One of the best affordable things you can do to improve the value of your home is to replace your old garage door. The number one home improvement item with the highest ROI in the United States in 2024 was replacing a garage door, measuring in at 194%. When it’s time to replace your garage door, you’ll likely have a lot of options to choose from. But picking the right door isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an old, outdated door, choosing the right garage door can impact the look of your home, its security, and its energy efficiency.
As a company that’s been in the garage door industry for over five decades, we’ve seen the evolution of garage doors firsthand. What was once just a simple, functional entryway has now become an integral part of a home’s design. Today, garage doors come in various styles, materials, and features to match the diverse needs of homeowners.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door
When you’re deciding on a new garage door, here are the most important factors to consider:
- Material: The material you choose will affect the durability, look, and price of your garage door. Wood doors are elegant but require more maintenance, while steel doors are more durable and low-maintenance. Insulated steel doors are great for temperature regulation, especially if your garage is attached to your home.
- Style: Your garage door should complement the architecture of your home. If you live in a modern home, a glass or aluminum door may be a perfect fit. For traditional homes, a carriage-style door with a faux wood grain finish might be more appropriate.
- Energy Efficiency: An insulated garage door can keep your garage temperature-controlled, making it more comfortable to work in. It also helps prevent energy loss, especially if your garage is attached to your home. Garage doors with higher R-values provide better insulation and can help reduce heating and cooling costs.
The Design Process: Finding the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home
At our showroom, we don’t just sell you a door, we help you design one that fits your home perfectly. I always encourage homeowners to visit the showroom so they can see the different materials, finishes, and styles in person. Seeing the doors in real life helps you get a better feel for what will complement your home’s aesthetic.
We also offer a virtual design service that allows you to see how different doors will look on your home before you make a decision. This can be especially helpful if you’re unsure about color or style choices. We take a photo of your house, and then we can “try on” different doors to see what works best.
The Value of Insulated Garage Doors
One of the biggest changes in garage door technology over the past few decades has been the improvement of insulation. An insulated garage door is not only more energy-efficient, but it can also help control the temperature inside your garage, which is particularly important if you use the space as a workshop, gym, or extra living area.
One of our staff is currently replacing the doors at their own home in a couple of weeks because their current doors are uninsulated, and the garage has become uncomfortably hot in the summer. They are planning to upgrade to thermal-efficient steelback doors with high R-values. This will make a huge difference in temperature control and improve the longevity of the things they store in my garage.
Popular Garage Door Styles
Today There are several popular styles to choose from, each with its own benefits. Here are a few to consider:
- Carriage Doors: These are popular because they provide a timeless, rustic look. Many modern versions are made of steel but feature a design that mimics the look of traditional wooden carriage house doors.
- Glass Garage Doors: These doors are sleek and modern, offering plenty of natural light. They work well for homes with contemporary designs. However, they are typically less insulated, so they’re better suited for garages that aren’t attached to the home.
- Wood-Look Doors: Many homeowners love the warmth and charm of wood, but they don’t want to deal with the maintenance. Wood-look steel doors offer the beauty of wood with the durability of steel. Some even have a non-repeating wood grain pattern that mimics the appearance of real wood.
Garage Door Installation Process
Once you’ve chosen your door, the installation process typically takes about 3-4 hours for a standard single door. If you’re also installing a new opener or upgrading other parts of the system, it may take a bit longer. Our team of professional garage door installers handles everything from taking down your old door to installing the new one. We make sure the door is properly balanced, aligned, and fully functional before we leave.
Choosing the right garage door doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for an insulated door to keep your garage comfortable or a stylish carriage door to add curb appeal, we’re here to help. Our team will guide you through the process and ensure you find a door that fits both your needs and your budget.