Thinking about a garage door retrofit but don’t know where to start?
We get it. Your garage door is often one of the first things people notice about your home. It’s also your primary line of defence against storms and intruders. You want something that not only looks good but also fits your budget and handles the local weather like a champ.
But with so many garage door options out there, things can quickly get overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! The team at Filips Garage Doors has put together this guide to help you pick the best garage door for your home.
Ready? Let’s break it down.
1. Understand Your Options
Residential garage doors come in a wide range of styles, such as:
- Roller Doors: Great for saving space, these doors roll up into a compact box above the entrance.
- Sectional Doors: Sectional doors are ideal for short driveways since they open vertically and don’t protrude outside.
- Tilt Doors: These are made of a single, solid piece of wood that tilts up and into the garage.
- Carriage Doors: Carriage doors swing outwards, like those in old carriages, to offer a touch of traditional elegance.
- Contemporary Doors: These often feature glass panels and metal frames- perfect for a modern aesthetic.
Now, it’s best to match your garage door to your home’s overall vibe. For example, a sleek, minimalist garage door can perfectly complement a modern aesthetic. Likewise, vintage homes would look better with wooden carriage doors.
Not sure which style to pick? A good tip is to flick through some home design magazines or explore websites for a bit of inspiration. Seeing what’s out there can help you visualise what should work for your home.
2. Think About Material
The garage door material you pick can make a lot of difference to its overall performance. Here are some of the most common ones.
- Steel is popular because it’s strong, durable and not too expensive. It’s a great pick if you want something that lasts and doesn’t need much upkeep.
- Wood gives a classic look that is easy to customise. However, it might need a little more upkeep to stay sharp.
- Aluminium is lightweight and rust-resistant, which is great if you live somewhere humid or near the coast.
- Fibreglass holds up against dents and can mimic the look of wood without the maintenance hassle.
When choosing, always match the material to your practical needs and aesthetic preferences. And in case you’re still in doubt, get in touch with Filip’s Garage Doors for expert recommendations!
3. Account for Weather Conditions
Make sure your garage door can stand up to local weather conditions to keep your home safe and sound. If you’re in a colder or wetter area and want to protect your car, you must choose a garage door that can shield it from the elements.
Additionally, in some regions, it’s important to look for wind-rated garage doors. Why? Because garages that aren’t equipped to handle strong winds/cyclones can put your home at risk, even leading to roof damage in severe cases.
4. Invest in Cutting-Edge Automation
If you’re in the market for a new residential garage door or just sprucing up the old one, adding in some cutting-edge automated features can make your life a lot easier.
For instance, a smart garage door opener can let you open or close your garage door from your smartphone, wherever you might be.
Then there’s security. With thefts from sheds and garages climbing in Australia, it’s wise to choose a door with sturdy, tamper-proof features and smart tech. Most smart doors can link up to your home’s security system and send alerts if your garage opens unexpectedly.
5. Consider Your Budget
Garage door prices can vary based on the materials, insulation, design, size, and any extra bells and whistles you choose. Once you’ve narrowed down your design choices, it’s time to consider how much you’re ready to spend.
While you should try to stick to your budget, skimping on quality to save a few bucks might cost you more in the long run. A better-quality door might be pricier upfront, but it can save you on maintenance and replacements down the line.
To get your money’s worth, do a bit of homework. Compare brands, check prices, and get quotes from trusted garage door suppliers. The goal is to balance your budget with the features and quality you want.
6. Think About Your Maintenance Chores
Account for how much time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining your new garage door. Wood doors look fantastic, but they do need a fair bit of TLC as they age. You’ll have to repaint or stain them every few years to keep them in top shape.
If that sounds like too much work, or if you’re just not into the idea of regular upkeep, you might want to consider aluminium or steel doors. They’re much easier to look after. Plus, you can get them painted to mimic the appearance of wood for the best of both worlds!
7. Consider Energy Efficiency
Your garage door is likely the largest point of entry in your building, meaning it can be a significant source of energy loss and waste. One way to prevent this is to invest in energy-efficient garage doors.
Energy-efficient doors are specifically crafted to minimise heat transfer. Residential garage doors with low U-values and higher R-values can effectively reduce the heat flow between the garage and your home, saving you quite a bit of money in energy bills.
Talk to the Garage Door Experts at Filip’s Garage Doors
No matter what garage door style you’re interested in, there’s something for everyone. Hopefully, this post has given you the insight you need to choose the best residential garage door for your home.But before you even begin the hunt for a new garage door, it’s important to find the right installer. At Filip’s Garage Doors, we’ve built a reputation for providing superior garage door services across Adelaide, South Adelaide, and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Get in touch with us, and let’s talk about your garage door needs.
