A garage door is an important purchase. It’s going to be visible to everyone who passes your home and will be the largest piece of moving equipment in your house. That said, you want to look for something that ties the look of your home together, works well, requires minimum maintenance, and lasts for years to come.
Don’t worry if you’re thinking about buying a new garage door but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone! Have a look at these five points and you’ll be ready to make your choice in no time.
Metal, wood or vinyl?
First things first, you need to choose your material. Garage doors are generally available in three materials; metal, wood and vinyl.
- At the bottom end of the price scale we find metal doors (typically steel or aluminum). These doors account for 85% of the present market in North America. They’re a popular choice as they are low cost, lightweight, and come in a range of styles and colours. Both steel and aluminum doors are insulated and require little maintenance.
- Moving up the price scale we have wooden doors. These doors have been around for the longest amount of time, their natural beauty and versatility make them a popular choice, and they can even be stained or painted to suit your style. However, wooden doors require significant maintenance. The price varies from depending on the type of door you choose, for example, wood composite doors are not as expensive as solid wood doors.
- At the top end of the scale we find other materials like vinyl and fiberglass. Although initially more expensive, they require no maintenance so the long-term cost is lower. Fiberglass doors are the most expensive doors on the market, they are a popular choice as they are made to look like rich solid wood.
How do I choose a company?
The garage door industry is not carefully monitored in North America, meaning that pretty much anyone can sell garage doors. Choosing just anyone isn’t a good idea as many companies are not insured. You should look for a company that is professional, has insurance, can provide you with references, will provide you with written warranties on both parts and labour, and that provides their employees with uniforms and clean trucks.
The most important thing to check is whether they provide training for their technicians. Garage door related accidents are common, and by opting for a trained technician to install your garage door, you reduce the risk of accident and injury.
There are many retailers out there, but we suggest choosing a reputable garage door specialist. These companies hire their own installers and so can guarantee both parts and labour, plus you’re guaranteed to have your door fitted by a certified professional.
Once you’ve selected your company, they will send a representative to your home or invite you down to their showroom to see their range of products. Specialists generally carry stock so your new garage door will be fitted in no time!
Do I need a new garage door?
Most people replace their garage doors when they no longer function properly. If your garage door stops operating properly it may pose a risk to you and your family. Others replace their doors to improve the overall look of their home’s façade, and some simply because they’re growing weary of constantly carrying out maintenance.
Warranties – How do I wrap my head around all that information?
Nearly all garage doors come with a warranty, the most important thing is to ensure you know exactly what is being promised to you. If the rep tells you all parts and labour are covered, check that they really are.
Hint: Exclusions are usually listed in the small print.
Keep in mind …
If you’re investing in a quality product you also need to invest in a quality installation. The long-term durability and performance of your door depend just as much on the quality of the installation. After all, you probably wouldn’t buy a Mercedes and have a butcher work on it!
If you have any questions get in touch at 705-322-0136, we strive to ensure your satisfaction and respond to service calls in a couple of hours. You can also request a free quote online.
If you are thinking about changing your garage door have a look at our Design Centre tool. Simply upload a photograph of your home and swap out different garage door choices. See for yourself!
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