Is your garage door looking a little long in the tooth, or no longer fit for purpose? Before you rush out to buy a replacement, stop and think about a few of the following points so that the decision you make is the right one.
Is an upgrade an option?
Some garage doors are still entirely serviceable but might lack the more modern features that you’re looking for.
In that case, you should see if retrofitting an existing door with an upgrade that improves its security and efficiency is the most affordable and convenient option.
You can do this by checking out a LiftMaster dealer and seeing if there are compatible garage door openers that enable you to automate the control of this key access point.
Does a replacement door suit the look and age of your property?
A garage door isn’t just a functional component of your home, but actually has a major impact on the aesthetics. So if you don’t want your property’s curb appeal to take a nosedive, ensure that you’re picking a door that matches the look and general vibe of the rest of the premises.
For example, if your home is quaint and traditional in its design, such as some homes from the colonial era to the modern age, you don’t want to choose an ultra-modern garage door that is perhaps in a style and hue that clashes rather than blending in. This would only make sense if it happens as part of a wider transformation of the exterior.
How does the material impact durability and maintenance?
Garage doors are made out of a few different materials, and knowing how these will impact your responsibilities from a maintenance perspective is sensible before you pull the trigger.
A wooden garage door, for example, is the most high-maintenance of the bunch, as it will need to be repainted and sealed against the elements over the years, and might not survive if you neglect it for a season or two. That said, it will have the most natural and rustic look to it, which might be what you’re after.
A door made from aluminum will be resistant to common types of corrosion, and will also be lightweight, but could be more costly than a steel equivalent, which offers similar performance at a lower price point.
What will windows add to the equation?
Another lynchpin decision you need to make is whether to choose a garage door that has windows installed in it, or one which is completely opaque.
Windows have upsides and drawbacks. For one, they let light into the garage and make it a more welcoming place without needing artificial illumination during daylight hours. Unfortunately, windows also have to be washed to get rid of dirt and grime, and also pose a potential security issue as they let people peek in and see what valuables you’re storing in your garage.
How much will a replacement cost you?
New garage doors don’t come cheap, and we’ve already mentioned how material choice will impact what you have to spend to secure a new one.
For those on a budget, steel and wood examples may be the most affordable, while composite and aluminum counterparts tend to cost more, although this varies by brand as well as by region.
It’s usually cheaper to refresh and upgrade an existing door and to carry out regular maintenance so that it stays in tip-top condition.
The bottom line
The pros and cons of replacing a garage door have to be considered from your unique perspective. That way whatever you decide, you can safely say that it makes sense in your circumstances.
