Garage door replacements don’t come up too often in one’s lifetime so when it does you need to be confident you are making the right choice. As such, we compiled the top 4 factors to consider when you are faced with a garage door replacement.

Garage Door Replacements Factor 1: Material is Key!

It is extremely important to delve deep into the pros and cons of each garage door material type before purchasing your new garage door. Without a doubt, the most popular garage door material is steel. Steel garage doors are typically insulated to be more energy efficient than wood doors and generally require lower maintenance than wood garage doors. Wood garage doors, while oftentimes the most attractive of the garage door types, often require constant maintenance in the form of repainting and re-staining, and typically cost more than steel garage doors. Aluminum garage doors are typically the least expensive of the garage door types as well as the most lightweight (and thus easiest to lift manually) however aluminum garage doors are also the most prone to dent.

Garage Door Replacements Factor 2: Complement Your Entry Door

Looking to really upgrade the curb appeal of your home? We highly recommend matching your front entry door with your new garage door! The economic benefits of garage door replacements are crystal clear (see The Cost vs. Value Analysis Research), and complementing your new garage door with your entry (or new entry door) can really boost the overall value of your home even more.

Things to keep in mind, obviously you don’t want to put a contemporary looking aluminum and/or glass garage door on a traditional Colonial home or a carriage style garage door on a contemporary home. Also, if your new garage door has windows, be mindful of the shape of the windows and the size of the window grilles that you choose.

Garage Door Replacements Factor 3: Consider Adding Windows

Speaking of windows, choosing a new garage door with windows adds a nice touch to the overall attractiveness of your home. Please do not underestimate the visual impact of adding windows to your garage door. Most people don’t realize the difference a few windows on a garage door can make, so we recommend speaking with our professional garage door installers and let them show you visually just what this little change would look like on your home.

Garage Door Replacements Factor 4: Insulation Can Save You Cash

Consider the insulation value (“R-value”) of your garage door replacements.  The higher the R-value of the garage door, the greater the insulation value and energy efficiency. If you live in a temperate climate, insulation may not be a very important issue for you. However, if you live in a colder climate, or have finished living space above your garage, or plan to heat or cool your garage because you are using it for purposes other than parking cars (i.e., a workshop or laundry area), the garage door’s R-value is definitely something to consider. The cons of getting a new garage door with a high R-value is the cost – typically, the higher the R-value of the garage door, the higher the price.

Garage doors are often times taken for granted when it comes to home improvement projects, which is a shame because as we’ve pointed out in several articles (Garage Doors Los Angeles, Garage Doors San Diego, Garage Doors Orange County), garage door replacement ranks at or near the top when it comes to increasing the value of your home. But other than for pure economic reasons, what are the top signs that it’s time to replace your current garage door?

The Noise Factor

Your garage door should not create a lot of noise when opening or closing. Technological advancements in garage door design over the past decade allow for newer garage doors to operate in very smooth and quiet manner. If your garage door tends to be noisy, for the benefit of your family and neighbors, you may want to consider replacement.

Constant Maintenance Required

If you haven’t been diligent in following these simple maintenance tips over the years, you may have found yourself calling to have your garage door serviced more often than you expected. Money spent on service calls, labor, and parts associated with garage door repair can add up over time. If this describes your situation, you may want to consider spending your next dollar in purchasing replacement garage doors instead of investing any more money into your current garage doors.

Garage Doors Slowing Down

Have you noticed a significant change in how rapidly your garage door responds when you try to raise or lower it? It should take only a moment between hitting the opener button and your garage door beginning its operation. If there’s any sort of delay, especially a lengthy one, it’s time to have your door examined by a professional who can identify any issues or take it as a sign to replace.

Lack of Safety and Efficiency Features

Unlike older garage doors, more modern garage doors typically provide great insulation to keep the cold out and heat inside. This can make a serious dent in your monthly energy bills, potentially making up the cost of garage door replacement over a few years. New garage doors also include the latest in safety technology, including automatic reversal if the door comes into contact with an unexpected object. If your aging door does not provide the safety and security you want, it’s time to consider a new garage door.