Choosing a new garage door
A new garage door changes how the front of the house looks, how the garage handles heat and cold, and how much maintenance you'll do. Think about appearance, insulation, durability, maintenance and budget together.
Materials
- Steel is the most common choice. It's durable and available in many styles. Thicker gauge steel resists dents better. Insulated steel doors have a layer of foam inside, with a steel or vinyl back.
- Wood looks traditional and warm but needs regular finishing and can warp or crack in harsh sun or wet conditions.
- Composite and wood-look steel imitate wood with less maintenance.
- Aluminum and glass suit modern designs and let in light, but are usually less insulated.
- Fiberglass resists dents and salt but can become brittle in extreme cold.
Insulation
Garage door insulation is often described by R-value. An insulated door helps if the garage is attached to the house, if there's living space above it, if you use the garage as a workshop, or if your climate has very hot summers or cold winters. Insulation also makes doors quieter and stiffer. Ask the installer to explain the door's construction, not just its rating, since construction affects how well the door holds up.
Windows, hardware and style
Windows let in light but reduce insulation and privacy. Decorative hardware adds a carriage-house look. Consider how the style matches your house and neighborhood, and check any homeowners association rules before ordering.
Weather considerations
Garage doors in windy areas may need to meet wind-load requirements, and doors in cold climates benefit from good bottom seals and weatherstripping to keep out snow and drafts. In very hot climates, a door's color and insulation affect how hot the garage gets. Ask the installer what's appropriate for your area.
Permits
Some jurisdictions require a permit to replace a garage door, especially if the opening size changes or the door must meet wind-load requirements. Ask the installer who pulls the permit and whether it's included.
What a complete installation includes
1. Measuring the opening, headroom, side room and backroom accurately. 2. Removing and disposing of the old door, tracks and springs safely. 3. Installing new tracks, springs sized for the new door, cables, drums, rollers and hinges. 4. Installing weatherstripping and a bottom seal. 5. Balancing the door so it stays roughly in place halfway open. 6. Connecting and adjusting the opener, or installing a new one, and testing the safety reversal and sensors. 7. Explaining care and maintenance and providing warranty information.
Maintenance after installation
- Lubricate rollers, hinges, springs and bearings a couple of times a year with a product recommended by the manufacturer.
- Tighten loose hardware.
- Clean the door and inspect the bottom seal and weatherstripping.
- Test balance and the safety reversal regularly.
Questions to ask
- What door construction and insulation do you recommend for my garage, and why?
- Will you replace the springs, tracks and hardware, or reuse any?
- Is a permit needed, and is it included?
- What warranties cover the door, springs, hardware and labor?
- Can my existing opener handle the new door?
Replacing an old tilt-up door
Some older homes still have one-piece tilt-up doors that swing out as they open. Replacing one with a sectional door usually means new tracks, new springs, and sometimes adjustments to the header or jambs. Ask the installer to check the framing around the opening and to tell you in advance about any carpentry the new door will need.