polyurethane insulation can be significantly quieter. The insulation dampens the steel door vibrations, while nylon rollers make less noise than steel equivalents.
Focus On Insulation to Save Energy
If you live in a cold place, it can be worthwhile to buy an insulated door to keep the garage warm and save on the energy needed to replace the heat escaping from your home. A garage door from any of the leading providers of overhead doors with polyurethane insulation in place of the conventional extruded polystyrene can cost up to 20% extra, but it is worth the investment to double the insulating value from R-9 to R-18.
Chose the Material Wisely
According to Forbes, a wooden garage door has superior looks, but it takes a lot of effort and money to maintain it. The natural finish lasts only a few years, and then you need to recoat the door to restore its good looks. To prevent the hassle, you can opt for an embossed steel door with a wood grain finish that looks as good as a real wood door but lasts longer. A door with fiberglass skin looks better and lasts longer but is more costly. If you are buying an uninsulated garage door, it is better to choose 24-gauge steel to prevent the door from being easily dented.
Conclusion
A garage door may look simple, but you should consider several factors when buying one. It is better to buy one from a reputed supplier that installs it after a personal inspection to get the choice right.
Also Read: How to Secure Your Garage
