Things to consider when buying a garage door

Things to consider when buying a garage door

Custom garage doors

If you are looking for a new or replacement garage door in the Monument and greater Southern Colorado area, you have come to the right place! There are various options you can choose from, depending on your requirements. Let’s start with the top five things to consider when buying a garage door:


1. Material

With all the options available today, choosing the material for your new garage door is not an easy task. There are many factors to take into account. You have to consider how the material will perform in our ever-changing climate, not simply choose what you think looks best. Technology has gifted us with incredible new materials like wood composite and other sustainable options while classic choices remain available to us as well.


2. Insulation

Because your garage door is the largest opening of your home, it has the potential to drastically alter the indoor temperature if your garage is attached to the living space. This is one of the main reasons that you need to consider a door’s insulation rating when making your choice.

Additionally, you don’t want stored items to be subject to extreme weather conditions either. Noise reduction and improved vehicle performance in the mornings are also achieved through effective insulation. Your garage might be considered an indoor space where it is comfortable enough to work, too. Insulation kits can be added to existing garage doors, but it is best to consider a material and design that incorporates good insulation.

Remember that a well-insulated door may cost more upfront, but over time it will save energy costs and keep you more comfortable.


3. Style

The style you choose should complement the aesthetic of your home. Your garage doors generally face the street and add a large part of the home’s “curb appeal,” so you should try and select an option that adds value to the look and feel of your biggest investment. Traditional homes tend to suit wood or steel options while modern homes look fantastic with sleek glass and aluminum styles, but you can choose your unique look to enhance your property.


4. Design

Sure you can pick a generic garage door, but why not get the experts at Tri-Lakes Garage Doors to design a custom piece for your home or commercial property? Design is not just about the look but also the functionality of the door. You need to consider the mechanics - for example, do you want a hinged door, a rolling door, a roll-up door, or a swivel mechanism. What would suit your needs best?


5. Budget

In reality, budget is the biggest factor for most of people. Who wouldn’t want the most beautiful artwork adorning their home? However, you need to pick something affordable while still ticking the boxes of form and function. Our experts can help you with this tricky part as we can design and install a product tailor-made to your budget.


Garage Door Material Options

Having clarified what your needs are, you can set about choosing what material fulfills your needs best:


1. Steel and Wood Composite

Steel and wood composite doors are very popular because they combine the function and durability of metal with the aesthetic appeal of wood. The skeleton of the door is made of steel while the outer, most visible layer is made of composite wood. It is also known as faux wood and is made of recycled wood and plastic fibers, making it more affordable and lightweight than classic wood. It is also resistant to mold and rot, which are problems to look out for with solid wood doors.


2. Wood

Wooden garage doors are manufactured using solid wood panels. Homeowners tend to love these because natural wood is beautiful. But when choosing, you must be aware of the maintenance that wood requires. Rot and mold can affect some types of wood so although Monument, Colorado has lower than US average rainfall, the snow can affect your wooden garage door and increase the need for maintenance. Wooden garage doors are vulnerable to pest and insect damage and are also heavier than other materials so they require stronger motors and mechanisms. The cost is also a factor to consider; solid wood is more expensive than other materials.


All things considered, the appeal of wood is timeless. Its natural beauty makes it worth considering. Wood is also energy efficient as it has the highest inherent R-value of garage door materials. Its insulation naturally regulates your home’s temperature and can act as a sound barrier against outdoor noise.


3. Aluminum

Aluminum garage doors are made of glass and aluminum and are the ideal complement to a clean, modern-looking home. In addition to the large glass panels which enhance the look of your home or business, aluminum is a rugged and strong metal, so you’re getting the best of both strength and beauty while the anodized aluminum construction makes them almost maintenance-free.


4. Fiberglass

The first thing people ask about fiberglass garage doors is “Are they strong enough?” and they most certainly are. The name tends to make people think they will shatter as glass does, but they are actually steel doors sealed with a fiberglass coating. The door, therefore, is as durable as steel with the finish of wood. Fiberglass garage doors are ideal for harsh environments. They are non-corrosive, so they can last a long time with little exterior maintenance.


5. Vinyl

Durability is the biggest benefit of vinyl doors. Because the color is part of the actual material, it is not painted on and therefore the door is barely affected by minor scratches like a painted surface would be. The downside of this is that the color can’t be changed when you are renovating your exteriors.  Vinyl is rust-resistant – adding to the cost saving. Internal insulation can be incorporated into the manufacture of vinyl garage doors, and it’s a useful feature to consider if you want to improve the energy efficiency of your garage and home. Without the insulation layer, vinyl doors are not very energy efficient. These days, some customization is available for vinyl doors so you can achieve the look you want.

Popular Garage Door Styles

Finally, you get to decide what style of garage door compliments your style and aesthetic:

1. Traditional

Traditional style means a look that has been around for a long time and blends in with most styles of residential architecture. It is probably a more conservative choice but you should always keep in mind the overall appearance of your home as you don’t want a clash of styles.


2. Contemporary

A contemporary look is achieved by using modern materials such as glass and aluminum and these doors work well with modern, clean, and minimalist architecture styles. The aluminum and glass doors also provide a great opportunity to show off your auto collection!


3. Wood Look

A wood-look can be achieved by using a number of modern materials other than natural wood. There are several options such as wood composite or steel which will give you the aesthetic of wood without the cost or the maintenance effort. This is also our most popular look!


4. Carriage-House Style

The carriage house style evokes images of a grander time in history when people were driven in horse-drawn carriages. Today, they’re available in an array of stained and painted finishes using modern and traditional materials.

5. Mediterranean Revival

If your home has that Italian or Spanish style, then Mediterranean revival garage doors will certainly add the finishing touch to that luxurious villa feel at first sight.


6. Mid Century Modern

This style was created by German architects who migrated to the USA post-war and has had a massive revival of late. The style is characterized by functionality and simplicity. If this is your home’s style, we have garage doors to complement it.


7. Spanish Colonial

This architectural style is characterized by the use of plastered walls with terracotta roof tiles, custom-forged iron balustrades on balconies with clay pots. The perfect custom garage door to enhance this style would typically include elements like decorative iron clavos and rustic woods such as distressed Alder, Rough Cedar, and other wood species. These doors create the perfect finishing touch to the style.


8. Tuscan Renaissance

Let our custom Tuscan Renaissance style garage doors transport you to the beautiful province of Tuscany, Italy every time you arrive home. This popular style looks magnificent with some of today’s architecture trends that borrow elements from Tuscan villas.

The Benefits of a Custom Garage Door


1. Complementing your home’s exterior

Installing customized garage doors will ensure that your exterior has a cohesive and engaging appearance.


2. Complementing your garage’s unique build

You want the perfect garage door for your garage’s unique dimensions, so a custom design is the way to go.


3. Finding perfect windows

Our experts can guide you through the window options when designing your custom garage doors. You need to decide whether you want or need windows and whether they will enhance or detract from the overall look of your home.


4. Choosing from plenty of colors and finishes

Traditionally, garage doors came in a very small selection of colors and finishes. With the technology of new materials and processes available today, the possibilities are almost limitless, and your customized garage door can be a true expression of your own style.


5. Customizing your hardware selection

Your new garage door need not be made of the same materials that your grandfather’s was! There are so many more choices today which makes custom design an exciting option.


What is the best garage door for the money?

Many people state that “affordable price” is their number one priority when looking for a new garage door, but once we present all the choices, they generally realize that there are many other important factors. This is why it is best to contact the experts at Tri-Lakes Garage Doors so that we can tailor-make the best custom designed garage door for YOU. Whether you’re looking for residential garage doors or something for your commercial property, we can advise you through the process.


What upgrades are worth it in a new home?

According to realtors, there are seven upgrades that will give you a high return on investment in a new house: Additional electrical and plumbing, wood floors, underfloor heating in bathrooms, quality tiling in the master bathroom, higher basement ceilings, and… quality garage doors.


What should I look for when buying a new garage door?

Look for an experienced supplier, one who will guide you through the options taking all your needs and limitations into account. It is better to use a supplier who will come and see you. Ordering online or over the phone can be tricky. Don’t be tempted to buy a wood garage door unless you are committed to its upkeep. Consider customizing your new garage door; it will certainly add value and appeal to your home and may be more affordable than you think.


Call Tri-Lakes Garage Doors for friendly and professional advice today.

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