Three Garage Door Shopping Tips

Posted on: 20 February 2020

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A garage door can serve you faithfully for many years. However, at a certain point you may decide you need a new garage door. There can be many reasons for the change. Sometimes a garage door becomes severely damaged due to a collision. In other cases, it simply no longer fits your family's needs. When you start shopping for a new garage door, you may be overwhelmed by the options. Here are three things you can do to narrow down your search and make the choice easy.

1. Decide if you want to keep your current motor.

Most homeowners have automatic garage doors that raise and lower with the push of a button. These systems are highly convenient, especially for people with mobility concerns. When shopping for a garage door, decide if you want to keep your current motor. Automatic garage door systems require particular types of garage doors, usually those that are modular in nature. If you don't want to upgrade your entire system, you will have to look for a garage door that is compatible with your current motor.

2. Choose the right material.

Garage doors can be made from a few different materials. Wood is one option. People who prefer natural materials and a rustic finish may enjoy the classiness of a wooden garage door. However, solid wood tends to be heavy, and it can put additional stress on your garage door motor. Vinyl is another common material. This plastic is lightweight yet durable. It's stain-resistant and easy to clean. Aluminum is yet another option. It's the lightest of all metals, which makes it great for automatic garage door systems. It can be painted to mimic other natural materials, and it is easy to repair in the event of a collision.

3. Decide if you need ventilation and natural light.

Garages are designed to house cars, but that isn't all homeowners use them for. Some homeowners choose to convert their garage into a hobby room, workshop, or a second living room. If you're using your garage for something other than storage, you may want the option of adding extra ventilation and sunlight to the space. You can find garage doors that feature windows for this purpose. These garage doors tend to be manual, which can be a downside for some homeowners. However, these doors also have the potential to make your garage much more comfortable for your family.

Learn more about garage door services from a company like Shank Door today.