If you’re like most people, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about your garage door. In fact, you probably only pay attention to it for those moments when you need it to go up or down. However, the truth is, your garage door does a lot of work — even when you’re not thinking about it. A high-quality garage door not only keeps your garage safe and looking good, but it also can save you money on your energy bills. If you’re in the market for a new garage door, don’t assume one is as good as another. Here’s a list of six factors to consider before buying your next garage door.
1. Invest In Springs
Most common garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, which can go by fast. Springs that are rated for 20,000-plus cycles will cost you a little more, but it’s worth the investment to have twice the confidence that your springs will last.
2. Insulation Matters
You likely don’t think about your garage door’s insulation as much as you do the insulation in your walls or attic, but it’s important. Garage doors with higher R-values provide more insulation. This means your garage will be warmer in winter and cooler in the summer helping you save on heating/cooling costs.
3. Replace Your Opener at the Same Time
Your garage door opener is probably just as old as your door. If you’re going to be replacing your door anyway, now’s the time for a new opener to go with it. You’ll save yourself the trouble of having to replace the opener yourself because your garage door installer should be able to put in the new opener, as well.
4. Think About The Noise
A noisy garage door can be annoying to you and your neighbors — if you’re concerned about it, you have options. An opener with a belt drive tends to be quieter than those with chain drives. Nylon rollers make for less noise than metal ones, as well.
5. Get Professional Help
Even the most dedicated DIY'er may be in over his or her head with a garage door installation. Not only is installing a garage door time-consuming, but it’s also potentially dangerous — due to the tension in the springs and the weight of the door. Professional installers have the experience and manpower to make quick work of your garage door installation. You can avoid a lot of problems with some professional intervention. The International Door Association (IDA) is a great resource to use at it provides useful information and to search for dealers in your area.
6. Get a Quote In-person
Every garage is unique, and you shouldn’t trust a garage door installer that wants to make all the arrangements over the phone. Real professionals will want to see your garage for themselves and make their own measurements to ensure that everything is done perfectly. It’s worth the effort.
You don’t want the only time you think about your garage door to be when something goes wrong. That’s why you should follow these tips before buying your next garage door. You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.