Avondale Garage Doors is a key element of your home’s curb appeal and an important security feature, so choosing the right style and material is essential.
Whether you want a natural wood look or a bold hue, here are some factors to consider before buying a new garage door.
Insulation is an important component of garage doors because it helps keep your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you money on energy bills. In addition, a properly insulated garage door prevents unwanted noise and airflow from entering your home.
There are several different types of insulation available for garage doors, including fiberglass batts, foam board and polyurethane. Most do-it-yourself (DIY) insulation kits are made from fiberglass and include pre-cut panels with a vinyl facing that is easy to install. While these kits are generally inexpensive and do a good job of insulating your garage door, they may not provide as high of an R-value as other types of insulation.
If you are looking to add insulation to an existing garage door, we recommend hiring a professional for the installation. It is critical that the measurements are accurate to ensure that your garage door will operate correctly and safely. DIY insulation can add additional weight that may exceed the capacity of the garage door springs and opener, resulting in damage and safety hazards. Incorrectly installed insulation can also cause gaps and a reduction in the R-value of the door.
Before installing your new insulation, wash each garage door panel with household cleaning spray and rags to remove dirt and dust that may hinder the adhesive properties of the adhesive used in the kit. Once the garage door is clean, prepare the area where you plan to apply the insulation by applying a waterproof adhesive to the surface of the panel.
Once the adhesive is applied, place the fiberglass batting over the adhesive, centering it over the entire panel. Press firmly to adhere, then use a utility knife to cut the batting to size. If you are using a kit with fiberglass, follow the directions in the instructions to attach the retaining clips that hold the insulation in place.
Premium-constructed garage doors feature inner and outer layers of steel, engineered wood or fiberglass sandwiched around a layer of polystyrene or polyurethane foam for rigidity and superior R-values. The polyurethane insulation is injected between the layers during manufacture, and it expands to fill the crevices for added durability and a complete bond with the steel garage door frame.
Durability
A garage door needs to be able to stand up to the elements and regular use. The lifespan of a garage door can depend on a number of factors, including the quality of materials and maintenance practices. Most steel garage doors can last for 15 to 30 years, while a wood door with regular repainting or staining may endure for up to a lifetime.
Durability is especially important for those looking to create a modern, sleek aesthetic for their home. Aluminum and fiberglass garage doors are durable options that do not require a lot of maintenance, and are highly resistant to rusting. However, these types of garage doors do not withstand harsh weather conditions as well as wood or steel.
Garador offers a range of steel and timber Up & Over doors that offer varying levels of durability. The design of the door can also make a difference to how durable it is. The ribbed steel models are a more affordable option, while the Design Range offers a contemporary look that is more durable than traditional timber.
While most garage doors have a long lifespan, frequent opening and closing cycles can shorten their life span. Keeping the springs, tracks and components lubricated is important to avoid premature wear and tear, as is using your garage door sparingly or keeping it closed when it isn’t in use.
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your garage door, consider opting for a model with high-insulation levels. For example, Clopay’s Intellicore insulation technology helps reduce heating and cooling costs.
Wood garage doors are a beautiful choice for those who want to achieve a rustic or traditional look for their home, but they require more maintenance than other materials. Wood is susceptible to moisture and requires regular repainting or staining to protect it from the elements. Despite this, wooden garage doors are an investment that can add significant value to your property.
Security
A garage door is often the first thing a thief sees, so it needs to provide reliable protection from forced entry attempts. This includes resistance to bending, tampering and lock-picking, and integration with home security systems. A solid steel or aluminum construction is ideal for this purpose, and reinforcement bars and upgraded locks can add extra strength to the door frame.
Roller shutter garage doors are another option that offers superior security credentials. These doors roll up vertically and consist of horizontal slats that coil around a drum, giving them a strong deterrent effect against intruders. They also tend to have better automation and security features than older up and over doors, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize safety and security.
If you prefer a more traditional design, you can choose from a variety of side-hinged options that swing open on a single point like French doors. These doors are particularly popular among security-minded homeowners because they combine classic style with impressive resistance to force, thanks to their double-skinned design that eliminates leverage points.
It’s important to keep in mind that a garage is often used as a catch-all for items that aren’t secure elsewhere in the home, and some people even leave their garage door remote opener in their parked vehicles. This is an incredibly risky move that can lead to a break-in, especially if the opener is an older model with visible weaknesses and weak locking mechanisms. A keychain remote opener is a safer alternative that lets you take the remote with you if you are leaving your vehicle for any reason.
Beefing up your garage door doesn’t stop with a strong build and upgraded locks. There are other measures you can take, such as installing motion-detecting lights to light up your property when a burglar approaches. This will make the criminal uncomfortable and give him or her a good idea of your family’s whereabouts, which may deter them from breaking in. It’s also a good idea to cover windows so that crooks can’t peer in and admire your tools, toys and other valuables.
Style
If you want to transform your garage into an inviting space for people to gather and relax, your garage door is the key element. Using a wide range of textures and colors, garage doors can add depth and charm to any home. The design you choose also plays a significant role in the overall look of your property. It’s important to consider your climate, maintenance preferences, and energy efficiency needs when choosing a garage door style.
For homeowners looking for a classic appearance, a traditional panel garage door is a great choice. This style features horizontal panels that create clean lines to complement any architectural home style. If you prefer a more rustic aesthetic, you can choose a carriage-style garage door. This style takes inspiration from the old-fashioned carriage house doors of the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and heritage.
A more contemporary option is a glass garage door. These doors offer an open, airy appearance and allow natural light to enter the garage space. The door can be fitted with transparent, frosted or translucent windows to suit your personal taste and complement the look of your home’s architecture.
Increasing the amount of daylight in your home is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it can also improve mood and cognitive function. By incorporating window designs that maximize natural light exposure, you can create an inviting environment while reducing energy consumption and improving sustainability.
Many garage doors can be upgraded with unique window designs that integrate well with the architectural style of your home. For example, a custom wood overlay with modern hardware accents can add a touch of luxury to any home. Or, a contemporary door can be fitted with full-view windows that let in plenty of sunlight and showcase surrounding views.
Another way to enhance your home’s visual appeal is by adding a decorative garage door handle. By choosing a color that matches or contrasts with the door’s architectural elements, you can create an attractive, cohesive look. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, it’s usually a safer choice to select neutral or universally appealing colors that will appeal to a wider audience of potential buyers.
