Garage doors are essential household accessories that are beneficial in many ways. First, they protect household supplies and belongings such as cars that people often store in garages. They also improve the architecture of homes, improve their functionality, and if installed well, insulate garage spaces well, especially during cold winter months. Even though the benefits of having them cannot be understated, buying the right one can be an arduous task. Many people choose the cheapest. Others opt for style. For best results, however, here are four essential tips on how to buy garage doors:
Tip 1: Design
When you are on the market for a replacement garage door, you can choose between two designs (tilt up and roll up doors) each with its pros and cons. Tilt up doors are large Victorian-style doors that are common in traditional style homes. They are large, made of a single panel of material, and have smooth parallel sides that slide into the roof of the garage when opened. Although many types of tilt up doors are attainable in the market, canopy and retractable tilt up models are the commonest.
Although traditional, the benefits of installing tilt up doors cannot be understated. First, they are cost effective. They are also easy to install, flexible, and if installed well, are relatively fool proof compared to other types of doors. Unfortunately, they work best on large garages. They are also harder to maintain, heavy, and do not work well with automated garage door openers. If you are on the market to buy garage doors, choose a roll up one if you want a light and functional one that is easy to install. They are space efficient and use automated remote controlled garage door openers well. Their major limitation is cost. They are also less secure.
Tip 2: Material
Once you have settled on the type of door that works best for your garage, the next thing you should look at is its material. Do you want a wooden garage door, a metallic one, fibreglass, or a multilayer one made of a composite of two or materials? Wooden doors are attractive. They are also light, cheaper, and readily available in array of styles and design that can complement the architecture of your home well. Unfortunately, they are not durable. Exposure to environmental elements such as sunshine and rains often lowers their longevity significantly. Metallic and multilayer/ composite doors are durable. They are also secure and easy to maintain. Unfortunately, you have to dig deeper in your pocket to a good model. Research and choose a model that works best.
Tip 3: Safety
Doors of garages are a leading cause of injuries in homes, especially those with children and the elderly. Destruction to property is also common when these doors fail. To avoid the foregoing and other preventable problems, make sure the garage door you are contemplating buying is as safe as possible. Fabrication (if steel or composite), for instance, should done to international standards. Its overhead spring(s) should be durable and able to support colossal weight. Its torsion springs should also be durable and its drive/ opener fitted with sensors and an auto reverse function that prevent accidents and serious injuries.
Tip 4: Size
One of the worst mistakes people make when buying doors for garages is choosing those that are significantly smaller or larger than their garages. Avoid this mistake at all costs, when looking to buy garage doors. For best results, take detailed measurements of your garage (width and height) and use them as a guide when buying offline or online.