The Ultimate Guide to Your Custom Garage Door

A custom-made garage door can be made of a wide variety of materials. With so many types and options, you may be confused or even overwhelmed when choosing a garage door. You want to find a garage door that suits you and your home, but you also want something functional that fits into your budget. You need to do your research before making a decision to ensure you do not waste your time and money. To design the perfect entrance for your home, we have a guide on the types of materials you should be looking at, the colors, and the available personalizations to ensure your custom garage door suits your home.

Before we look at the customization features of garage doors, we need to look at the basics of garage doors as well as popular designs. Understanding these points will help you select a garage door best suited for your home. Once you have the basics down and have done your homework, you can then go on to find a design and customization that matches your style.

How to find the best garage door for your home

There are a few options available to you when selecting a garage door. How do you choose the best garage door with all this information? First, you need to look at the key features of a garage door and how your particular garage fits these features. Here are a few questions you need to consider before choosing your garage door:

1. What are the dimensions of your door? You need to measure the dimensions of your door so that you can size up your new custom garage door to perfection. Make sure to double-check your measurements for accuracy.
   
2. Calculate your budget:How much are you able to spend on a garage door? The price of the door itself will vary depending on the material used and the size of the door. If your budget is lower, we recommend looking at steel, fiberglass or aluminum options, as some wooden doors can be pricey, especially if treatment is needed.
   
3. What style are you looking for? There are different types of garage styles, such as reverse gable, gambrel, contemporary, raised-panel, and carriage house. The type of door frame determines the style you can have. We take a look at various design styles in this article to help you make your selection. The design will have a huge impact on the final look of your garage. You, therefore, need to carefully decide on the material and style of the door before installation.
4. How will you use your garage space?The type of garage door you choose will partly be determined by whether you are parking your car in the space or using it as a workshop or other utility room. The insulation capacity is important when considering these factors. Insulation with a higher R-value will be used if you need the garage to have warmth during the colder months. If you are using the garage as a workshop, this may be something to consider.

What do you need to factor into a garage door design?

Things you need to consider when selecting your door design are:

• Are you designing a door for a one or two-car garage?
• How much driveway space does your garage have?
• Does the design fit your home’s style?
• The weight of your garage door
• The height of your garage door

As stated above, the style of the garage door is essential to determine the whole look and feel of the garage. Garage doors come in a variety of sizes. The interior size of the garage you are designing a door for needs to be taken into account. The configuration of the garage door is another factor you need to look at. For example, a side-hinge garage door will need more horizontal space than vertical space. If your ceiling is low, a side-hinge garage door will be perfect for your home, but it may not be an option if your driveway is too narrow. If you are using your garage for storage purposes, you may not have enough space for larger doors to open up sufficiently. In this case, you might want to consider something more compact for your living situation or a garage door that opens vertically. There are also safety factors that may come into question. Swing garage doors, for example, may not be ideal if you have no passage space on the outside of the garage or if your garage opens onto a sidewalk as you may risk injury to those around the garage.

Here are some of the most common garage door designs:

There are several types of garage door designs. The type you choose will depend on the style of your home, the space of your garage, and your unique taste. Each style comes with a choice for you to make on the material, color,  finish, hardware, and insulation properties. It is best to view pictures of garage door styles and samples of materials before you decide on a particular door  for your home. Some options include:

1. Raised-panel garage doors:The raised-panel design used in garage doors has become a standard choice for homeowners. Often made of steel, aluminium or fiberglass, the design suits most home styles and is excellent for those looking for higher R-values.

2. Contemporary designs: Contemporary garage doors are a popular choice among those with modern taste, or for homes with a modern-style feel. The design comprises contemporary elements such as glass panels and aluminum frames. Steel is also often used for contemporary doors.

3. Sectional garage doors: Sectional garage doors are popular for those in areas prone to bad weather conditions as they contain insulation that is perfect for excess water and wind. They are typically made from steel and optimize the garage space available.

4. Roll-up doors:Roll-up doors are a compact choice for smaller homes. They are comprised of insulated aluminum panels that don’t take up much space in the garage. With easy-to-use remote controls and a longstanding lifespan, they continue to remain a popular choice among homeowners.

5. Swing garage doors:Swing garage doors have one or two panels that are made from high-resistance steel. Swing doors are easy to fit into homes with enough horizontal space in front of the garage opening, making it a good choice for those looking for a classic door.

6. Sliding garage doors:Sliding garage doors move horizontally and have insulated panels. They can be made to operate manually or remotely. This design is low maintenance and creates less noise compared to traditional garage doors, making it a good choice for those with babies or quieter neighborhoods.

Should you install a garage door yourself?

Critical injuries can occur if you don’t seek professional assistance when installing anew garage door. It is recommended that you do not install a garage door yourself or attempt any garage repair on your own. Garage doors are heavy, and you risk the impact of the door falling on you or your loved ones. Garage door openers can also be complicated, especially if you are using high-tech features or remote-controlled options. Only a trained professional will know how to expertly install and maintain the garage door components. Even if you think you have fixed or installed the door correctly, it may fail later on. Playing around with these features yourself can risk issues arising later, causing the garage door to possibly close on your vehicle. A garage door installation expert will ensure that everything goes smoothly, as well as help you with tips to maintain your garage door.

Wood garage doors vs. steel garage doors: Which is best?

Both steel and wood are excellent choices for a garage door. Steel doors are generally more popular as they are durable and require minimal maintenance. The doors come in a variety of styles and can be painted to match the home. Although they are affordable, they are often noisy. 

Wood garage doors have a traditional look and feel - perfect for those with more rustic-themed homes. They come in a variety of styles and can also be personalized and painted to suit your taste. Wood is tough and resists damage. Materials made from recycled wood are also a good choice for those seeking an eco-friendly option.

The pros and cons of adding windows to a garage door

Benefits of adding windows to a garage door:

• The increase of natural light adds a good look and feel to your garage which is especially useful if you plan on using it as a storage or living space
• Windows provide greater visibility when you are inside your garage
• Aesthetic appeal as windows can give the garage a fresh look
• Garage door windows make your home look bigger

Drawbacks of adding windows to a garage door:

• The windows might not fit the architectural style of your home. You need to consider this when selecting a garage door.
• Safety concerns may arise if you live in a crime-ridden area. Security systems can help.
• Privacy concerns may arise. Tinted or frosted windows can help.
  

How to decide on a garage door opener

There are more options for garage door openers than ever before due to the increase in technology and garage door designs. Here are some factors to help you decide what type of garage door opener you need:

• What’s the horsepower? A lower horsepower will be less expensive than a higher one. Lighter doors require lower horsepower.
• What is best for your motor? A chain is affordable but noisy. A screw makes less noise, but it is more expensive. Choosing a belt is the option for less maintenance and noise (yet also the most expensive of the three).
• Will you require backup power? If you live in an area with frequent power outages, you might consider options with a backup battery or manual release.

How to personalize your garage door

Here are some options to add a personal touch to your custom garage door:

• Be daring by choosing colors, designs, and finishes that match your personality. 
• Get more use out of your garage space in a basement with the addition of a basement garage door. 
• Glass garage doors that extend onto your back patio or garden open up your outdoor living space to take full advantage of the summer months. 
• A personalized garage door also gives you the chance to add a layer of insulation and security to your home or business.

Tips for how to choose a garage door color

General points to remember when selecting a garage door color:

• Choose a door color that compliments the rest of your home. 
• Try matching your color to that of your front door.
• Consider what colors your neighborhood has. You may want to fit in or stand out. If your neighbor has a white door, would you prefer to match it?
• Choose a neutral color if you are planning to resell your home soon.
• Your particular color choice can add class to any home.

Tri-Lakes Garage Doors can provide you with a custom-built garage door as well as a new garage door opener. Serving anywhere from Colorado Springs to Denver, for custom garage doors to beautify your home, contact Tri Lakes Garage Doors today!