Don’t take your garage door for granted. If you haven’t thought about it in a while, consider that it is a substantial piece of moving equipment. Then consider that people who drive up to your home often notice the garage door first before anything else on the outside of the house.
So think about what you need your garage door to do for you. You’ll want it to complement the overall appearance of your home, while also working in as efficient a manner as possible. Finally, you’ll desire one that will last for many years down the road.
With all that in mind, how do you go about purchasing a garage door when the time arrives to do it? Assuming you don’t know much about garage doors, which would put you in line with most people, you can follow these simple guidelines so that you’re informed when the time comes.
Choosing the Material
Metal doors, which can be broken down into steel or aluminum, are the most popular choices on the market, comprising approximately 85% of all garage doors purchased in North America. The relatively low cost of metal doors is a selling point. The main benefit of aluminum doors are their weight, while steel doors allow purchasers the choice of a variety of colors. With little maintenance required and insulation included, metal doors might be what you’re seeking, whether you choose contemporary, modern, carriage house, ranch, classic, mixed panels, flush or ribbed.
Wood garage doors have been around longer than any of the other varieties. They require more maintenance than the others, but they have their own specific benefits. For one, there is the inherent versatility, as wood doors can be stained or colored to the purchaser’s desire. In addition, many people love the natural quality of the wood look. Just be advised that the quality of wood doors is dependent upon the price you pay for them. You also get the choice between solid wood construction and wood composite.
Finally, vinyl or fiberglass doors are possible options. Vinyl doors cost a lot initially but pay for themselves over the long haul. That’s because you don’t have to worry about scratches and there is no maintenance required whatsoever. Fiberglass is often the choice of consumers who prefer the appearance of rich wood that doors made of that material provide. Just be forewarned that fiberglass doors are the most expensive on the market.
Where to Buy
Now that you know about the materials, you have to decide from which company you’ll purchase your door. This is a hazardous choice, because sketchy companies take advantage of the lax monitoring in North America for the industry and entice customers with promises they never deliver.
To avoid these pitfalls, choose a company that not only displays professional courteous behavior, but also supplies references from previous customers when asked. Their technicians should be uniformed and should arrive in clean trucks. Ask if they’re adequately insured and if they’ll provide warranties, in writing, for the labor and materials.
Perhaps most important of all, make sure to inquire if their employees have received training. You would be surprised to learn that the total garage door accidents each year outnumber the combined number of those involving lawnmowers and snow blowers. A technician with the right training and safety certification can prevent a bad accident.
Is It Time to Buy?
Of course, you probably need to make a change from your existing door if it isn’t operating properly. For safety’s sake, a heavy piece of moving equipment like a garage door can’t be allowed to malfunction and add to the statistics of garage door accidents.
If your door is looking run down, it’s also probably time to make a change. Would you want someone pulling up to your house and noticing peeling paint, cracks, dents or rust? That certainly wouldn’t give them a favorable first impression of your home. Along the same lines, deteriorating door panels require constant maintenance. A new door would help you avoid that extra work.
The Right Seller
Many people make the mistake of choosing the convenience of a big box store when purchasing a garage door. Such stores, or door and window dealers for that matter, lack the expertise and experience of garage door specialists. Such specialists employ installers who are prepared for most eventualities, even difficult problems, because of their past experience installing garage doors.
Such companies can either send a sales representative to your home or invite you into a showroom, where you can see varieties and possibilities for garage doors. Installers and technicians are also on staff, so that you don’t have to worry about either materials or labor. The time from purchase to installation is minimal because of the high inventories kept at these companies, who strive to provide quality work for each and every sale.
Check the Fine Print
A warranty can be a somewhat overwhelming document when presented to you, but it’s important that you read every bit of it. If you don’t, you might not know what’s covered by it, or, perhaps more important, what’s not covered. Remember that a garage door is an intricate piece of equipment, with sections, insulation, windows, hardware, opener and the like. Make sure that the warranty doesn’t leave out anything crucial.
Half the Battle
Just because you buy an expensive door made of sturdy material, it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. You also need it to be installed properly to get the most in terms of efficiency and appearance from your garage door purchase.
If this blog post has piqued your interest, you can contact us at 519-326-5888 to learn more. Your complete satisfaction in our work is guaranteed, and we can respond within a few hours to any service call. You can also make a request for a free quote to get a feel for pricing.
Our interactive Design Centre might be a great first step for you if you’re considering a garage door change, since it allows you to create your own. Simply upload a photo of your home and see what garage door works for you. Try it!
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