Garage doors have evolved from basic barriers to essential home features that enhance aesthetics, increase energy efficiency and provide smart functionality. Choosing the right door for your home depends on factors like climate, budget, maintenance preferences and the desired level of insulation.
Choose an insulated garage door with the appropriate R- or U-rating to minimize heat transfer and save on energy costs. Common insulation materials include polystyrene and polyurethane. For professional help, contact JCTZ Garage Doors.
Wood garage doors are a beautiful choice that can complement any style of home. They’re strong, durable and natural insulators, and they’re also easy to personalize with different finishes, decorative accessories and window options. Wood doors, however, require more regular maintenance than other types of doors.
There are many types of wood garage doors to choose from, including cypress, cedar, mahogany, alder and more. The type of wood used in your garage door will determine its appearance, durability and price. Cedar and cypress, for example, have a natural resistance to decay and are extremely strong. They also withstand high winds and weather conditions. Mahogany is a dense and strong wood with an attractive color that’s easily stained or painted. Alder, on the other hand, has a rustic appearance and pairs well with log cabin-style homes.
Some homeowners prefer a more modern look for their garage door. In these cases, they may opt for a contemporary wood garage door made from a composite of wood. This type of door is less susceptible to moisture, humidity and extreme weather conditions than a traditional wood garage door.
Solid wood garage doors are often crafted from reclaimed wood, which comes from locations where trees have remained in place for years. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of new doors and is a great option for those who want a unique look that’s more environmentally sustainable.
Steel
Steel garage doors are one of the most common choices for homeowners, and with good reason. They’re durable, affordable and easy to maintain. They also offer superior security, deterring intruders and protecting valuable items stored inside the garage.
Unlike wood, steel is not susceptible to rust or oxidation. This makes it a very sturdy material that will stand up well to heavy winds and severe rainstorms. It’s also easy to clean, requiring very little maintenance beyond an annual spray with detergent and water. Steel is also highly energy efficient, regulating garage temperatures and lowering home energy costs.
Like aluminum, steel can be shaped into a wide variety of styles and designs. From traditional raised or recessed panels to modern flush designs, these options allow you to create a custom look that matches your home’s architectural style. Additionally, they can be customized with windows, special hardware and a range of color options.
A steel garage door’s construction is determined by its gauge, which determines how strong and stiff it will be. A higher gauge equates to a stronger and more rigid door, while a lower one is lighter and more flexible. However, a lower gauge is not necessarily less sturdy as it can be layered with cladding and insulation to increase its strength and durability.
A steel garage door can be insulated and have a double skin to make it more aesthetically pleasing and to improve its energy efficiency. It can also be made to resemble traditional carriage house style garage doors that add elegance and curb appeal to your home. These types of doors are often adorned with windows to add a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors can be a beautiful accent to many modern home exteriors, offering a sleek and contemporary look. They can also blend well with a variety of styles, including rustic and cottage. They are highly versatile, affordable and durable compared to other options. A qualified contractor can help you find an aluminum garage door to match your unique aesthetic.
A major advantage of aluminum garage doors is their lightweight construction, which makes them easier to operate manually or with an automatic opener. They are also resistant to corrosion and rusting, which is important for homeowners living in areas with salty or humid climates. Additionally, they are a popular choice for people who want to reduce their environmental footprint by choosing a recyclable material.
They are not as energy-efficient as steel or wood, due to their low R-value, but can be fitted with insulated panels for improved thermal performance. They can also be fitted with windows to add natural light and enhance visual appeal, though this may compromise privacy if you choose tinted or obscure glass.
Before installing a new aluminum garage door, it’s essential to inspect the frame and ensure that it is strong enough for the weight of the door. If necessary, repair or replace rotted or damaged wood in the area before beginning the installation process. It’s also important to organize your tools and materials before starting to make sure that everything is ready to go. Once you’re ready to begin, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the spring system and mounting brackets. Once the springs are connected, attach the lifting cables, making sure to test that they are properly tensioned.
Glass
Glass garage doors are a modern, sleek trend that can elevate any home. The doors’ transparent appearance makes the interior of the garage space feel bright and open, while their durable construction means they withstand the elements and require less maintenance than traditional styles.
The insulated glass panels in these types of garage doors are typically framed by aluminum or another sturdy material, which adds stability and strength. They also come in a variety of tints, opacities and finishes, so homeowners can curate a custom door that meets their aesthetic and privacy needs.
Clear glass garage doors allow natural light to flood the space, which can transform the area into a more functional, usable area that can accommodate a workspace or playroom. However, homeowners who prioritize privacy should opt for frosted or tinted glass. These options still allow plenty of natural light to flow into the space while blocking a clear view of the contents inside the garage.
Textured glass also offers a range of visual appeal, with options like etched, seeded or hammered adding character and design flair. The tempered glass used in these types of garage doors is 4x stronger than ordinary glass and, when it does break, does so into smaller, granular pieces that aren’t as sharp as broken window panes.
In commercial settings, a glass full-view garage door is an ideal option for retail environments and service stations where visual access is key. The insulated glass and low-E coatings in these doors help save energy costs by keeping the space cool in summer and warm during winter, while also reducing UV ray penetration. They’re easy to maintain, with regular cleaning and lubrication keeping moving parts in good condition.
Customization
A custom garage door lets homeowners add unique features that enhance the look of their home. These include different panel designs, window configurations, decorative hardware accents and more. There are also various types of doors that can be customized with smart home integration and advanced security features.
The first step in customizing a garage door is determining the style you want. Traditional garage doors have a series of raised panels and are typically made from wood or steel. They are a good option for homes that have more traditional architecture. Contemporary garage doors are more modern in appearance and can be made from a variety of materials, including steel or aluminum. They are also a good choice for homes with more contemporary architecture.
Once you have settled on a style, the next step is choosing the color and finish of your garage door. The door can be stained or painted, with many options available. Stains are a great way to highlight the natural beauty of the wood, while paint allows for greater design flexibility. It is best to try out a sample before applying it to the entire door to make sure it looks the way you want it to.
Many people choose to add windows to their garage doors, which can elevate the visual appeal and increase the value of the home. In addition to allowing more natural light into the garage, windows can provide added privacy and protection. Depending on the type of window, it can be frosted, insulated or energy efficient. Homeowners can also customize the grid pattern and shape of the windows. They can even choose to have windows in both the top and bottom sections of their garage door.