What you should do before purchasing a garage door

All homeowners know how important a garage door is. It is the biggest contributor to the front of the the home’s façade, and it can really make or break someone’s first impression of your home. You likely want a garage door that you can be proud of. You should be able to choose which style and make of door you want. Typically, garage doors should:

• Contribute to the appearance and overall look of your home and its exterior.
• Work properly without need of maintenance
• Last for many years

If you own a garage door, you may not know much about all of your purchasing and installation options within the industry. Worry not, the professionals are here to help! We have outlined several tricks of the trade that can help you discover what you need. These are 5 important things to consider before purchasing a garage door.

There are different types of doors

All garage doors are usually made of three different materials: wood, vinyl, or metal, which are usually composed of steel or aluminum.

• The steel or aluminum metal garage doors are typically the most common types of garage doors you’ll see all across North America. They are easy to maintain and repair, and can also be made in a variety of different aesthetic styles. This is why metal garage doors take up over 85% of the garage door market. The cost of steel is lower than any other material for garage doors. and aluminum is more expensive, but is often desired due to how heavy it is. Both types of metal are insulated well, which can create nice resistance against heat, cold, or moisture. They also require very little maintenance. The different types of metal doors available in different decorative styles: mixed panels, carriage house, modern, contemporary, ribbed, or classic.
• Wood garage doors have been around for a very long time. They are still a popular choice in the modern world due to their naturally pleasing looks and sturdy make. This is a versatile choice for garage doors as it can be painted, stained, or decorated to fit any type of style. The more you can pay for a wooden door, the better its quality is. Choose anything that ranges from wood composite to a solid wood construction for a reliable door.
• Vinyl garage doors are technologically advanced and will never require any maintenance. The vinyl and fiber glass materials are scratch resistant and good for keeping out extreme temperatures. They are costly to purchase, but affordable in the long run as it never needs any maintenance. They are usually available in a rich wood appearance, such as oak or cedar.

Know your company beforehand

Unfortunately, there are many bad garage door companies out there. Since there is no strict monitoring of these types of companies in the USA or Canada, they can be prone to bad business practices. A lot of garage door and installation companies are uninsured and do not offer workers’ compensation to their employees. Be careful of these fly‑by‑night companies that will leave you without an insured or safely installed door.

Before selecting a company, make sure that the company:

• Is professional, courteous, and ethical
• Can provide references from past clients upon request
• Can offer clean trucks, professional workers with uniforms, and trained employees
• Insures your garage door and its cost of labor
• Provides written warranties for material and installation

Perhaps the most important thing to consider before choosing a company is whether or not the company offers proper training for their technicians. More garage door‑related accidents occur yearly than lawnmower or snow blower accidents, and this is because many doors are not installed using proper procedures.

When do you need to buy?

You should know when the appropriate time is to consider a new garage door. There are several reasons why you may need to buy or replace your door. The most obvious time is when your garage door ceases to function properly and is in need of maintenance or repair. This heavy moving wall can cause a hazard to everyone inside your home.

Another important reason to replace a door is simply because you are seeking newer decorative choices. Maintaining the exterior appearance of the home is important. The garage door is one of the first things that someone passing by see when they look up at your house. A new door can make a good first impression.

Know where to purchase your garage door

There are several types of garage door companies to choose from. You can choose between basic retailers, door and window dealers, or large hardware or big‑box stores for available selections. The best choice is to choose a specialized installation company with a staff of garage door specialists. These technicians will be able to insure your door and properly install it to reduce the risk of disrepair.

This company can send a representative to pay a visit to your home and can give a professional assessment of what your garage and home needs. There is also be a showroom available at the company for you to visit. These types of specialty companies can provide their own garage door expertise, as well as all material and labor required. Everything is always in stock and the staff is trained to do it right. Their professional motto is: “Quality work time after time!”

Obtain and read the warranty

The importance of obtaining a written warranty must be emphasized. Most garage doors do come with a warranty, but make sure to request a written one just to make sure. You’ll want to know exactly how you’re covered. Both materials and labor costs should be covered under the warranty, which is broken down into sections to help you understand exactly what you need. Read the fine print to make sure that the warranty covers the installation, insulation, decorative windows, hardware, electric opener, spacing, and more.

A few things to keep in mind

The most important fact to remember is that the durability and safety of your garage door depends just as much on the installation crew as it does on the quality of the product itself. Make sure that your garage door job is being handled by professionals who know all safety procedures and proper installation practices. You want your door to function right and last a long time without need of maintenance.

For any questions or further tips, feel free to contact us at 506-450-3031. We can answer your questions, provide tips, offer installation quotes and more. We typically respond to a service call in just a few hours. You can also go online to give us a request for a free quote.

While you’re on our website, visit the Design Centre to create your own garage door. Upload a photo of your home and then change its garage door to see what’s available. You can see what other clients have come up with as well!