Top 7 Garage Entry Door Considerations

Most people don’t give much thought to a garage entry door. It’s simply a convenient way to get into your home from the garage, and vice versa. But investing in a higher quality door can have many benefits, including improved safety and efficiency. Therefore, it’s wise to weigh the following considerations when installing a garage entry door.

1. Type of Door

Your standards for a door leading from the garage to your home should be the same as for your main front door. A garage entry door should be well-built and sturdy. It should lock just as firmly as a front door while a solid core increases durability and safety.

2. Installation

Installing a door can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It requires accurate measuring and precise drilling. Safety is also a concern. You’ll need safety glasses, gloves, overalls, boots, and other items to protect yourself.

Most of the time, you can find a door that’s prehung on a frame with pre-drilled spaces for a doorknob and deadbolt lock. This can simplify matters. But unless you have some experience and knowledge, it’s best to leave door installation to a professional.

3. The International Residential Code (IRC)

Section R302.5.1 of the IRC provides guidelines and regulations for garage entry doors. Here are some of the requirements it specifies:

  • A solid wood door must be at least 1⅜ inches thick.
  • A solid core/steel door must be at least 1⅜ inches thick.
  • The door must have a 20-minute fire rating.
  • It cannot open directly to a bedroom/sleeping space.
  • Automatic/self-closure for safety and protection.

4. Steel vs. Fiberglass

Steel doors are relatively low in cost yet are weather-resistant and secure. Energy efficiency is another benefit, while little maintenance is needed unless the door is scratched. Scratches must be painted over quickly to avoid rust. Dents can be tough to fix.

Fiberglass is more resistant to wear and tear, although it can crack in an impact. Depending on your siding, a fiberglass entry door can fit aesthetically as it has a smooth surface. It can also be embossed to create a realistic grain texture. Fiberglass can also be easily painted or stained.

Wood entry doors are common as well. While steel or fiberglass can mimic their appearance, solid wood doors are notably wear-resistant, albeit more expensive. With regular painting or varnishing, they can retain their look and durability.

5. Use of Glass

Glass can be incorporated into a garage entry door if IRC guidelines are met. The material used isn’t so much of a concern as is the door’s fire rating. Therefore, the unit must be tested at an authorized laboratory before glass panes are installed.

6. Swing In or Out

An entry door for a garage can swing in or out. For safety, it’s best if the door swings out of the garage, assuming you’d have to leave the space quickly if there’s a fire. A self-closing door protects you as well, as fire and smoke will be contained inside the garage and won’t spread to the rest of your home.

7. Insulation/Energy Efficiency

Steel and fiberglass are more insulating than wood. Frame design affects efficiency as well; Energy Star-rated frames are tighter-fitting and have more insulating cores. Insulated glass panes are effective at reducing heat transfer. Insulating a door (during or after installation) will add to the cost, so it’s better to invest in a higher-quality product.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

As the nation’s largest garage door installation and repair company, Mesa Garage Doors can provide advice and assistance if you’re considering a new garage entry door. Our technicians are factory trained to provide any type of garage door service. Schedule a new door or repair estimate online or call us at (714) 989-7421 today.

/by

Benefits of Custom Wood Garage Door Installation

Wooden garage doors can be customized specifically to your needs. That’s one of the reasons they are so appealing. No material is quite as customizable as wood while maximizing form and function. If you’re considering a replacement or update, here’s a look at the perks of custom wood garage door installation.

Lots of Stylistic Options to Choose From

You can keep a natural wood color if you prefer, or use a light stain to create the shade you want. The door can also be painted in any color. Wood is the easiest garage door material to paint. Numerous types of finishes are available as well. You can therefore match the exterior of your home or spruce up your facade to improve curb appeal.

Flexibility in Size and Shape

A custom wood garage door suits a garage with a non-standard size or shape. It can be easily crafted to perfectly fit the dimensions. If you need extra storage space or have a recreational vehicle, a wood garage door is a good choice. Custom sizing any other type of door is much more difficult and costly.

Different Types of Wood to Pick From

Plywood, while the least expensive type of wood door, can be made to look more upscale with a hardwood veneer. Other common types of wood garage doors include cedar, which is highly resistant to decay, and redwood, which resists rot and warping when built in thinner layers. Composite wood (which is recycled) is often as solid as steel and resistant to rotting and cracking.

Wood Garage Doors Are Well-Insulated

Wood is a natural insulator so helps protect your home against heat or cold. It can contribute to greater energy efficiency as well. Manufacturers can add more insulating layers and materials if necessary, depending on the needs of your home, further adding to the value that wood provides.

A Custom Garage Door Can Fit Any Budget

Custom wood garage door installation is budget-friendly. If you’re looking to save, a lighter-weight door can be installed. You can go for a simpler design as well. But if you have the budget, custom wood garage doors can feature a toughened design, polished wood, and a range of functional and decorative features to meet your wants and needs. Either way, your garage door will be high-quality and extremely durable.

Installation and Labor Warranty

Custom garage door manufacturers and dealers usually provide a generous warranty and guarantee on their labor and workmanship. You can save significantly if repairs are needed later. Oftentimes, you’ll receive years of protection, although every warranty differs in terms of what is covered. Always read the fine print.

Wood Garage Doors Are Durable

When protected against weather and moisture, wooden doors hold up well. It’s not easy to dent a wood garage door. Also, scratches, dings, and scuffs are not as common as with other materials. You can reduce wear and tear by taking the right steps early on and by keeping up with regular maintenance.

Wood Is a Renewable Material

Wood is a natural, renewable material. Therefore, customizing and owning a garage door made of wood can have a positive impact on the environment. Your carbon footprint is reduced by having a wood garage door built and installed in your home.

Schedule Custom Wood Garage Door Installation Today

Mesa Garage Doors is an experienced builder of custom wood garage doors and can meet any design criteria. We provide wood sectional garage doors that look like older swing doors, so there’s no compromise in style vs. functionality. Each product is expertly crafted, beautiful, and low-maintenance. To request assistance in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura County, or receive a new wood garage door estimate, contact us online or call 714-989-7421.

/by