Garage doors are a large investment and choosing the right one can be an intimidating feat. From style to material and windows to locks, there are a lot of things to consider, some of which are easily forgotten. To help you get on the right track, we’ve come up with a short guide to choosing the perfect garage door so you can have the perfect home for your car (and unwanted furniture) in no time.

Find Your Own Style

Shopping around can be a hassle at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Many garage door manufacturers will have a buyer’s guide, which can make things easier. It’s not all about looks but a garage can add a lot to the aesthetic of your home, so it’s important to keep in mind the style of your house and your own personal preference of doors.

Look for doors that have similar characteristics to the rest of your home. A traditionally styled exterior, for example, should be complemented by traditionally styled garage doors rather than something more contemporary. This could also help if you decide to sell your house later down the line. Shopping around is worth the time spent to get the initial ideas in place before you make your final decision.

Choose A Material

As with the style, the material that you choose for your garage doors is also important and should complement the home. Aluminium doors require little maintenance and they are also rust proof which is great for the harsher weather. Naturally lightweight, they are also easy to operate. Steel is more durable than aluminium and comes in a lot of styles, colours and finishes, although they tend to be heavier.

Wooden garage doors have a much more natural look and feel, as you would expect, and can be custom made to your exact specifications. The doors can come as standard in a predesigned style, usually either fully boarded or windowed, or you can have something created that is fully bespoke to suit your garage’s needs and your own personal preference.

Insulation

If the garage is to be a main entryway for the home then it may be worth considering insulated doors, especially if you opt for aluminium or wood. Insulated garage doors can help lower the cost of heating your home and as garages are increasingly being used for more than just storing cars, it can be a good investment.

It’s also worth noting that insulated doors help with noise pollution which is especially handy for people who live on busy roads and something that you may want to consider if it’s an entry point to the home.

Springs

One thing that many people forget to consider is the springs. If you opt for a manual garage door, you’ll want to spend time considering which springs or hinges are the best option. Springs generally come in two types, Torsion, which are the most comment, and Extension.

Torsion springs use torque springs which are tightly wound coils of metal which turn when extended. Because of this, torsion springs are considered safer and more durable, with less chance of causing injury when they break. They usually come in sets of one to four and have four different types: standard, steel rolling, early set and torque master.

Extension springs come in three different types: clipped ends, open looped and double looped. They work by expanding and contracting when the garage door is lowered or raised and should always be used alongside safety cables, as they can be volatile when broken and can cause damage to the garage door and sometimes injury. It’s always advised to keep an eye on the springs and check regularly for signs of wear as they can go out quite easily when not properly maintained. If you’re unsure, always ask a professional.

Finding the right garage doors for you and your home can take a little time and thought, but it is worth putting the effort in and doing a little research on not just the types of doors but also the manufacturer. Just like any other investment, it pays to shop around a little.