Many people make the mistake of Buying a Garage Door that’s either too expensive because they assume it is the best or the cheapest because they think all garage doors are the same. However, if your garage door is shaking, you hear squeaking, or it isn’t level, you might want to invest in a new garage door, perhaps one of a higher quality. 

The critical thing to keep in mind is that garage doors aren’t a one size fits all type of thing. That’s why it is vital that you know what you need before buying and getting it installed. Also, consider the fact that once the garage door is installed, it becomes a prominent part of your home, possibly for years. That is why appearances matter a great deal during the selection process. 

Provide Security 

Almost every homeowner wants to make sure that their home is secure, which is why security is a significant priority. Some garage doors are designed with openers equipped with rolling code technology. That means the security code continues to change each time a button on the remote is pressed to open or close the garage door. It is similar to the rolling code of a vehicle’s remote locking system. The technology helps ensure that unauthorized people don’t steal the opener’s code. In fact, it is near impossible with billions of combinations. 

Safety Features 

Now, if your garage is located in what’s labeled as a high traffic area, or you have kids and pets, you will want to install a garage door with a safety sensor or a series of sensors. The sensors work by detecting if there is an object or a person in its path while closing. If there is something in its path, the door will stop and then start reversing. Most garage doors have this safety built into them but always double-check before making a purchase. 

Garage Door Material 

Today, you can buy a garage door made from steel, wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, amongst other materials. 

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when deciding on material: 

• Those who are chasing that vintage visual appeal will often choose a wooden garage door. That said, wood requires the most maintenance, too, and if not maintained, they don’t last very long. 
• The other choice you’ve got is steel. Steel is highly durable and one of the least expensive garage door options out there. If anything, you can’t go wrong with steel, especially those latest ones with a wood grain finish. 
• If you want something lightweight and cost-effective, fiberglass is a good option. However, the material is prone to cracking when exposed to extreme temperatures. 
• If you want a metal garage door that does not rust, aluminum is a good option. Aluminum garage doors work well in weather where moisture is a major issue. 
• Finally, there is viny, which is a relatively new material, especially in the garage door industry. Vinyl is both durable and offers low maintenance. 

Check Out the Motor 

You will always want to pay special attention to the garage door’s electric motor’s horsepower rating (HP). The horsepower will vary across various models. If you are in the market for a heavy garage door, you will want to buy a motor with the highest possible horsepower. Lightweight garage doors, on the other hand, can work perfectly with lower power electric motors. 

The Right Look

You always want to buy a garage door that will blend in with the style and ambiance of your home and probably the neighborhood. For instance, consider if you want windows in the garage door or would you instead prefer a solid door panel? After all, you can buy a garage door in different styles, so take your time to shop around for what looks the best. 

Paying the Cost 

We often tell people that you shouldn’t buy a garage door based on what it costs. Though you should consider your budget, it is one of many other factors. But you’ll want to buy a garage door within your budget that offers the most possible usable and practical features. 

The Convenience of Your Garage Door 

You may also want to consider making your garage door more convenient to use. One of the ways to do that is to add a smartphone kit or maybe a wireless keypad to the garage door opener, which makes it more convenient to open and close. 

Conclusion 

Adding a garage door is one of the most important considerations and additions to any home. You will use it for many years to come, so it has to be durable, secure, and reliable. That way, you can enjoy years of trouble-free service life. 

Author Bio: Ran Kroynish is an experienced handyman who’s been working for Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair for 10 years. When he’s not fixing garage doors, he likes to share his repair ideas and knowledge with others.