A garage door is not a purchase that you make every day and it is because of this that knowing what to look for in one might be challenging. Garage doors are an integral part of the home and can have a huge impact on security and the overall aesthetics of your home. To help you narrow your focus, here are some considerations to make while shopping.
Is an Insulated Door Necessary?
Whether your garage stays open or closed, it plays a role in how energy efficient your home is. Air can enter your home through the door and lead to your home's heating and cooling system working harder to keep the desired temperature. As a result, your energy costs can increase.
One method of limiting the amount of air that gets in and out of your home is to have an insulated garage door. The door creates a tight seal that makes it difficult for air to pass through.
An added bonus of an insulated garage door is that it can help to reduce noise.
How Safe Is the Door?
Security extends beyond whether or not a door is solid enough to keep burglars out. It also applies to whether or not it can resist environment elements, such as hurricane level winds.
The size of your garage door causes it to be more vulnerable to wind damage. To protect your door and lower the chances that it will be damaged, there are features you can add to it. For instance, the addition of more braces and a heavier gauge tracking helps to keep your door in place in case there is a hurricane.
If you live in an area in which tornadoes, hurricanes, and heavy rains are common, look for a storm-ready door. The doors are built with a system in place that is designed to stand up to those conditions.
Is Steel or Wood Better?
There are many types of garage doors available, but steel and wood doors are popular among homeowners. Each type of door has its own advantages that you should consider.
For instance, a steel door can be insulated and requires little maintenance. A wood door is not insulated, but is available in a wider variety of styles and colors and it is more cost-effective than the steel.
The decision of which garage door is best for your home is up to you, but consider consulting with an expert before making your final decision. For more information, contact El Paso Door Company or a similar organization.
