5 Considerations For A Perfect Residential Garage Door Installation

Do you want to install a new garage door or replace an old one? If so, you should know that garage doors play an important role in a home's security system. Garage doors protect you against intruders and burglars and often act as the first line of defense. A garage door is also a hefty investment. Therefore, you should always choose the best garage door you can afford. The following are some things that you should consider for a perfect residential garage door installation:

1. Type of door

You often have a choice between single panel and double panel designs. Double panels are typically made from wood with vinyl or aluminum skins. They offer greater resistance to wind and snow loads. Single panels are generally thinner and can be easier to handle. However, they are typically less expensive to fabricate.

2. Size

You will need ample space on each side for a standard residential garage door installation. For example, an 18-foot wide garage door requires a minimum height of 36 inches to allow people to easily stand inside and open the door. This measurement includes the flooring area, stairs leading up to the door, and interior partitions.

3. Material 

Metallic garage doors are the most commonly available option. You often have a choice between steel and aluminum. A steel garage door will be heavier than an aluminum one, but it also lasts longer. 

An aluminum residential garage door installation is ideal if you want a lighter door. It is also more flexible to meet individual homeowners' tastes, with better aesthetic appeal. Another option is fiberglass. Fiberglass is durable and strong, but it may not have the same aesthetic appeal as other materials. However, it doesn't require painting. 

4. Security Features

You will see garage door openers with different security features today. They range from low-cost basic models to high-end systems with sophisticated features. When choosing a garage door opener, you should ensure it meets several requirements. 

These include ease of operation while opening and closing the garage door, the option of programming the remote control, the capacity to integrate it into your existing wiring, and its compatibility with all the current security and safety hardware in your garage (i.e., door sensors).

5. Warranty

Garage door warranties vary widely by manufacturer. For example, some manufacturers offer only a 1-year warranty while others give three years or even 10 years. It's, therefore, essential that you check the terms of any contract carefully so you do not inadvertently buy a door that does not come with favorable service terms.

Are you shopping for the perfect garage door? Talk to garage door services about your expectations for a residential garage door installation.