When it’s time to replace your garage door, you want to find a reliable door as alluring as it is robust. Several types of garage doors are available, making it challenging to find the best model and style for your home. That’s why the experts at Garage Door Medics put together a detailed guide to help you find the best garage door without surpassing your financial means.
Garage Door Medics is an elite garage door repair service in Riverside, CA. Our team has vast experience with various garage door makes and models, qualifying us for even the toughest repair projects. We’ve helped thousands of Riverside residents repair and maintain their garage doors, and we can do the same for you at a price you can afford.
Types of Garage Doors
As stated before, there are several types of garage doors to choose from, ranging from classic sectional garage doors to modernized slide-to-the-side garage panels.
Some of the most common garage door styles include:
- Roll-up garage doors
- Slide-to-the-side garage doors
- Side-hinged garage doors
- Tilt-up-and-over canopy garage doors
- Tilt-up-and-over retractable garage doors
- Sectional garage doors
Each type of garage door has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s crucial to research each model carefully before committing to a specific design. If you prioritize security over visual allure, you may want to consider a roll-up model. However, if you want a sophisticated door to enhance your home’s overall appeal, a more modern design might better suit your needs.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Garage Door
Before you rush out and buy a new garage door, you must consider the following.
Security
Most homeowners want to keep their garage as safe and secure as possible. Purchasing a robust door with a garage door opener featuring rolling-code technology is one of the best ways to safeguard your vehicle and belongings.
Rolling-code garage door openers automatically change your garage’s security code each time someone uses the remote. The process prevents hackers and thieves from entering your garage even if they steal your previous code. Rolling code garage door openers never replicate the same code twice and generate billions of unique codes throughout their lifespan.
Safety
If you have any pets or small children, you must consider purchasing a garage door with safety sensors. The safety sensors detect obstacles that could block the garage door from opening and closing. If your child is underneath the garage door while it’s trying to close, the sensors will automatically reverse or stop the door until the path becomes clear.
Safety sensors can also protect your garage door from potential damage. If you try to close a door without safety sensors while something blocks its path, the obstructing object could damage or break the door, costing you hundreds or more to repair. The sensors will stop or reverse the door before it contacts the item, keeping the door in prime condition.
Material
Garage door manufacturers construct their products using numerous materials. However, most come in five primary designs, explained below.
Wood
People looking to improve their home’s curbside appeal tend to opt for wooden garage doors. However, wooden doors require more maintenance than the other popular designs, so keep that in mind while shopping.
Steel
Steel garage doors are the most common model and one of the least expensive options available.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors provide outstanding protection against unwanted intruders but tend to crack in cold temperatures.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a versatile garage door style option that prevents rust and corrosion over time. These doors work best in humid regions with high moisture levels.
Vinyl
Vinyl garage doors are relatively new and provide excellent protection against the natural elements and unwelcome guests. They also require little to no maintenance, making them a popular style with many California homeowners.
Although several other garage door materials are available, these five have proven track records and are widely available nationwide.
Motor Power
Every type of electric garage door requires a motor. The motor determines how fast the garage door will open and close.
If you install a heavy security door in your garage, you must purchase a motor with relatively high horsepower. However, if you want a lightweight door that prioritizes visual appeal over protection, a low horsepower motor is better.
Cost
Keeping your budget in mind is a must when shopping for a new garage door. You want to find one that provides sufficient security and increases allure without surpassing your financial means. There are numerous high-quality yet affordable types of garage doors available that will help your home reach its full potential.
Garage Door Advice for First-Time Buyers
Don’t Order a Garage Door Before Hiring a Specialist
Never order a garage door online or over the phone before hiring a specialist to examine your garage. A specialist will measure the opening, side clearances, and more to ensure your new door fits your garage space. They will also help you find a door that fits your needs while keeping your budget in mind.
Ordering a door before hiring a specialist increases the chances of something going wrong. You could buy the wrong door size or purchase an inadequate motor, leaving you with insufficient supplies that might not qualify for a return. A garage door specialist will help you through the process, ensuring you receive the perfect door for your home.
Purchase Wooden Garage Doors With Caution
Although wooden garage doors will do wonders for your home’s curb appeal, they don’t keep their allure very long without the proper maintenance. Wooden garage doors require extensive upkeep and even demand new finishes every few years. If you wait too long to refinish the door, you’ll have to strip the old finish manually and start from scratch.
If you want a wooden garage door, ensure you have the time to maintain it throughout the year. You can also hire a garage door maintenance company to handle the process if you have the financial capabilities.
Never Install a Garage Door Yourself
Installing a garage door is a strenuous task that requires special tools and vast installation experience. It often takes a full day or longer to install correctly and demands immense strength and dedication. If you install the door incorrectly, you must disassemble it and start the process over.
Installing a garage door without the proper experience also increases your chances of damaging your garage or the door.
A professional installer will equip your home with a new garage door in as little as four hours. They have all the necessary tools and will haul away your old door for a small fee. It’s better to pay a professional to install your garage door correctly than spend hours or even days figuring out the process yourself.
Contact Garage Door Medics for All Your Garage Door Needs in Riverside, CA
Garage Door Medics is your source for high-quality garage door services in Riverside, CA. Our team has over 30 years of industry experience and can handle any garage door project you throw our way. Your satisfaction is always our top priority, and we strive to surpass your high expectations with our first-class garage door services and our commitment to outstanding customer care.
Whether you want to learn more about the costs associated with garage door repair or need more information on the types of garage doors available, Garage Door Medics has you covered.
Contact Garage Door Medics at (888) 997-2423 for professional garage door services in Riverside, CA. Call today!
