The Sunday Mail
Choose a material
that works for your climate
IT is easy to think of your garage door as only a functional, utilitarian door that offers shelter and security for your vehicles and storage, but it also needs to work well with your climate. Depending on your geographic location, choose from metal, fibreglass or wood/timber for your home. Metal and fiberglass tend to be more durable and will last over time, although wood is natural and creates a beautiful aesthetic to your outdoor home. Or simply ask your local garage door retailer what material works best to resist corrosion.
Wood garage doors
Whether you are choosing furniture or siding, the natural inherent of wood can be matched by no other material. But, remember, wood is more costly than its metal counterparts but can give you a look that you love. Contact a custom-wood garage-door manufacturer to see design options for your home.
Metal garage doors
Depending on your home’s location, a steel or aluminium garage door could be ideal. For home’s that are prone to high winds, steel is ideal for resistance to damage as well as burglary. For home’s that are older, steel is a good option as it has longevity and can be painted in a variety of colours. Aluminium doors are durable and lightweight and are ideal for homes that do not want to use a higher-powered motorised garage door opener.
Consider fibreglass doors
If you live in a climate that experiences high heat or low colder temperatures, a fibreglass door is ideal. Fibreglass is durable and it also is a great insulator and will keep your heating and cooling bills from skyrocketing during the season temperature changes. Fibreglass is also more resistant to splitting and cracking unlike wood doors.
Choose a style that matches the architecture
After you have chosen a material, it is time to consider what aesthetics you would like your garage to have. Garage doors have come a long way from just being a solid field of colour. Today you can get doors that have lites or windows in them and you can get doors that mimic the architectural details of your main home. From traditional carriage doors for individual doors to double-sided contemporary varieties, there is no limit to your creativity. Many homeowners are seeking out garage door manufacturers that custom build garage doors.
Safety requirements
Just like the exterior doors of your main house, your garage door needs to have the functionality to access your home and belongings, but also the safety requirements to ensure it is safe from harming anyone. Based on the garage-door opener, how the opening devices for the garage door operate will be based primarily on the space in your garage as well as what type of door you choose.
Family safety
While the safety mechanisms such as a motion-controlled sensors for operating the door without accidentally coming down on a person or object is important, another safety tip to consider is to teach family members and children not to play in or around garage doors. Ensure you point out the sensor area of the garage door and talk about being safe. There is also need to stand back when the garage door is being operated.
Maintenance required for upkeep
Like any other mechanical feature, your garage door should be serviced by a garage door professional every few years to ensure the springs, mechanical parts, garage-door opener and integrity of the door is still sound. Look for garage doors that will not require a lot of maintenance. Many homeowners prefer not to use a garage-door opener and to open it manually. The choice is always up to you.
Family lifestyle
Don’t forget one of the most important factors — your lifestyle. If you love the look of the glass front garage doors but have active children that play in the driveway with balls, skateboards and neighbourhood friends, you may need to reconsider one without glazing (glass). Remember, your garage door should reflect your lifestyle just like your home.
Enjoy choosing one that makes your house and you feel great! — freshome
