Looking to boost your home’s curb appeal? A new garage door can instantly transform the look of your home – especially if the old door is very dilapidated. A new door can be a great investment as well.
According to Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost vs Value Report, garage doors top the list with a 98.3% return on investment (ROI). This is based on a high tensile strength steel door with two coats of factory-applied paint. The door has also been foam insulated to a minimum R-12 with thermal seals between pinch-resistant panels.
Available Materials
Steel: This is without a doubt the most popular choice. Steel garage doors are cost-effective, durable, and easy to maintain. This material can also be customized to mirror the look of wood at a more affordable price.
Wood: Wood can be stained or painted to compliment most any architecture. You can customize wood further with your choice of windows and decorative hardware. These doors do require extra care to ensure their longevity.
Aluminum: Lighter than steel, aluminum is used with glass for a clean, modern look. These materials are durable and rust-resistant. While they allow natural light in, they are not very energy efficient.
Wood Composite: Get the look of wood without the maintenance with faux-wood composite. This material is both durable and low-maintenance. Like wood, it can be stained or painted to accentuate your home architecture.
Insulation
Steel and wood composite doors can be backed with polyurethane insulation for energy efficiency. Insulated doors are ideal for homes with bedrooms above the garage. They may help reduce noise and cooling costs. Look for insulating materials with high R-values for the best thermal resistance.
Professional Installation
A standard garage door can weigh more than 150 pounds. This can make maneuvering them not only difficult but dangerous. Many components like torsion springs also require specialized tools. All told, your safest, most convenient bet is to hire a professional garage door installer.
Maintaining Your Garage Door System
Ensure lasting curb appeal by following a regular maintenance schedule. Visually inspecting, lubricating, and testing the garage door and automatic opener each month can help prolong the longevity of your new garage door system. Click here for a complete list of garage door maintenance tasks.