A new garage door can be a major investment, but remodeling experts say it typically adds value to the home and reduces energy costs. Here’s how to choose the right one for your home.

Many manufacturers offer interactive websites where buyers can try out different styles before committing to purchase. They can upload a photo of their building and make changes to color, window style and decorative hardware. For professional help, contact Garage Doors Newcastle.

As property crimes and burglaries continue to rise, homeowners continually seek ways to keep their homes secure. While many people focus on making sure their front doors and windows are properly secured, a garage door is a great place to start when it comes to protecting your home. There are a number of security features that can be added to your garage door that will help deter criminals and provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Motion detection sensors are one of the most important garage security features. These sensors use infrared technology or microwave pulses to detect movement. When an object or person is detected within range, the sensors send a signal to the opener to stop and reverse the door. This prevents accidents or injuries, and it also protects vehicles, children’s toys, and other items stored in the garage.

Another simple but effective security feature is a keypad entry system. This allows you to enter your home without using a remote control, which can be stolen. You can program the keypad to only accept entry by immediate members of your family, and you can change the code periodically to prevent others from accessing your garage.

A battery backup system is a great way to ensure that your garage remains functional during emergencies and power outages. These systems contain a rechargeable battery that can quickly replace the functionality of your electric garage door opener during these events. This can help to deter criminals from targeting your home, as they know that the garage will still be accessible even in the event of an emergency or power outage.

If you want to take your garage security to the next level, install a floodlight security camera. These cameras can be mounted above the garage door and will trigger when someone approaches. They can also be programmed to send alerts to your phone, which is a good deterrent for potential criminals.

Another easy but effective security tip is to zip tie your garage door’s emergency release cord or lever. These are typically located along the top of the garage door and have red cords attached to them. They are designed to be pulled during a power outage in order to open or close the garage door manually, but a resourceful criminal could make this work in their favor by simply fishing for these cords with a wire hook and pulling them.

Durability

A garage door must be able to handle numerous openings and closings each day, and it should also be resistant to environmental and accidental damage. Look for heavy-duty springs, tracks and rollers that will minimize wear over time. Also choose a model that is durable enough to resist corrosion and rust. Invest in high-quality hardware, which will minimize noise and vibrations, and make sure to regularly inspect the springs, cables and sensors for signs of loosening or wear.

Aluminum and fiberglass are a good choice for garage doors because they are lightweight and durable, allowing them to provide good energy efficiency while resisting dents. They are also corrosion-resistant, which can be an advantage in coastal areas, where a salty environment may damage metal-based materials. However, these materials might not be as strong or natural-looking as steel and wood.

Steel garage doors offer excellent security and are often less expensive than other materials, but they’re not a natural insulator. To improve their thermal efficiency, look for models that are insulated with polystyrene or polyurethane, with a thickness of R-value (R value is a measure of thermal resistance). This type of insulation is rigid and does not absorb moisture, which helps prevent condensation and regulates garage temperature.

Wood composite garage doors have a natural look and are durable, with enhanced resistance to rot and weather elements. They are also available in a wide range of finishes, colors and textures, from a classic cedar-look to bright, bold hues that can serve as a neighborhood showstopper. They are typically more durable than real wood and require less maintenance.

Regardless of the material you choose, all high-quality garage doors feature a manual release cord that allows you to open and close your door manually in case of a power failure or mechanical malfunction. They are also designed with safety features to avoid injury or property damage when children or pets get caught in the path of an opening or closing door. To keep your garage door in top condition, inspect it for dings and other signs of wear every two to three years and perform routine maintenance, such as lubricating springs twice per year with lightweight motor oil.

Energy Efficiency

Increasing energy costs, heightened awareness of environmental impact, and homeowner desire to save money have led many homeowners to seek out green and energy-efficient alternatives for their homes. This includes new garage doors, which can play an important role in lowering your home’s heating and cooling bills while contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet.

Insulated garage doors are designed to minimize heat loss and gain, keeping your garage warm in winter and cool in summer. This reduced thermal exchange helps to cut your energy costs, which can add up to significant savings over the life of the door. Additionally, insulated garage doors reduce outside noises, making your home more comfortable and quieter.

The type of insulation used in your garage door can impact its energy efficiency. Look for a high R-value to maximize its insulating capabilities. Steel garage doors offer the best R-value, followed by fiberglass and wood composites.

In addition to R-value, look for a low U-factor as well, which measures how quickly heat flows through the insulation material. Also, make sure to check for air leakage ratings, which can undermine the benefits of a highly-insulated garage door.

Another factor that impacts the energy efficiency of your garage door is its design. Carriage house doors have recessed panel design and earth-tone colors that contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency. In addition, a recessed panel design reduces light exposure, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Other factors that can affect the energy efficiency of your garage door include the materials it’s made from and its installation process. Look for doors that are crafted with recycled materials and have eco-friendly manufacturing processes, as these will have a lower environmental impact than those made of virgin materials. Also, be sure to choose a professionally installed garage door to avoid gaps and leaks that can diminish the effectiveness of your garage door’s insulation.

Once you’ve chosen a garage door that meets your energy efficiency needs, be sure to maintain it regularly to keep it in good condition. Use eco-friendly cleaning products that are formulated to be safe for your garage door materials. This will help to extend the lifespan of your garage door, reducing the need for replacements and associated environmental impacts. In addition, be sure to conduct regular inspections of your garage door to detect signs of wear and tear that may compromise its insulating properties.

Aesthetics

Garage doors are a key architectural element that can add value to your home. Since they are often located at the front of the property, they serve as a focal point and can greatly influence how a person perceives your home’s aesthetics. To elevate your garage door’s aesthetic, consider incorporating window elements that allow natural light to filter in and create visual interest. The material and design of your garage door can also play a critical role in its aesthetic appeal.

Modern garage doors often feature large expanses of frosted or clear glass. This allows natural light to filter in and transform a dark space into a functional, usable area. This style is especially suited for homes with modern, minimalist, or industrial architecture, offering a cohesive aesthetic that complements the home’s other exterior elements.

Contemporary garage doors often feature sleek lines and a lack of ornate details, offering a clean, refined look that is both practical and stylish. They are a popular option for homeowners seeking durability and a reliable, low-maintenance solution.

Traditional raised panel garage doors are a classic choice that can add timeless beauty to your home’s aesthetic. They feature symmetrical raised rectangular panels that enhance the door’s depth and provide an elegant appearance. This style is well-suited for a range of residential architecture, from colonial to Victorian, and can be enhanced with decorative hardware and trim to match your home’s exterior.

Carriage house garage doors pay homage to historical carriage houses that once stored horse-drawn carriages and imbue your home with a quaint, rustic charm. These garage doors feature a unique panel style with leaded windows to enhance their appearance. They are well-suited for homes with a farmhouse, ranch, or cottage-style architecture, and can be enhanced with decorative half-timbering and trim to match your home’s other exterior elements.

Many homeowners choose wood garage doors to provide a rich, authentic texture that complements their home’s architectural style. These doors can be stained to highlight the natural grain of the wood or painted in a variety of colors. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent rot and warping. A newer alternative is fiberglass, which provides the look of wood with minimal upkeep.