How to Choose the Right Style Garage for your Home

P A Thompson / Getty Images

There is no doubt that your home’s interior takes all the fanfare when it comes to your decorating and home improvements, although there is no doubt that your exterior home is what makes the first impression. One area of your outdoor home that is almost always forgotten is your garage door. It’s almost the “step-child” of the home improvement world! Well no longer, if you are in the process of choosing a new garage door, here are tips to choose the right style for your home.

1. Choose a material that works for your climate

It’s easy to think of your garage door as only a functional, utilitarian door that offers shelter and security for your vehicles and storage, but it also needs to work well with your climate. Depending on your geographic location choose from metal,  fiberglass, or wood/timber for your home. Metal and fiberglass tend to be more durable and will last over time, although wood is natural and creates a beautiful aesthetic to your outdoor home. If you have salt in the air – ask your local garage door retailer what material works best to resist corrosion.

fotog / Getty Images

2. Wood garage doors are gorgeous but are an investment

Everyone loves wood! Whether you are choosing furniture or siding, the natural inherent of wood can be matched by no other material. If you have a rustic exterior home, or like the sleek and modern contemporary lines of wood garage doors – look to Cedar, Hemlock, and Larch as wood varieties to consider. Remember, wood is more costly than its metal counterparts but can give you a look that you love. Contact a custom wood door garage door manufacturer to see design options for your home.

Kypros / Getty Images

3. Metal garage doors can be strong or lightweight in construction

Depending on your home’s location, a steel or aluminum garage door could be ideal. For home’s that are in hurricane or typhoon prone locations with high winds – steel is ideal for resistance to damage as well as burglary. For home’s that are older, steel is a good option as it has longevity and can be painted in a variety of colors. Aluminum doors are durable and lightweight and are ideal for homes that don’t want to use a higher-powered motorized garage door opener.

John D. Buffington / Getty Images

4. Consider fiberglass doors for extreme temperature changes:

If you live in a climate that experiences high heat or low colder temperatures a fiberglass door is ideal. Fiberglass is durable and it also is a great insulator and will keep your heating and cooling bills from skyrocketing during the season temperature changes. Fiberglass is also more resistant to splitting and cracking unlike wood doors garage doors.  

5. Choose a style that matches the architecture of your home:

After you have chosen a material it’s time to consider what aesthetics you’d like your garage to have. Garage doors have come a long way from just being a solid field of color! Today you can get doors that have lites or windows in them and you can get doors that mimic the architectural details of your main home. From traditional carriage doors for individual doors to double sided contemporary varieties, there is no limit to your creativity! Many homeowners are seeking out garage door manufacturers that custom build garage doors.

Turnervisual / Getty Images

6. Ensure your garage door has the safety requirements you need

Just like the exterior doors of your main house your garage door needs to have the functionality to access your home and belongings but also the safety requirements to ensure it is safe from harming anyone. Based on the garage door opener and/or how the opening devices for the garage door operate will be based primarily on the space in your garage as well as what type of door you choose. Ask your garage door professional about a roller, canopy, side hinged or sectional style opening garage doors. They will be able to assess your garage for the right mechanism style.

7. Teach your family how to be safe around the garage door

While the safety mechanisms such as a motion controlled sensors for operating the door without accidentally coming down on a person or object is important. Another safety tip to consider is to teach family members and children not to play in or around garage doors. Ensure you point out the sensor area of the garage door and talk about being safe and to stand back when the garage door is being operated.

8. Before selecting a garage – understand the maintenance required for upkeep

While you may think you can purchase a garage door and never have to repair or maintain it again, think again. Like any other mechanical feature your garage door should be serviced by a garage door professional every few years to ensure the springs, mechanical parts, garage door opener and integrity of the door is still sound. Look for garage doors that won’t require a lot of maintenance. Many homeowners prefer not to use a garage door opener and to open it manually. The choice is always up to you.

9.  Adding unexpected curb appeal with your garage door façade

Another way to find the right garage door is by standing back at the street and reviewing your home as a whole.  Similarly to determining the right color for your exterior home, standing back will help you assess your entire exterior. What is it lacking? Is your garage in plain site on the front face or is it hidden behind trees? Does your garage need to coordinate with the surrounding house or can it have a design aesthetic of its own because it’s positioned facing another street? Once you answer these questions you may find by paying more attention to your garage detailing will spruce up your curb appeal.

ewg3D / Getty Images

10. Choose a garage door that works well with your family lifestyle

Once you have taken the other 9 tips into consideration, don’t forget one of the most important factors – your lifestyle. If you love the look of the glass front garage doors but have active children that play in the driveway with balls, skateboards, and neighborhood friends – you may need to reconsider one without glazing (glass). Remember your garage door should reflect your lifestyle just like your home – enjoy choosing one that makes your house and you feel great!