While it might not seem like it at first blush, your home’s garage door is a very important component. It’s part of the overall exterior design, and is also the single largest piece of moving equipment in your home. Obviously, you want a garage door that is appealing, durable, and that will work without problems for years to come.
Of course, most homeowners know very little about garage doors. That’s not a problem, though. Let’s consider some of the most important facts to know before you make that decision to ensure that you are able to choose correctly.
What Kind of Garage Door Is Right for Me?
Your first choice will be the type of material you want. Typically, there are three different materials used to manufacture garage doors: wood, vinyl and metal. Each of these brings something different to the table.
Metal is the strongest of the options, as well as the most popular. Up to 85% of all garage doors in North America are manufactured from either steel or aluminum. You’ll also find that metal garage doors (steel in particular) cost less than other materials. Metal doors require little in the way of maintenance, and can be found in pretty much any style you might want, from carriage house to classic to ribbed to modern.
Wood garage doors are the oldest style on the market, but they do offer some benefits. The natural beauty of wood is undeniable, and you will also discover many styles available. Wood garage doors can vary greatly in price depending on the style and the type of construction (solid wood, composite, etc.). However, these types of garage doors do require more maintenance.
Finally, there are fiberglass and vinyl garage doors available. Vinyl offers a maintenance-free experience, and resists scratching and other forms of damage. However, the initial cost is a bit more. Fiberglass garage doors are the most expensive out there, but they can mimic the look and feel of wood without the maintenance requirements.
What Garage Door Company?
Once you’ve decided on the type of material for your garage door, you’ll need to choose a company. The problem here is that while there are many reputable garage door companies, there are some less than ideal options out there, as well. Look for a few qualities in a company before making a choice. The company should:
- Provide you with written proof of warranties on material and labor
- Be insured
- Have a reputation for professional, courteous service
- Offer references from past clients
- Insist that technicians wear uniforms and supply them with clean, well-maintained service trucks
Of course, you cannot neglect the amount of training the company provides to their technicians. Make sure that all technicians are not only trained, but certified. A significant number of garage door accidents occur with improperly installed garage doors that could have been avoided if the installation technician had been trained.
When Is the Right Time to Buy?
You should replace your garage door if you notice damage, or if it is not working properly. An improperly functioning garage door can be more than an annoyance – it can be a safety hazard. Rather than becoming yet another statistic, replace your garage door early.
You may also decide to replace your garage door if you’re upgrading the exterior of your home and want to ensure that the garage matches the aesthetic of the rest of your home. Even if you’re not preparing to upgrade your home’s siding, if your garage door is dented, damaged or seriously discolored, it may be time to replace it.
Finally, many people find that they need to replace their garage door when the maintenance on their old door simply becomes too costly and time consuming.
Where Do I Buy a Garage Door?
You’ll find a surprising number of companies that can sell you a garage door. There are big-box DIY stores that can offer them, as well as many others. However, we highly recommend that you work with garage door specialists to ensure that installation is handled correctly, and that you have access to the right options for your needs.
A reputable company will be able to offer you a professional showroom, or even send an experienced sales expert to your home to take a look at the home and the installation area. We also recommend that you only work with a garage door company that employs its own technicians, and does not outsource installation.
What about the Warranty?
Warranty protection is an important consideration. You’ll find that most garage doors on the market offer some sort of warranty, but they’re not all created equal. Look for a garage door that offers full coverage of all the components, including the insulation, windows, the opener and more. You should also make sure that the warranty is written out and not provided orally, or you have no proof of protection if a problem should occur.
When Everything Is Said and Done
When it comes down to it, remember just one thing: the performance and durability of a garage door depends not just on the door itself, but on the quality of the installation.
contact us at 613-547-4566 to learn more about garage door options or professional installation. All of our work is guaranteed, and your satisfaction is our overriding goal. We also offer prompt responses to calls for service, and you can get a quote online at no cost.
If you decide to upgrade or change your garage door, use our online Design Centre to get the perfect solution for your needs. Just upload a photo of your home, and then customize the garage door
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