Getting a new garage door is one of the best ways to upgrade your house. It boosts not only your home’s curb appeal but also its resale value. According to a 2022 study, the approximate $4,041 cost of a garage door replacement fetched a resale value of $3,769, which comes down to 93.3% ROI. That alone is enough to get a new garage door.
However, choosing the right garage door for your Reno home is often easier said than done. For one, there are different types of garage doors, including materials, styles, insulation, and noise levels.
Secondly, you probably have dozens of questions, like what are garage doors made of? How much are wooden garage doors? What are the different styles of garage doors? Or how much are insulated garage doors?
Don’t worry. At the end of this post, you will know which garage door is perfect for your home.
Let’s get started.
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Choose the Right Garage Door Material
What are garage doors made of, you ask?
Both commercial and residential types of garage doors are made from materials like steel, wood, wood composite, vinyl, and aluminum. Some garage doors may use a combination of these materials. The garage door material decides everything from how long it will last to how much it costs.
So, you must choose the right material.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of different types of garage door materials.
Steel Garage Door
Steel is a wallet-friendly, durable, and low-maintenance material. It’s often a preferred choice for contemporary garage doors. They come in a wide range of colors and styles. If your home boasts modern architecture, you can think of getting a steel garage door.
However, steel doors can dent if hit hard enough. Another potential red flag is that steel is not naturally insulating. That means you will have to spend more on additional insulation.
Wood Garage Door
Wood garage doors bring a natural, elegant appeal to your home. This material is an excellent choice for a mid-century garage door. Wood is also a natural insulator. Still, we recommend getting additional insulation for enhanced protection.
However, wood requires more maintenance. The garage door will need staining or painting to protect it against weathering and decay. Otherwise, wood is prone to warping or rotting. Also, wooden garage doors are typically expensive.
Wood Composite Garage Door
Wood composite is a popular choice for different types of residential garage doors. These garage doors look like wooden garage doors, but they are made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastics. They require less maintenance and are more cost-effective than wooden garage doors. That makes them a preferred choice for many homeowners.
Although they provide decent insulation, composite doors don’t offer the same rich look as their wooden counterparts. They are also more expensive than steel doors.
Vinyl Garage Door
Vinyl is another popular choice. It is durable and resistant to rain, wind, and humidity. It’s a great choice for Reno homeowners, where summers are short and hot, and winters are long and cold.
Vinyl is also low maintenance and suitable for different styles of garage doors. But one major drawback is that vinyl doors are not as strong as steel or wooden garage doors.
Aluminum Garage Door
Aluminum garage doors are arguably the best choice when it comes to aesthetics. Aluminum is lightweight, rust-proof, and best suited for modern garage doors. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners in Reno, NV.
However, like steel, aluminum dents easily. But more importantly, aluminum doors also provide poor insulation. So, the heating and cooling costs will shoot up unless you add extra insulation to the door.
Choose A Suitable Garage Door Style
In addition to the material, you will need to choose from different styles of garage doors. You need to pick a style that perfectly complements your curb appeal.
Typically, you will come across the following door styles.
Sectional Garage Doors
A sectional garage door consists of panel sections connected with hinges. These doors can bend and roll up vertically, which saves space. They come with modern safety features like auto-reverse sensors, which is why many Reno homeowners pick them.
However, sectional garage doors tend to be pricier. They also have more complex working mechanisms than other types. That means if you require garage door repair in Reno, NV, you will have to call an expert. You may not be able to just DIY it. This might increase your maintenance costs.
Tilt-Up Garage Doors
Tilt-up garage doors are a cost-effective option. They consist of a single solid panel that tilts up and out to open. It’s a straightforward design, which makes tilt-up doors wallet-friendly and easy to maintain. Unfortunately, they take up more space when open. They are also less energy-efficient due to poor sealing at the top and bottom. Compared to other styles, they offer limited design options.
Roll-Up Garage Doors
Roll-up garage doors are designed to save space. These doors roll up into a coil above the opening. They operate quietly. But roll-up doors typically provide less security. They are also more susceptible to wind damage.
Single-Panel Swing-Out Garage Doors
Single-panel swing-out doors have a classic look. They are a popular choice for traditional homes. These doors use a simple mechanism, which makes them less expensive. They swing outward and then slide up along the garage ceiling when opened. Naturally, these doors take up a lot of space. Plus, they often provide limited insulation and security, which can be a big letdown for many Reno homeowners.
Explore Best Garage Doors for Reno Homes!
Additional Factors You Need to Consider
Apart from material and style, you will need to think about a few other factors. These include:
Insulation
You are probably wondering — how much is an insulated garage door. While it can be expensive, the door will pay for itself, as proper insulation will lower your energy bills.
Proper insulation is necessary, especially if your garage is attached to your home. Like the rest of Nevada, winters in Reno are cold and long. Insulation will keep your family safe. It will also dampen the noise. So, look for garage doors with a high R-value, which indicates better insulation.
Window and Man Door Options
Adding windows to your garage door increases its curb appeal. It also brings natural sunlight into your garage. You can add more than one window, depending on the design and style of your garage. On the other hand, adding a garage man door provides easy access to your garage. A man door is particularly useful for garages with heavy foot traffic.
Noise Reduction
Garage doors tend to make noise while opening and closing. It can be disturbing, especially if your home connects to your garage. Look for doors with features like nylon rollers, insulation, and belt-driven openers. These mechanisms tend to be quieter than chain-driven ones. Additionally, keep your door lubricated to reduce the noise level.
Security
Security is a major concern. Nearly 63% of all residential burglaries begin with forced entry through the garage. So, choose a garage door with sturdy material and advanced security features like alarms, remote monitoring, and a secure lock.
Budget
Your budget will dictate which door you can afford. However, balance your budget with the long-term cost of a garage door. It will help you select a door that best meets your needs.
For example, although wood is the best option, it is expensive. But the question is how much are wooden garage doors worth it? They are durable and energy-efficient. This could mean savings in the long run.
On the other hand, cheaper doors might save you money upfront. But they could cost you more in the long run, with higher maintenance and energy costs.
Get the Garage Door You Deserve
Picking the right garage door is a decision not to be taken lightly. It directly affects the safety and comfort of your family. So, you’ve got to balance style, material, and practicality. The door you choose should last long, require lower maintenance, be more energy efficient, and provide better security. Don’t worry. We can help you find a door that’s just perfect for your home and wallet.
At Thompson Garage Doors, we specialize in garage door installation, repair, and maintenance. Reach out to us today for more details!
FAQs About Garage Door Selections
Q1: How Often Should I Have My Garage Door Checked?
A: We recommend getting it checked at least once a year. Also, it’s a good idea to get it inspected by an expert after a storm, heavy rainfall, or blizzard.
Q2: What Is the Best Garage Door for Security?
A: Steel doors are typically the most secure. However, most modern garage doors now come with security alarms.
Q3: Can I Paint My Garage Door?
A: Yes, especially if it’s made of wood, steel, or vinyl. Painting can reduce the risk of damage caused by rain, wind, snow, and heat.
Q4: Why Is My Garage Door Noisy?
A: Typically, a garage door starts making noise when the rollers are damaged or there is no lubrication. Have an expert check your door to identify and fix the issue.
Q5: What Should I Do If My Garage Door Won’t Open?
A: First, check the sensors, power, and tracks. If everything checks out, call a professional for help. They can identify and fix the issue quickly and efficiently.