4 Things to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Garage Door

What's not to love about having a garage? After all, it means you have a place to park your car making it easy to avoid walking in the elements, can provide a place for your hobbies, offers additional area for storage and many other possibilities. Of course, not everyone has a garage, but if you are one of the fortunate who do, then you are more than aware of their potential.
However, if you are building a home or planning to renovate your current one, then chances are you will want to include a garage. Consequently, you should keep a few things in mind regarding your garage door selection. As a garage door is the largest moving part of a home as well as one of the features that can give (or not) your home curb appeal, you will want to consider carefully when making your garage door selection. Before you begin your quest for the perfect door for your garage, make sure you have already established your budget, preferences, needs and your home's style; then start shopping, keeping the following 4 things in mind.

1. Type:Garage doors come in a variety of materials, but the most common are steel, wood or composites. A steel door requires little to upkeep, cost less and have multiple style and color options. Wooden doors not only cost more, but require more maintenance, but they can be customized to suit the look of your home easier. Composites are made o recycled wood and are better insulated.
2. Function and Fit: Most garage doors present a face and descend and ascend. They typically work by travelling rollers and are maneuvered via hinges and pulleys. If you live in area where extreme cold is common you will want to be sure that you select a door that is insulated and avoid single section doors. Standard sized garage doors are 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall for a single door and a two car garage door is typically 16x7 or 20x8.
3. Insulation:Depending on what type of door you choose and where you live, you will need to decide if you want insulation. For metal doors a common choice is polystyrene or injected foam insulation. The polystyrene offers a lower level of insulation than the use of injectable foam. Wood doors may be insulated by creating a sandwich between the wood face and the interior facing; however, wooden doors are a good insulation, without need for anything else.
4. Endurance:For your metal garage door to last you will need to protect it from dings, dents and scratches as this can destroy the finish and result in rusting. A wooden door will need to be resealed at least every two years. Regardless of the door you have installed, be sure to keep water from drains and gutter from running onto it by protecting the door with a splash back from the roof eaves and keep "kids" from using it as a sports back stop.

For additional information on the topic of garage doors visit Premium Garage Door Service. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

6 FAQs About Garages

Garage doors are perhaps one of the most frequently used features of a home. After all, with a garage, homeowners can go to and from their home and the vehicles without having to step out in to the elements. In addition, having a garage often means that homeowners have a place that can be used as a workshop, storage area, or entertainment area. With the many uses a garage offers, it is important that you understand some of the basics of garage doors and door openers. And, if you have a carport that you are considering converting to a garage, then it is likely that a few questions have crossed your mind. Here are some of the FAQs of garage doors.

1. Is it necessary to have professional to install the doors? Yes. The garage door is the largest moving part of a home and it is vital that all of its small parts, as well as the big ones, are installed correctly so that the door works properly and safely. In addition, if you have the door installed by a professional, then you can be sure that the warranty will be valid as often times portions of the warranty are negated if the door is not installed by a professional.
2. What are the benefits of an insulated door? Having insulation keeps the loss of heat or cold air to a minimum which means that your living area temperature stays comfortable. Also, if you plan to use your garage as working/entertainment space, then you can regulate the comfort levels better; but perhaps the biggest benefit is that insulated doors are quieter than non-insulated ones.
3. What makes a steel door better than a wooded one? Steel doors require less maintenance and are easier to clean. Also, remember that when selecting the thickness of the steel, the lower the gage numbers the thicker and stronger the door.
4. I want to replace my existing garage door. Can I keep the existing track? Most companies recommend that you replace the track as well, since the tracks are designed to work with specific doors. Also, by replacing the tracks as well as the door, you can be assured that both are as safe as they can be.
5. I would like to replace a one piece door with a sectional. Is that possible? Yes, however, you will need to talk to a professional to determine what additional changes will need to be done based on the existing tracks, lines, construction, etc... of your garage.
6. Is an extension spring or a torsion spring better? Extension springs are each side of the door and stretch along the horizontal track when the door is closed; torsion springs are above the top of the door and mounted to the header. Though, both work great, many homeowners prefer the torsion springs as they offer more safety and are better balanced making the door operate more smoothly.

For additional information on the topic of garage doors visit Premium Garage Door Service. Article independently authored by Janet M. Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.