Basics on Garage Doors


Your garage door may have a high impact on the energy efficiency of your garage or even of your home - if it is attached to the garage.

To attain thermal comfort, or to improve your house energy efficiency, an insulated garage door is crucial.

Types of garage doors

Wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl garage doors involve different prices and also different insulation performances.

See, for more information:
Steel garage doors
Wood garage doors
Aluminum garage doors
Fiberglass and vinyl garage doors

Choosing a garage door

If your garage is a mere car parking and item storing place, detached from your home, where you do not pass much time, then a simple and cheap door, based on a single sheet of galvanized steel can be a good option.

But if your garage door is contiguous to your home’s living space and is used as a workshop or for family or social uses, then you need a much better door.

In case of sectional roll-up doors, be aware with the hardware. There are spring systems of poor quality (demand a torsion spring system) and cheap cable (prefer 1/8 inch cable); be also aware of bad plastic rollers and bad hinges.
 

Garage doors prices & quality

Simpler steel, aluminum or wood garage doors can cost you something around $750 to $1500. But prices may vary a lot, mainly for wood doors...

See:  Garage door prices and Custom and Standard Garage Doors

Insulation kits for garage doors

Insulation provides thermal comfort and soundproofing capabilities to a garage door. If you intend to buy a good new garage door, an insulated one will represent good energy savings. If you want to add insulation to your existing garage door, there are several standard insulation kits that may respond to your needs.

See, on these issues: Garage Doors Insulation and Kits

Garage doors & maintenance

Maintenance performed on an annual basis is common. Take into account the manufacturer’s instructions.

As a rule, steel doors can be painted with quality exterior paint. Wood doors – often available primed - should be painted or should be stained prior to installation. They also should be re-painted every 1 to 2 years.

Garage Door Repairs & Installation.  

Unless you have the tools and are particularly skillful, replacing springs, door sections, operators or tracks should be done by professionals. And the same is valid for installation: it may not demand very specific tools (just “C” clamps, hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, level) but it requires some experience and know-how.
 

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