Garage doors are one of the most important parts of any household. In addition to the protection and safety of your vehicles and stored items, it is also a vital part of the aesthetics of your home. That’s why picking the best garage door is a significant decision that needs to be taken carefully. There are many different types of garage doors on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will provide you with useful tips to help you choose the best gate for your garage. Or if you want to get garage door repair in Arlington, in this article we give you the best advice on choosing the best door for your garage in terms of safety, aesthetics, and functionality.
About the appropriate material
Commonly used materials are steel, wood, and aluminum. With wooden garage doors, you get a huge range of prices with different types of wood, and the most common types are usually cedar, oak, and larch. The material of the door leaf also affects the overall potential performance of the garage door. Steel garage doors are generally the strongest and sectional doors can be supplied with double panels up to 42 mm thick with incredible strength and insulation properties.
Wood is very versatile, and the design is limitless if you don’t fit the standard design. Aluminum is often used for roller shutter doors and specialized sectional doors.
Sometimes the material required for the garage door is dictated by the appearance of the house, local planning regulations, or perhaps even the location. For example, if we live in a coastal area, it would not be a good idea to use steel garage doors that are prone to corrosion, especially when we are constantly exposed to salt water, and probably, you will need some repair of your garage door in Arlington. Aluminum garage doors, as well as certain types of natural, durable wood, will be the best choice.
If you prefer the look of wood but don’t have the time or inclination to look after your garage door, then you may want to consider a steel top and top area or a sectional door with a wood laminate finish, which are now available in a variety of colors.
About the mechanism of work
Many people choose their garage door based on design and size but pay little attention to how it may or may not work.
The operating mechanism on which your garage door is based:
- sectional;
- roll;
- awnings;
- with side loops.
It largely depends on the space available inside and outside the garage.
If you have a narrow garage and limited space at the entrance, it is better to buy a roller gate, rather than a complete one. If your garage has a low ceiling, you may want to consider side swing doors instead of sectionals, as the latter requires a bit more height. Side-hinged garage doors have huge advantages over regular garages because they only open on one side for ingress and egress, just like a regular door.
Remember to carefully check the dimensions of the garage door to make sure it fits well with the opening of the garage door.
If you are going to use an electric door opening mechanism, check with a specialist about the best combination of door and motor. The most of modern garage doors from STI Garage Door can be easily and safely automated, but it may cost you more if you need fix your garage door in Arlington.
The growth of high-tech products
The increase in remote control electric garage doors since the mid-1990s, combined with the rising cost of automobiles. It has led to a demand for safer garage doors that come in many different designs, sizes, and complex mechanisms, making it difficult for the homeowner to choose.
Homeowners have come to rely on increasingly high-tech products to protect their home investment, and garage doors are no exception.
We also recognize that most garages are now used for activities other than vehicle storage, such as a gym, workshop, playroom, office, or general store, and this has led to the need for garage doors with greater insulating properties than any when earlier.
Don’t rely only on price alone
Prices vary mainly depending on the material and size. For example, wooden doors are usually more expensive compared to steel or fiberglass garage doors. One possibility is aluminum or steel doors with a laminated finish designed to reproduce a very realistic wood effect.
The mechanism or technology used can also have a very important effect on the price. In addition, factors such as insulation, glazing, factory finishes, or special dimensions contribute to the price increase, but a tip: you need to be careful with “cheap” garage doors because they may have too large elements or cheap parts, insufficient panel hardness or motor with a small power, which is especially relevant in hinges and other safety elements of garage doors.
Reliability and service
Most modern garage doors don’t really require much maintenance, even wooden doors properly treated before or during installation can have protection that only requires cleaning. GRP garage doors and PVC doors are virtually maintenance-free, just keep them clean. Swing and sectional gates are usually galvanized and painted with modern technologies and paints that last a long time. A good quality wooden garage door can last a very long time.
Protective mechanisms
Door safety mechanisms require attention, especially if the gate is used a lot or if you live near the coast, where the corrosive effects of salt water can cause problems if left unchecked. Higher-quality garage door openers tend to have galvanized components for maximum lifespan. Regular lubrication, regular cleaning, and regular inspection of moving parts is recommended. A remote controlled garage door is considered a “machine” from a legal point of view, so obviously it needs maintenance, but most modern electric operators have nylon belts that don’t need oiling.
For example, when it comes to security, garage doors, for example, from STI Garage Door, are equipped with a wide range of security mechanisms. Therefore, you will be able to find for yourself different systems with lifting, sliding, sectional, or rolling gates, as well as with all components, which certifies these combinations.
Conclusion
Thanks to our advice, you can now be sure that you know how and which door is best for you. We are glad that we were able to help you take a step towards the safety and practicality of your garage.
