Business Connections: Building Rapport with Vendors

Posted on: 24 June 2015

Do you need to replace your garage door? Or do you need a garage door for your new home that is currently under construction? A garage door may seem like a pretty simple component, but there are actually quite a few factors to consider. Your garage door is a big exterior feature on your home, so it greatly affects your house's curb appeal. It can also impact your home's energy efficiency, as the garage can be a sizable entry point for outside air. Before you commit to one residential garage door, take some time to shop around. Here are a few things to consider as you make your decision:

Does it match the style of your home? Your home has its own unique style. If your garage door doesn't fit that style, it could seriously detract from the home's curb appeal and even impact the value of your home. For example, if you have an old colonial home, a metal or aluminum door will probably look out of place. Also, be mindful of how the garage door's color matches up with your home. You'll likely want a garage door that's within the same palette as your home's siding or bricks. At the very least, the door should be a neutral color that doesn't detract from your home's appearance.

What is the R-value? All garage doors have an R-value, which measures the door's level of insulation. This is important, because in most homes the garage is major source of air leaks. This could be especially problematic if you have a living space either above or next to the garage. If you have a garage door with little insulation value, outside air could get into the garage, dramatically changing the temperature of that adjacent living space.

Look for a garage door that is well-sealed and has high insulation value. That will keep external air out and help keep your home energy efficient.

How much maintenance will it require? Much like the rest of your home, your garage door will require some level of ongoing maintenance. How much it requires depends on what kind of door you get. Steel doors are often very durable and require little ongoing maintenance, but they also may not have the appearance that you want. On the other hand, a wooden door may be more attractive, but will also require regular painting and staining. Aluminum doors won't require staining, but they are vulnerable to dents, so aluminum may not be a good choice if you have kids playing basketball in the driveway.

Consider your willingness to maintain the door before settling on an option. For more information, visit a residential garage door dealer in your area, like Advanced Door Service. They can help you find the right garage door for your home.