Key Considerations from Experts in Johnson County and Kansas City
When it comes to exterior home upgrades, a garage door is a smart choice. Not only do most homeowners experience a full return on their investment, but a garage door replacement can do quite a bit to improve the curb appeal of a house!
Garage doors come in a range of styles, sizes, finishes, and materials, which means you have several decisions to make before Tracker Door Systems completes installation. Keep reading to discover what you should consider before buying new garage doors.
Sizes of Garage Doors
Before you can choose a garage door replacement, you must know what size to shop for. Do you need one single-car door, two single-car doors, or one double-car door?
For reference, typical garage doors are 7 to 8 feet tall. Single-car garage doors are between 8 and 9 feet wide. Double-car doors are typically 16 feet wide. You may have a taller garage than typical, which may not be a standard door size. Manufacturers can often accommodate custom sizes, if needed.
You’ll also need to consider right- and left-side space, backroom, and headroom in your garage, as different types of doors require more space to accommodate their tracks.
Tracker Door Systems can confirm measurements to ensure you get a door or doors that will fit.
Garage Door Materials
The material your garage door is made of should reflect your home’s style. You may also want to take into consideration how durable it is and whether it will require special maintenance. Modern garage doors come in a variety of materials, so you can choose one you like best.
- Steel doors are highly durable and low maintenance, and can come with finishes that look like natural wood.
- Wood doors add curb appeal and nicely complement certain architectural designs, like craftsman-style or modern homes. They require extra upkeep because they’re constructed with natural materials.
- Full-view glass doors with aluminum framing gives the gift of natural light, while glass treatments add an element of privacy.
- Composite overlay doors are finished to look like natural wood, but require less upkeep and won’t age or rot like wood.
The pros at Tracker Door Systems can help you choose the right material based on how much maintenance you’d like to dedicate and your aesthetic goals.
Pro tip: Check your HOA requirements. Your HOA may require garage doors be made of certain materials or suit certain design styles.
Styles of Garage Doors
Let your personal style shine through when you choose your garage door to match or accent your home. Most manufacturers offer a variety of products in a range of styles, including traditional, contemporary, and carriage house.
- Traditional doors are characterized by their symmetrical raised panels. When you picture a typical garage door, this style is likely what you envision. Some traditional garage doors may have decorative hardware to add design interest.
- Carriage house doors have a vintage or rustic flair. Some people say they remind them of barn doors. Your doors can lean to the rustic or craftsman side when you choose a wood-grain finish, or opt for solid white for Victorian-era styling.
- Contemporary garage doors look great when paired with modern urban or mid-century modern homes, or other homes with clean, straight lines in their design. Like the homes they complement, contemporary doors have simple, subtle details and clean lines. Many incorporate windows.
Garage Door Finishes
You might want to paint your garage door to match your home’s exterior, or opt for a wood-like finish for contrast. When you buy a garage door replacement, you can choose from a wide range of finishes, depending on your door’s manufacturer.
When shopping for a new door, it can sometimes be helpful to narrow your search down by size and then by finish, as materials can be painted or stained to look like a different kind entirely.
Do You Need Insulation?
If you have an attached garage, you may want to consider purchasing an insulated door. Insulation can help protect against heat loss during winter or help your air conditioner work more efficiently during the summer months.
Insulation is available in all types of garage doors, depending on the manufacturer. Tracker Door Systems will explain your insulation options.
Schedule Professional Garage Door Installation with Tracker Door Systems
After you’ve selected your new garage door from one of our quality suppliers, such as Clopay, Amarr, CHI Overhead, Safe-way, or Midland, we’ll schedule installation at your home.
Our team will remove and recycle your old door and install your new one, ensuring its proper function before we clean up and leave your home just as we found it – with the addition of a brand-new, beautiful garage door.
To get started, call us or send us a message online to schedule an appointment.
