What You Need To Know About Replacing Your Garage Door

Does your garage face the street?  If it does, it is a big part of the curb appeal of your home and is a focal point of your home.  You want to make sure that your garage is in good shape and matches the rest of the exterior of your home.  A new up to date garage door can increase your homes curb appeal which would increase the value of your home.  If your garage door is outdated and needs to be refreshed, here is some important information you should know before updating your garage door.

Project Timing

Before you begin your garage renovation project, you should think about what time of year it would be best to do this renovation.  Replacing a garage is hard work that has to be done outdoors.  You ideally want the weather to be warm and dry (definitely avoid rain).  So the best times of year would be Spring and Fall.  It is too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.

Contractors

You might think installing a new garage is a great DIY project.  Think again! It is definitely not a great DIY project. Find a good contractor that is a professional at garage doors.

Permit

Depending on where you live, you may  have to get a permit.  Some cities require a permit because it is considered as a exterior wall.  Your contractor should be able to tell you if you need a permit or not.  You can also contact your county and ask.

Material

There are 5 different types of material that can be used for a garage door.  They are:

• Fiberglass/Vinyl – These options are friendly on the wallet.  They will not rust, but may crack in cold weather. You will be limited in your design choices.
• Steel – Steel can rust, which is why it should be avoided in coastal areas.  It is not as expensive as wood.
• Tempered Glass – Tempered glass is placed in an aluminum or wood frame.  It is a great look for a modern or contemporary home.
• Aluminum – Aluminum is a great choice for coastal homes because it does not rust.  It does cost more than steel.
• Wood – Wood garage doors are the most expensive and have the most design options.

Door Types

There are three door types that can be made in a manual or automatic, remote-operated garage door.

• Swing-out – Swing out doors are double doors that swing out when you open them.  This isn’t the best option because if it snows, the doors will not open.
• Sectional – Sectional garages are the most common types of garage doors.  They are the type that scroll up and down on tracks.
• Sliding – Sliding garage doors are also known as barn-style garage doors.  They slide open to the side, which requires a wider garage wall for when the door is open.

Depending on the garage’s orientation and size, your garage door is probably one of the most visible components of your home, Changing your garage door will give your home the chance to enhance its design and beauty.  It will also increase your return on investment when you sell your home.  The above information will help you get started on your garage improvement plans.