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Garage Door Selection 101

What Garage Door is Right for Your Home

When it comes to choosing a new garage door there are so many details to consider, but the process doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Overhead Door™ Brand has been making garage doors for more than 100 years and we know a thing or two about picking a good fit. Use our four easy steps to narrow the playing field so you can focus on the best garage door for your needs. 

 

Step one: Location 

In real estate, the mantra is "location, location, location," and it applies to your garage door too—but not for neighborhoods. Instead, focus on your home's climate. Weather conditions can significantly impact your garage door’s durability, energy efficiency, and role as a protective barrier. Considering your local climate is crucial when choosing a garage door, as it directly affects how well it stands up to the elements and its longevity.

For those living in extremely hot or cold climates, consider garage doors with extra insulation. Proper insulation helps block outside air from entering your garage. Choosing a door with a high U-factor or R-value can effectively keep unwanted heat or cold out, benefiting your home’s interior as well. This is especially important if your garage is attached, as it impacts the overall temperature of your home. The right insulation not only makes your garage more comfortable but can also help lower utility costs.

Another important thing to note is your weather. Not just hot or cold, but storms, general humidity and the potential for extreme events. If you live near the ocean or in a very humid climate, the material your garage door is made from is very important. When dealing with moisture, materials like vinyl perform much better in those conditions than other materials like wood. 

If you experience storms, hurricanes or tornadoes, a steel door is a solid choice. Selecting a steel garage door with impact windows can stand up against bad weather. Additionally, you can get a  Wind Load garage door for additional wind protection.

Understanding your climate and the weather where you live can greatly influence the materials your garage door is made from and the amount of insulation you need. 

 

Step Two: Style 

Now that you know the material you need and if you need insulation, you can focus on style. For some, your garage door makes up a substantial amount of your home’s facade and can greatly affect the look of your curb appeal. Taking into consideration the architectural style of your home, you can determine if you like something modern, classic, charming or something in the middle. 

Once you select the style of the garage door you like, you can use the Garage Door Designer tool to help you visualize different options for your space. Being able to see what your favorite garage door styles look like on your home can help you narrow your choices with confidence. 

 

Step Three: Budget

Now that you have a few favorite options, you can narrow down your options based on price. A new garage door can be a big investment, so it is good to know what you feel comfortable spending. When considering your price range, it can be helpful to know that year over year, replacing your garage door is a home improvement with some of the highest return on investment of any update you can make. 

Shopping for a new garage door from a trusted brand with a wide range of price options can help make your budget work harder for you. 

 

wind load courtyard garage door

 

Step Four: Finishing Touches 

The final step in narrowing down the perfect garage door for your house are the details. Overhead Door™ Brand has a wide range of decorative hardware for you to choose from so you can achieve the perfect look for your home. Windows, hinges, handles, pulls and studs can add a level of finish that will greatly elevate the look of your garage door and give you an overall sense of finish and polish to the project. 

 

In just four simple steps, you can go from a seemingly endless selection of garage doors to your perfect fit. Determine the right material for the job, giving special consideration to your climate and weather patterns. Narrow based on the architecture of your home and the styles that would best complement it. Find a price point you feel comfortable with. And select the final details to give it a finished look. Once you narrowed it down to your top choices, request a quote on each from your local distributor.

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