How to choose a garage door.

There are several things to consider when deciding on which garage door to purchase. The obvious ones are size, color, style, appearance, windows, insulation, springs, gauge of steel, or type of wood, weather stripping, installation, warranty,  door operator or electric garage.

Something else to consider is that a garage door is the largest moving part of your home. Its size and the many moving parts all attribute to problems one can have. Here are three suggestions to reduce your chances of having problems:

1) Plan Ahead: Consider the future use of the garage when determining what size to buy. What used to be a standard height of 70” often isn’t enough to get many full size vehicles under. Add a top rack, or put a 4-wheeler in the back of a pick-up, and you’re not getting in. Also consider a wider door to keep from taking your side mirrors off. Some garage door manufacturers make doors in several widths and heights without custom order charges. Another important ‘plan ahead’ thing is headroom. The amount of clearance between the top of the door and the trusses or ceiling can determine how well your door works, how long it lasts, and how well it seals. If you can allow 18” of headroom, you can order a door with a gradual 15” radius track and still have room for an electric operator. It will work much better than a 12” radius track, or a low headroom application. Also, be sure to order the door so that it’s there, installed, when you need it. No one stocks all sizes, of all colors, insulated and non-insulated of every model door. Lead times range from two to six weeks, depending on the manufacturer.

2) Budget For A Quality Door: You’ve heard it before, ‘You get what you pay for’ If you pay for a $200 door, you’re going to get a $200 door and quite possibly be frustrated. Prices can vary between brands and models due to: gauges of steel (door panels, hinges and track), 7 or 10 ball bearing rollers, steel or nylon rollers, size and cycle life of springs, types of springs, how many springs, type of warranty offered, and type of paint finish. Buy a good quality door. Not only will they last longer, they will generally work better.

3) Consult A Professional Door Company: When you are designing your garage, talk to a garage door company. Use their experience and knowledge to help you find the doors and options that will best suit your needs. Also, consider a professional installation. You may be surprised at the rates to have a garage door professionally installed. Every new garage door comes with installation instructions, warning stickers, and caution flags. None, however, come with years of installation experience and insurance policies covering you from ‘gotchas’ and ‘knuckle busters’ to liability for the rest of that doors’ operating life. A good door company offers free estimates, timely service and a warranty on labor. Installation rates vary with door sizes, track configuration and location of the installation. If you choose to install the door yourself, read the instructions, use the proper tools, and don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice.

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