Several homeowners want to install a garage door. If you choose the right garage door, it will last for decades, and sometimes even a lifetime. Therefore, it is suggested that you spend time and effort in deciding what you need and avoid making the wrong purchase decision.
Here are five things that you must consider when you get out to buy a garage door:
1. Opt for an In-Person Quote
Purchasing a garage door on the phone or online is not recommended. Every garage has unique measurements and details. You need an expert to visit your premises to check the details like opening shape and size, headroom and side clearance, and the choice of the right garage door design for your property. If anything goes wrong in an online purchase, no one will be accountable. So, make sure technicians or garage door contractors visit your premises to understand your requirements before you order the door.
2. Avoid Wood Doors
While wood looks fantastic and natural when it is new, you need to devote a lot of time and effort to its upkeep. Natural finishes frequently require recoating. And if you avoid small scratches and wear and tear, you will have no choice but to sand off all the finish and restart to give your door a new look again.
3. Improve Insulation
If you want to get an insulated door to keep your garage warm and save on the energy bills, be prepared to pay a little extra. Having an insulated garage door adds functionality to the area, especially if you want to use it as a work or play area. The R-value indicates the insulating effectiveness of a garage door. For better insulation, opt for the larger number.
4. Choose Beefier or Torsion Springs
The most important element of a garage door is the spring. It helps your garage door go up and down. If you don’t want to hassle with garage door spring repair frequently, you must choose a spring according to usage. Torsion springs last for around 10,000 cycles. Beefier springs, on the other hand, are rated for 20,000 cycles. The cost of beefier springs is higher, but it gives twice the life.
5. Purchase a New Opener at the Same Time
The technician who installs a new door can also install a new garage door opener. An opener does wear out with time, so if you want a quieter opener or your existing opener is showing its age, it is time for a replacement. Replacing it at the right time will save you from the expenses of garage door opener repair. If you purchase a door and an opener together, you should be able to negotiate a package deal.
Installation is also a key factor to consider before purchasing a new garage door. While you could save a few dollars by making it a DIY project, it is not a good idea. There’s plenty of parts, and you will need to spend a lot of time to be able to put them together. You need special tools and a lot of arm strength to wind the spring. It could be dangerous to do it on your own.