If your garage door has more dents, dings, and rust than a junkyard car, then it’s probably past time that you spruce it up or replace it, don’t you think? Replacing your garage door can easily enhance your home’s curb appeal. At first glance, your curb appeal should have that WOW factor, especially if your goal is to maximize your property’s value.
A garage door should be functional, strong, and stylish. It should offer adequate security, and should be able to withstand the normal wear and tear it receives from your family’s comings and goings, as well as Mother Nature’s rather unpredictable behavior. Here is what you should know when you are in the market for a new garage door.
1: Express Your Style
You only get one chance to make a good first impression – so make it count! Whether you’re planning on putting your home on the market or staying for a while, a striking new garage door is as crucial to your home as any other element, especially in terms of curb appeal. A wide variety of options, from designs and colors to decorative glass and hardware, allows you to express your individual taste and style no matter which material (i.e. steel, fiberglass, wood) you choose.
A new garage door increases property values. This benefit becomes significant when you’re trying to sell your home. It should come as no surprise that the homes with curb appeal get the most interest. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report for 2016, a midrange garage door replacement project returns 91.5% of the installed cost, while a new upscale door returns 90.1% of the installed cost.
If you decide you want to replace your garage door, then it’s important to do your homework, as there are many different material options available. It’s a good idea to contact a professional garage door service company that can provide you with expert design advice. Whether you custom design your door, or select a ready-made one from a manufacturer, its best to be fully informed before making a final decision.
The most important decision you will have to make during this process is choosing what your door is made of. Different surface materials, such as: wood, fiberglass, steel, and aluminum, often affect appearance, durability, security, insulation, and price. According to the Cost vs. Value report (mentioned previously), a new garage door, professionally installed can run you anywhere between 1,652 and 3,140.
Wood
Wood is one of the most popular materials for garage doors. Some of the more popular species for solid wood garage doors are cedar, redwood, oak, mahogany, fir, pine, cherry, walnut, and maple. Wood doors are stylish and solid, but require regular maintenance – repainting or refinishing them every couple of years. Opting for a faux wood garage door can help alleviate maintenance concerns.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors are available in a variety of architectural styles including those that mimic the natural beauty of wood. Fiberglass is resistant to warping and bowing, which makes it an appropriate choice for areas prone to hot and dry weather conditions, as found in Arizona. Fiberglass doors are resistant to impact damage and are designed for longevity.
Steel
Steel garage doors offer a number of advantages that make them a great choice for most any home. One of the key advantages of steel is that it’s remarkably lightweight. They are also resistant to rust. Manufactured with 24-gauge steel, these doors are available in a variety of colors and styles, including paneled or flushed. They can also be easily painted in your choice of color.
Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and enjoy many of the same benefits of steel garage doors. If manufactured with a layer of insulation, aluminum doors can be an excellent choice for those that spend a lot of time in their garages. These doors are environmentally friendly because aluminum is endlessly recyclable. The major drawback to aluminum is that it dents easily, but won’t rust.
