Five Questions That Will Help You Buy a New Garage Door

If you look at the exterior of your home, you’ll notice that the garage door is the largest component you can see. When you consider it’s also the largest piece of equipment throughout your home that moves, it quickly becomes clear just how important it is. If you want to be proud of your home, your new garage door should:

• Enhance the overall appearance from the street
• Work efficiently and require little maintenance to look and work well
• Provide quality performance that will last for years

Most people don’t know a lot about garage doors, and that’s not a problem. Just read the following and discover the five questions you need to ask before you buy a new garage door.

Which Material Is the Right Option?

Garage doors come in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, fiberglass, steel and aluminum.

• Wood garage doors are the oldest options available, and they offer plenty of versatility and natural beauty thanks to the grain. They are available with painted or stained finishes, and range from the budget friendly wood composite to the more expensive solid construction. Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that wood doors require maintenance to keep them looking nice.
• Fiberglass doors have the highest price point other than wood, but require very little maintenance over the years. These options are available in cedar, oak and other wood‑grain finishes, providing the beauty without the need for re‑staining or painting.
• Steel and aluminum doors make up around 85% of the doors available in North American markets today. These options are cheaper than any of the others, have plenty of insulation and don’t require much maintenance over the years. Aluminum is the lightest option available, but both provide durability and come in a variety of styles and colors.
• Vinyl garage doors have a higher initial cost than the other choices available, but require no maintenance. The scratch-resistant material also makes sure it will continue looking great, even after years of use.

How Do I Choose the Right Company?

Due to the lack of monitoring over the garage door industry in the US and Canada, it means you have to take care with the company you choose. Make sure the one you’re considering can provide proof of insurance over their employees, which will make sure you and your home are protected against any damage that might occur during installation or due to accidents.

Your ideal company should

• Assist you in a courteous and professional manner
• Immediately respond to requests for references from previous clients
• Have uniformed technicians that are in clean vans or trucks
• Carry enough insurance to cover your home and their employees
• Provide written warranties that cover the materials and the labor

Garage door accidents occur frequently, and it is usually due to poor installation or maintenance. This makes it vitally important that you choose a company that has certified employees that are trained in safety procedures.

Is It Really Time to Replace My Garage Door?

Garage doors have a high accident rate, which is why it is important that you replace yours before it contributes to issues that increase those statistics by harming you or your family. If you know your door isn’t operating in the proper manner, that is one of the main reasons you should replace it.

Your garage door is a major part of your home’s appearance, and if there are dents, cracks, peeling paint or rust on the panels, it definitely gives visitors a poor first impression and diminishes the curb appeal. If your home’s façade is suffering due to the appearance of the garage door, it’s time to replace it.

Another good reason for replacement is if you find yourself spending much more time or money on maintenance to keep the door functioning properly and looking good.

Which Retailers Should I Consider?

Whether you go with a big-box store, a dedicated garage door company or a window and door dealer, you need to make sure you’re working with reputable garage door specialists. Take the time to learn about the company and the technicians to make sure they have plenty of on‑the‑job training – this will ensure they understand the techniques necessary for difficult garage door installations.

Many companies have a motto along the lines of “Quality work time after time!”, but there is more to consider. The company should either invite you to their showroom so you can see the inventory and what’s available, or schedule a time for a salesperson to visit you in your home. You’ll want to look for a company that offers quick installation, along with one that has their own installers and guarantees all materials and work performed on the door.

Do I Really Understand the Warranty?

When reading the warranty, make sure you go through all of it, including the fine print. It should state that it covers all the components, including electrical parts, sections, windows and insulation. The warranty should also state that it covers labor and parts, along with exactly what isn’t included in it.

Consider This…

No matter who you choose, you just need to remember that the quality of both the door and the installation have a direct impact on the long-term performance and durability of your garage door.

Contact us at 905-684-8161 with any questions you may still have about buying a new garage door, or send a request for a free quote. We guarantee all work and respond to any service needs within a few hours, making sure you are always satisfied.

If you aren’t sure which options you want, upload a picture of your home and use our Design Centre to create a garage door that truly matches your style and your home.