If you recently purchased an older house, you may be interested in updating the old garage door. Not only can a garage door impact the overall curb appeal, it can also impact the value of the home.
In this article, we’re sharing a few garage door replacement tips for new homeowners interested in upgrading an old garage door.
Garage Door Replacement Tips
As a new home owner, you’re getting to grips with all the new things you need to know about maintaining your home. As you’re working everything out, make sure that you’re not neglecting your garage door. It’s something that you rely on every day, and it even contributes to the overall value of the house.
If your garage door is getting on in years, or has taken some wear and tear, it’s probably time for a new one. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re looking at buying a new garage door.
Here are a few garage door replacement tips for new homeowners.
1. Pick The Right Material For You
Firstly, you need to know just what kind of garage door you need to get. There are several different materials that you can choose from, and they all have their pros and cons. For example, you can choose from:
- Steel: A very popular choice, as it’s low weight and inexpensive. You can also insulate the door to keep the garage warm, if needed. However, it can be prone to denting and rusting if you’re not taking care of it.
- Aluminum: This is another popular choice, as again it’s lightweight. It’s also the cheapest option out there. The material resists rusting too, perfect for coastal regions. It is prone to denting though, so be careful.
- Wood: Wood has an amazing look, and can be painted or stained any shade you can imagine. You will need to repaint or restain them every few years though, so they are more maintenance.
Once you know what kind of material you want, you can start making other decisions about your garage door.
2. Consider Insulating The Door
Sometimes, you’ll want to look into insulating the garage door, in order to keep the heat in. If you use the garage for laundry for example, or there’s a finished living space above the garage, then that’s something you really do have to look into.
The insulation value of a garage door is usually referred to as the R value, so look for that when you’re shopping around. It will add an extra cost to the door, so you’ll need to consider if you want to pay that before you get the door. Remember though, it could lead to lower energy costs.
3. Look For The Right Style Of Door
You need to consider all the practical things when you’re looking for a new garage door, but don’t forget about the looks too. You may not be intending to move any time soon, but curb appeal is always important as it affects the value of your home.
You’ll have lots of choice when it comes to the style of the door, so pick something that fits in with the overall look of your home currently. For example, a carriage style door isn’t going to look good on a contemporary style home, so keep that in mind when choosing a door.
4. Pick Out Colors And Decorative Extras
There are lots of things that you can do, when it comes to the looks of your new garage door. As mentioned, wood can be painted any color you want, but metal garage doors also come in a wide array of colors. When picking a color, remember that the door will need to work with the rest of your home.
Related: The Best Garage Door Colors
Most of the time a pre finished door will come in colors that work with your home, but if they don’t you always have the option of painting it to match.
Also, there are plenty of extras that you can put on the door, to make it your own. One extra people like to put in is windows. These allow light in, which is great if you use the garage often. Remember to install some security lights around the garage though, as they can present a tempting look into your home for less than savory types.
5. Pick Out The Right Hardware
The hardware on your garage door is things like the handles, hinges, and so on. On many garage doors, you’ll see hardware that you may not quite want on your home. However, you’re not stuck with it. Most garage door sellers will let you swap out the hardware.
This is a good idea if you need hardware that will fit in with your home’s looks. If there’s some decorative hardware that you don’t want, such as decorative hinges or step plates, you can have the door made without them too.
6. Try An Online Visualizer Tool
One of the best things about the internet is that it can help you see what the new garage door will look like, before you even order it. Many garage door companies have a tool like this, and it helps you get a feel for how the door will look.
Take a picture of your house head on, and then use the tool to play around with different doors. You’ll be surprised how well they work, and you can get a great idea of how that door will look.
7. Be Aware Of The Weather
When picking a garage door, you’ll need to consider what the weather is like where you live. That will have an impact on the door, so you want to ensure you’re picking the right type.
For example, if you’re prone to hurricanes and high winds in your area, then you’ll need a garage door that’s rated against hurricanes. If you get hail storms, you’ll want a door that won’t dent easily, as they can cause real damage to a garage door.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind as you start shopping around for a new garage door. If you start with the material you want, then it’s fairly simple to figure out everything you need. You can always ask your garage door company for advice too, if you need it.
Remember to take good care of your garage door when it’s installed, and it will last you for years to come.