Garage Doors are a key element in home design and can profoundly impact curb appeal. They are available in a variety of styles and constructions, with many options for glass openings.
The most popular type of garage door today is a sectional door with insulated panels. These are easy on springs and offer a range of window choices for a modern look. Contact JCTZ Garage Doors now!
Steel garage doors work well for homeowners seeking a door that resists wear and tear and severe weather. They can withstand high winds and heavy rainstorms without damaging the door or warping the frame. The material also offers great strength to deter break-ins and safeguard the car, tools, and woodwork stored in the garage.
Unlike other garage door materials, steel doors typically require minimal maintenance and can be easily cleaned by running a brush or hose over the surface. Additionally, baked-on polyester paint finishes withstand chipping and scratching for an attractive, lasting appearance.
The durability of steel garage doors makes them affordable and available in many color options. Choose from various factory-finished colors or have the door custom-painted to match the home’s existing facade.
When paired with a quality insulated sectional or roll-up garage door, a steel garage door can help reduce energy costs. The insulation layer helps regulate the garage’s temperature, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It also provides protection against outside noise.
Steel garage doors are susceptible to denting, so they’re a poor choice for homes with kids or pets. The thinner gauge steel can be vulnerable to impact damage, and minor dents may need to be repaired with a touch-up or painting.
Unlike some other garage door materials, steel is prone to corrosion. It’s important to regularly lubricate and clean the moving parts of a steel garage door to prevent damage. It’s also important to choose a thicker gauge of steel for better longevity and resistance to dents. If your steel garage door is exposed to harsh conditions, opt for a double- or triple-layer insulated model for maximum performance.
Wood
Wood garage doors add a warm, natural aesthetic to any home. They are durable and come in a variety of styles that fit any architectural design, from traditional to carriage house to modern. These doors are also naturally insulated, so they help regulate your home’s temperature and can save you money on energy costs. However, wooden doors are typically more expensive than other types. They’re also more prone to damage than other materials, so they require regular maintenance.
A common way to cut the cost of a wood garage door is to choose a wood composite, which is less costly than real wood but still offers a natural look. Manufacturers combine a core of insulation with a high-density skin made from a mix of wood fibers and synthetic resins. This combination makes the material stronger and more resistant to dents than solid-wood doors. It’s important to select a quality product and ask your professional about the manufacturing process. Some manufacturers use kiln-dried wood, which is more resistant to warping and cracking than other varieties.
You can also opt for an overlay door, which uses a solid wood or composite trim attached to the exterior of a steel base. This is a more affordable option that can be used to complement any style of home. However, it’s important to note that this type of garage door does not offer as much durability as a fully custom-made wood door.
Regardless of the type of garage door you choose, it’s essential to regularly inspect it for signs of rot or other damage. Check for soft spots in the surface, as well as for any signs of termites or wood-boring beetles. You should also consider adding an insulator to your garage door, as this can significantly lower your heating and cooling bills.
Glass
Homeowners across the country have embraced glass garage doors, which blend beauty with functionality to modernize your home’s aesthetic. These doors provide ample natural light, create a clean look and can complement any architectural style. Depending on the door’s glass type and opacity, homeowners can also customize their doors to add privacy. Frosted or mirrored glass are great options for those who want to allow in sunlight without sacrificing privacy.
Glass garage doors are held together by a metal frame, which helps give them strength and stability while providing a sleek design. These doors are more customizable than most homeowners realize, with several different options available for the thickness of the glass and its opacity. Homeowners can choose from clear, frosted and tinted glass. The glass can also be patterned or textured to create a unique look and offer varying degrees of privacy.
Like any other home element, glass garage doors require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. They must be cleaned regularly to remove dust, dirt and other debris, which can be easily done with a damp cloth. They also need to be lubricated and have periodic balancing, both of which can be performed by trained professionals.
Glass garage doors are a popular option for commercial properties as well, improving visibility and creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, they can also make it easier for customers to find what they need and provide a memorable customer experience. Arm-R-Lite’s heli-arch welding and polyurethane-injected rails and stiles make their glass garage doors durable and energy-efficient, with one-inch thick glass panes that help reduce heat loss. They also come in a variety of frame materials to match any building’s architectural design.
Aluminum
While steel is a popular choice for garage doors due to its durability and strength, aluminum offers more flexibility in terms of style. The metal can be infused with foam or other insulation materials to regulate indoor temperatures and save energy costs.
Aluminum garage doors also provide a protective barrier against the elements, including harsh Sacramento winter storms. The metal is resistant to corrosion, and its baked-on finish resists stains and peeling. This minimizes maintenance requirements, and homeowners can easily keep their aluminum door looking pristine with regular cleanings using mild soap and water.
Homeowners can also customize their aluminum garage door with a wide selection of panel designs to fit the architectural aesthetic of their home. Options include raised and recessed panels, as well as flat or strip styles. Many models offer window inserts, as well. This allows natural light to enter the garage during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting and further saving on energy costs.
The material’s rust-resistant composition also makes it more durable than steel, making it a smart choice for homeowners in coastal areas or high-humidity regions. This protection also extends to the garage door’s components, ensuring that the door will remain functional and strong for decades.
The lightweight nature of aluminum garage doors also make them easier for people to operate than heavy steel options. This reduced strain on the opener reduces the risk of premature wear and tear, and helps ensure smooth, quiet operation. This is particularly beneficial for households with children or elderly residents who might have difficulty lifting a heavier door by themselves. It’s also recyclable, making it an environmentally conscious option for homeowners.
Faux
Faux garage doors are a great option for homeowners who want to combine classic aesthetics with modern convenience. They offer the same elegance as natural wood, but they are durable and resistant to weather effects, rotting and insect infestation. They also require less maintenance and can be a good choice for homeowners with budgetary concerns.
They are made from strong materials, like steel and aluminum, that can better withstand humidity and extreme temperatures, unlike wood. They are insulated, which helps to regulate the temperature of your garage and reduce energy costs. Faux garage doors are a great alternative to traditional wood garage door options and can be customized with window shapes and sizes, decorative hardware and more.
If you’re interested in a faux wood garage door, look for models that are painted using Ultra-Grain technology. This process uses different layers to create a realistic wood finish. This makes the door easier to clean and provides a more attractive aesthetic than traditional wood finishes. Some models even feature a carriage house design, which adds to the appeal of your home’s exterior.
A faux garage door will look just as beautiful as a real wood model, but at a fraction of the cost. You can also customize the color and stain of a faux wood door to match your home’s style. Faux wood garage doors are often crafted with composite overlays molded from real wood, which provides more flexibility than authentic wood options.
Many manufacturers offer a wide selection of custom wood-look finishes and colors. The CANYON RIDGE(r) Limited Edition Series, for example, offers a number of customization options that include window styles and placement, panel designs, wood grain patterns and more. The possibilities are virtually limitless, so consult with a professional garage door services provider to find the perfect faux wood garage door to complement your home’s architectural style.