Home Outdoor Decorating Need a new Garage Door?

Need a new Garage Door?

by Debbie Correale
Garage Door

If you have an older home, chances are your garage door may need replacing. The builder-grade garage doors installed in the ’90s will show their age. Is it time to replace them? New doors function correctly, and they add beauty to your home’s exterior, and potentially add insulation.

Door materials:

  • Wood
  • Aluminum
  • Fiberglass and Vinyl
  • Steel
  • Glass with an aluminum or wood frame

The type of door you need in your situation will depend on your location and climate. For example, if you live by the ocean, you will need a material that will not rust. If you live in an area with cold winters, you will want a door with insulation.

Understand Insulation

When you read about insulated doors, you will see that many of them have an “R-Value” this is the insulation rating. I found this guideline from Nationserve to be extremely useful:

Insulation ratings are as follows:
R-value 0 to 6 = 1 star (recommended for detached or non-heated garages)
R-value 7 to 9 = 2 stars (recommended for attached garages)
R-value 10 to 13 = 3 stars (recommended for heated garages)
R-value 14 and up = 4 stars (recommended for heated garages and if there is a living space sharing a wall with your garage (or above the garage), or if you spend a lot of time in your garage)

Pick the door that fits the style of your home.

You may like the look of a barn door; however, does it suit the style of your home? If you have a traditional looking house, match the style of the door to your home.

Choose the Color

It is best to coordinate the color of the door with the trim, siding, window, or door color. Also, choose the best quality hardware in your budget that blends with the hardware of your home.

Security

There are several things to think about when considering added garage security. There are many keyless entry systems available on the market and security monitoring systems that you will need to decide which is best for you and your family. Add light to the outside of your garage and install motion sensors. Check that your door, once installed, is sensitive enough to stop when closing in case an animal or child is walking under it.

Resources:

In the end, the choice you make will be a function of your budget and climate. Have fun with this project and improving the exterior of your home’s appearance!

Give me a call at 610-955-8505 or email if you would like to schedule a home re-styling before guests arrive this holiday season!

By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Connect on Facebook Redesignright, Instagram Redesignright, Pinterest, Houzz, LinkedIn. Photo licensed from Shutterstock.

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