5 tips for choosing the right custom garage door

Whether it's a renovation or a brand-new build, the right custom garage door can enhance your home’s overall appeal, make it more secure, weathertight, and boost its value. So what are your options? Here are 5 tips to help you choose.

When you consider your home’s curb appeal, you may overlook your garage door. But choosing the right custom garage door can open opportunities to not only make your home more attractive, but also to add security, efficiency and above all, increase its market value.

However, you’ll need to weigh your options carefully. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose the right custom garage door for your home and your family, to help ensure you get the most return for your money.

There are several types of garage doors. Depending on your location and needs you could choose from among metal, fibreglass or wood:

Steel
Steel or its more affordable cousin, aluminum are ideal options if your home will be facing its fair share of inclement weather.

• If you’re looking for extra security, they're also ideal options.

Fibreglass
As a material, fibreglass is a smart choice in cold climates like Canada (or hot ones, for that matter).

• It’s both durable and a great insulator, which should help with your winter heating bills.

Wood
Although wood is beautiful, particularly for traditional homes, it’s important to keep in mind that wood will require regular maintenance, such as repainting and staining.

• Some veneers or overlays can offer a similar appearance, at a lower cost.

The garage door style you choose should reflect the architecture of your home, otherwise it may look like an afterthought. Here are some suggestions:

Traditional
Go for panelled wood, with decorative hardware and windows that match your home.

Ranch
Think simple, such as horizontal lines and plain hardware.

Contemporary
Make a statement with interesting materials and details, such as stained wood or frosted glass.

Generally, your garage door should complement, but not overwhelm, your home. That means you should avoid hues that are too bright or contrasts that are too extreme.

• A good rule of thumb is to select a colour that matches your window trim or will blend in nicely with your siding or brick.

It’s important to hire a professional installer for your garage door, as they can be dangerous if installed improperly.

• Have an expert suggest the appropriate style for your space, whether it’s a roller, canopy, side-hinged or sectional door.
• Also, teach family members and children not to play with or around garage doors.

You can also choose additional security features for your garage door, such as:

• A keypad that allows your kids to enter the house through the garage without a key
• Handleless doors to ward off thieves
• Remotes that change frequencies easily, so only you can program the door.

Finally, consider your lifestyle before you make your choice.

• For instance, you may adore the look of glass garage doors, but if you have children who will be playing in the driveway on a regular basis, it might not be the best option for your family.

Similar to your home, your new garage door should reflect your way of life, today and for many years to come.