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’s 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:
- Find a Garage Door Installer
- DIY Network – How to install a garage door.
- Family Handyman – How to install a garage door.
- This Old House – Instructional Video
- Overhead Door – Garage door visualizer, pick the style, color, and view.
- Bottom Line Inc – How to Choose the Right Door for You.
- Houzz – Garage door inspirational photos.
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.