For many Americans, the garage door is the new front door. At the end of a long day, many park in the garage, grab the mail and walk the dog — all without using the home’s traditional front door. The time will come to service or replace that important secondary entry, and when it does, consider the following:
Budget — Garage doors come in a range of price points, depending upon the material, size and insulating qualities. Generally speaking, metal is cheaper than wood, but there are exceptions.
R-Value — Your home’s R-value reflects its overall insulation efficiency. Few people think about insulating garage doors, but depending on where you live, an insulated garage door can make sense.
DIY — Some garage doors can be ordered online and delivered to you ready to be installed. It can take a bit of elbow grease, but the dedicated DIYer can install a garage door in a few hours.
Safety — If you live in an area with high winds or one that’s prone to hurricanes, you may need to buy a heavy-duty garage door. Garage doors labelled “storm ready” are equipped with extra bracing and reinforcement.
Garage Doors and Openers — Buying a garage door doesn’t necessarily mean you’re buying a garage door opener. Options include belt-drive, screw-drive and chain-drive systems; the key is determining which works best for your needs.
Maintenance — Regular maintenance can ensure your new purchase will last. Clean, inspect and lubricate your garage door at least annually.