Car ownership and American identity has deep seated roots, as cars serve as a part of our daily life. Garages often take center stage on the facade of a home, in an attempt to make it as convenient as possible for homeowners to leave and come back to their home. The garage door takes up a wide expanse of your home's aesthetic, and garage door styles play an important role in shaping the function and aesthetic of your home.
Garage doors typically last 15 years or more, and many homeowners rarely consider replacing them. But if your garage door has seen better days, replacing it presents a fantastic opportunity to elevate your home's curb appeal while enjoying a range of performance upgrades.
Modern garage doors offer a wide variety of materials, styles, and features that far exceed the simple designs of the past. They now include options for enhanced insulation and low-maintenance designs, all of which can greatly improve the exterior of your home while providing practical benefits.
Wondering how to choose a garage door for your home? Read on to find out which garage door types are available, which garage door styles fit your aesthetic, and other factors to consider when choosing new garage doors.
Types of Garage Doors
The type of material you choose for your garage door has the greatest influence on its performance, as each option provides distinct advantages in durability, maintenance, and appearance. Three of the most popular garage door types include:
Steel Garage Doors
The most popular material for contemporary garage doors, steel is a great choice for its strength, durability, and low maintenance requirements. With most new models featuring steel panels reinforced with rigid foam insulation, steel panels are energy efficient and insulating. Many steel doors are designed with an embossed wood-grain texture, inserted glass panels, or a sleek, smooth finish, providing numerous options to complement your home's aesthetic.
Steel doors typically come with warranties starting at 10 years, and some even offer limited lifetime coverage.
Wooden Garage Doors
Once upon a time, wood was once the most common material for garage doors. But due to its higher maintenance requirements, its popularity has fallen off in favor of more durable, manmade materials. However, wood doors still offer the charming natural beauty and warmth that many homeowners want. Trendy garage designs include fusion materials, like wood and metal, to create an aesthetic where traditional meets modern.
Wooden doors require regular painting or staining to preserve their appearance and protect them from the elements. While they typically come with shorter warranties compared to steel or plastic doors, this can vary by manufacturer. Despite the additional upkeep, wood doors remain a preferred option for those looking for a classic, upscale look.
Fiberglass Garage Doors
When considering new garage doors, durability should be a key factor in your decision-making. Fiberglass garage doors are highly durable, resistant to dents, dings, and weather damage, and unlike wood, they won't rot or crack. Its exterior often mimics the appearance of natural wood grain, making it a great affordable option for those who want the aesthetic of wooden garage doors without the associated maintenance costs.
One of the main advantages of fiberglass is its energy efficiency, from its lightweight yet strong material. Their multi-layered construction with foam insulation significantly reduces heat transfer, helping to maintain stable garage temperatures and lower energy costs.
However, when repairs are needed for fiberglass doors, it's nearly impossible to DIY a repair on your own. Call Balanced Garage Doors for a prompt and professional response on all your fiberglass needs.
Styles of Garage Doors
When choosing garage door styles, the world is your oyster. Whether you're drawn to traditional, carriage-house, or modern designs, you'll be able to find or customize a style that can match your taste. Modern garage door styles feature countless combinations of panels, window placements, and decorative hardware to create the perfect look.
Some of the most popular designs include:
- Traditional Raised Panel: A timeless design with rectangular panels that complements a variety of home styles
- Carriage House: Meant to hold carriages and horses, these garage doors have evolved for the modern age of cars but retain the same aesthetic of wood with iron hinges and hardware.
- Contemporary: With sleek lines and often incorporating glass panels, these doors are perfect for modern and minimalist homes.
- Mediterranean: Often with arched tops and decorative hardware, these doors complement Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes.
- Craftsman: Known for their simple, clean lines and often including windows, these doors are ideal for Craftsman and bungalow-style homes.
If none of these fit your vision board, don't worry — garage door customizations offer a broader palette for you to choose from. From painting a perfect color match to changing hardware or incorporating glass, you'll be able to achieve your desired look by working with a designer at Balanced Garage Doors.
Balanced Garage Doors Sets You Up For Success
When considering how to choose a garage door, don't forget about proper installation. Installing a garage door is a detailed process that demands skill and expertise. At Balanced Garage Doors, we ensure precise installation to enhance functionality, achieve your desired aesthetic, while adhering to all safety concerns while in use. Contact us today for a free consultation!
