When it’s time to purchase a garage door, there are many things to consider. By taking time to consider things like the type of material, mechanisms, security, and the amount of maintenance required, you can make an informed decision that you won’t regret later.
Materials
Garage doors come in many different types of materials. Some are more expensive than others, and prices will vary depending on the material used. Common materials used in the construction of garage doors are steel, aluminium, fibreglass, and timber. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Timber garage doors are usually more expensive than doors made of other materials. There are many types of wood to choose from including larch, cedar wood, and hemlock. Wooden garage doors are usually custom built, and this allows you to purchase a door that will fit perfectly. Wood is also a good insulator.
Another material you should consider is steel. This is a very durable and long-lasting material that can handle extreme weather conditions, and there are a variety of designs and colours you can choose from.
Aluminium garage doors are very lightweight. Because of this, they won’t require a powerful garage door opener. Although they are lightweight, aluminium is durable and able to handle rough weather and impacts quite well.
Fibreglass garage doors are durable and won’t warp or crack like wooden doors. Furthermore, this material is a fantastic insulator and will save money on heating and cooling. Disadvantages include increased susceptibility to damage as they age, and the inability to handle extreme weather conditions.
The Garage Door Mechanism
Garage doors have many different mechanisms, and you need to figure out which one would be best for your garage before purchasing a garage door. Roller, canopy, sectional, and side hinged are all mechanisms with their own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, if your garage doesn’t have much space near the entrance, then a roller door would be better than other types of mechanisms. Side-hinged mechanisms should used by people who have low ceilings in their garage.
Security is Important
When you are looking to purchase a garage door, you need to consider how secure the door needs to be. For instance, steel is a very strong door that is secure and will deter criminals from attempting to break into your garage. Garage doors that are made out of cheap, thin material can easily be broken into, so seriously consider what material you want to use to keep your house safe. Some mechanisms are more secure than others, too. For instance, the roller shutter mechanism is much more secure than certain types of up-and-over mechanisms.
Maintenance
Another important consideration when choosing a garage door is how much maintenance it requires. You don’t want to purchase one that requires a lot of maintenance because this can be a hassle, especially for people whose lives are already very busy. Steel is a material that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Timber doors generally require a little more maintenance and care than other materials, but it’s usually not a major hassle.
Purchasing a garage door is an important decision that requires proper consideration. By thinking about the type of door and mechanism that you want, you’ll be able to purchase a garage door that meets your needs and won’t cause you problems.
This article has been contributed by Dan from rollergaragedoorsale.co.uk, an online retailer supplying a whole host of high quality garage doors in a wide range of styles, sizes and designs suitable for virtually all residential applications.
