Garage Door Installation Guide: Things to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door

Published on May 27, 2021

Shopping for a new garage door might sound simple and easy, that is until you must actually do it. Between the different types of garage doors, door designs, styles, door options, openers, and accessories to choose from, choosing a new garage door for your home can start to seem overwhelming.

To help you with selecting and buying a new garage door for your home, there are five essential considerations you need to make as follows:

#1: Garage Door Type

If you want to replace your current garage door with the same type, then you can skip ahead. However, even when choosing the same type of garage door, there are many options to consider, like insulation, glass styles, placement of windows in the door, and so on.

Three of the more popular garage door types are Traditional, Contemporary or Carriage House (mimics the look of a barn door) garage doors.

#2: Garage Door Maintenance

Certain materials and configurations require more maintenance and upkeep than other garage door designs. For instance, wooden garage doors can look elegant and charming, yet must be constantly cared for to maintain their appearance.

If this is something you are not prepared to do, then it is better to stick with metal garage doors. Some metal door designs even offer wood-like finishes that can give the appearance of a wood door without the added maintenance.

#3: Garage Door Accessories

If you do not want to have to manually open and close your garage door, you will want an automatic opener. But which one? Even automatic openers have changed with features that work through your vehicle’s infotainment center or an app on your smartphone.

There are also other accessories you may want to consider, like pairing your new door with a smart home security system setup.

Please see R-W’s Liftmaster page for a selection of great Garage Door Openers.

#4: Your Needs

What do you use your garage for? If you use your garage to park vehicles, store tools and other belongings that need to be climate controlled, or use part of it as a workshop, man cave, or playroom for your kids, then you will want to look at insulated garage doors to better help maintain climate-controlled conditions year-round.

#5: Cost

Cost is always an important consideration. When considering cost, never base your decision primarily on cost. If you choose a cheap garage door, you will most likely have to replace it more often than had you invested a little more into a higher quality garage door.

Not to mention, if you are looking at increasing your home’s value and curb appeal, you will want to consider the long-term benefits gained by investing in a high-quality garage door.

Ready to find your new garage door? We recommend browsing our website to learn more about garage door designs and various options.

For help at every step of selecting, buying, and installing a new garage door, find your local authorized dealer to call them today.

You can also contact us directly to answer any questions or to provide you with further information about our residential garage doors.