After years of use and wear-and-tear, you find yourself in the predicament where it’s now time to replace your garage door. Replacing a garage door can be a tough decision, especially when there are so many options in the market. It is easy to get caught up in the host of choices there are available — from the type of material, the type of door, to the finish, the different types of locks etc. This is one of those household replacements you don’t make often, hence you want to be confident you’re making the right decision.
Purpose
Purpose plays a key role in garage door decision-making. It will determine the type and material of garage door needed. If you choose to use it as a workspace, it is important to insulate your garage door. Not only would it keep the garage warmer, it would make it energy efficient as well.
If the garage is a space to park cars, you may opt to look at B&D garage doors as they come in a number of different types and with an extensive range of garage door accessories; from automation options to smart phone apps. It is up to you to adapt your current or new garage door to make controlling your garage door that much easier – a feature that enhances security and would prove useful, especially in the colder months.
Material
It is essential to weigh up the pros and cons of each type of material you’re choosing. Considerations such as the natural conditions of your environment, the durability of the material, maintenance as well as aesthetics are some that need to be looked into. Steel is a common choice because it is durable, long-lasting and has a wide range in terms of customization for looks. Aluminium is best suited if you live in coastal areas because aluminium, unlike steel, would not rust when it comes into contact with salt. However, because aluminium is a lighter material, it is not recommended for areas with strong wind.
Timber is considered the most aesthetically pleasing material out of all the options. It gives the garage door an all-natural appearance. Whilst it may require higher maintenance, it is solid and eco-friendly. Timber garage doors suit all types of homes and can be accessorised, as well as operated manually or by motor.
Aesthetic
A garage door may be the part of your home a visitor will first see when they visit you. Hence, it is important to choose the right aesthetics to complement your house. You don’t want to pick a contemporary door made of steel or aluminium (or even glass!) if your home is colonial style. And vice versa, a timber style door would be out of place if your home is state-of-the-art contemporary.
Adding windows may also add to the overall street-appeal whilst providing more natural light which will enhance visibility during the day.
When choosing a colour, aim for something that would match your front door to improve and elevate the overall look and feel of your property. It is worth consulting an expert to ensure that the design of your garage door is cohesive.
Safety & Security
Safety is a primary concern when buying a garage door. It is important to consider the people who live at the property and the purpose of the garage. By having a secure garage door, you’re keeping the valuables in your garage safe and reducing the chance of any break-ins.
There are accessories and locking systems available, such as double bar locking and pick resistant locks. For extra security and convenience, the B&D Auto-Lock is an excellent option to consider. This particular lock sends a heavy duty bolt through the guard rail every time the garage door closes. This prevents intruders from forcing the garage door up to gain access to the garage. Auto-Lock can be installed on existing garage doors but must be coupled with a compatible B&D Automatic Opener.
Also, for better durability, look for steel door stops instead of plastic. If you’re living in a place where bush fire is a concern during summer, opt for Emb-A-Seals as it is a great investment to help prevent the entry of embers which may catch alight once inside.
Space
Space determines the type of garage door you can install. With the exact measurements of your current space, you will be able to determine the width and height of your garage door before installation.
A garage door that slides upwards to the ceiling would be ideal for limited headspace. Headspace or headroom refers to the space between the door opening and ceiling. If this describes your situation, Flex-A-Door which rolls upwards against the ceiling instead of outwards, would be something you could consider.
If you’re looking to replace your garage door, don’t hesitate to approach a professional garage door specialist for help. They will be able to properly advise you on the costs, options, installation and maintenance of your garage doors.