Everything You Should Know About Buying a Garage Door

So, you're shopping for a new door — how exciting! Before you jump in, we've put together this guide to help you narrow down your search for the perfect new garage door.

We'll talk about door types, materials, sizing/measurements, insulation, and more.

Before You Start Shopping

Whether you already have the perfect new garage door in mind, it's important to set a few things straight before making a purchase:

• Determine a budget: Garage doors can vary in price dramatically depending on the size, style, material, insulation, and more. Before shopping around, set a figure you're comfortable with and browse options within that limit. Remember to consider installation costs, too, on top of the door itself.
• Consider long-term costs: Some garage doors may end up costing more to own in the long run than others. Factors like maintenance, potential for energy savings, and repair costs can vary from door to door.
• Be mindful of local weather conditions: Your new door should be able to withstand your local weather. For example, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, ensure the door meets particular wind load requirements.
• Noise or no noise? If you're interested in reducing the noise level, look for doors with nylon rollers, insulation and a belt-drive opener for quieter operation.
• Door size: Measuring is of utmost importance when buying a new garage door. If you're interested in doing it yourself, check out our Garage Door Sizing Guide. Otherwise, we recommended having a professional installer come out to take measurements.

Selecting a Garage Door Style

When choosing a style of garage door, it's important to consider several factors to ensure it complements your home's aesthetics, meets your functional needs, and fits within your budget, such as:

• Architectural style of your home.
• Material (more on this later).
• Color and finish.
• Garage door windows and glass inserts.
• Hardware.

As it turns out, contemporary garage doors come in all kinds of styles and options — so there's sure to be something for every budget and vision.

Choosing a Material

Beyond the size or quantity of garage door you need, the material is what determines a bulk of the pricepoint — with real wood typically being the most expensive while other more budget-friendly options include steel and aluminum.

Here are other important factors to keep in mind about each popular material:

• Steel: Durable, low maintenance, and available in many styles with varying costs. Can be insulated.
• Wood: Wood garage doors offer a classic look and can be easily customized, but they generally require more maintenance to ensure their longevity; after all, wood can be delicate.
• Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to rust, aluminum garage doors are a great option for their low maintenance requirements; however they can dent more easily than other materials so be aware of this factor when making your final decision.
• Faux wood: Made from durable steel, faux wood garage doors provide the best of everything: the strength and affordability of steel and the aesthetic appeal wooden garage doors offer.

Garage Door Insulation

Although insulation is optional; there are several good reasons for including this as an option in your garage door!

• Energy efficiency: Insulated garage doors help maintain a stable temperature inside the garage, reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This can lower energy bills by reducing the workload on your home's heating and cooling systems.
• Temperature regulation: By providing a buffer against outside temperatures, insulated doors keep the garage and any adjacent rooms more comfortable, making the space usable for activities beyond parking cars, such as a workshop or recreational area.
• Noise reduction: Insulated doors are effective at dampening noise from outside and within the garage. This is particularly beneficial if the garage is attached to the house or if you live in a noisy area.
• Increased home value: Insulated garage doors can be an attractive feature for potential buyers, contributing to higher resale value by offering energy efficiency and enhanced comfort.

R-Value/U-factor

R-value and U-factor measure a garage door's thermal efficiency or resistance. In general, a higher R-value or lower U-factor means better insulation performance. In terms of insulation material, there are a couple of common options to choose from for insulated doors: polystyrene or polyurethane.

Polyurethane offers superior insulation (higher R-value/lower U-factor), structural strength, moisture resistance, and soundproofing, but it tends to be more expensive.
Polystyrene provides good insulation, is less expensive, and is lighter in weight than polyurethane, making it a good budget-friendly option.

For more information on U-factor, see here: Garage Door R-Value and U-Factor 101: Understanding Energy Efficiency.

Safety and Security Features and Other Add-Ons

Once you've narrowed down your choices regarding the garage door itself, you can start thinking about additional features and add-ons to enhance your garage door experience.

There are a lot of cool gadgets out there these days — some that make your garage more accessible, and others that help improve safety and security.

• Smart garage door openers: These modern, internet-connected devices allow you to control and monitor your garage door remotely using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. They also often integrate with smart home ecosystems to enhance convenience and security when you're home or away.
• Motion-activated lights: If you're concerned about thefts or break-ins, motion-activated lights are a great deterrent, as they're designed to turn on automatically when they detect any kind of movement.
• Keyless entry pads: If you prefer the security of keypads for opening your garage door, there are tons of cool options out there. Some modern options, like the VKP1-LM myQ Video Keypad, even include a camera, combining the functionality of a video doorbell and the security of a standalone camera.
• Garage door sensors: These handy little devices improve safety by preventing the garage door from closing if there is an obstruction in its path. They're great for protecting people, pets, and even your car if your garage is a tight fit.

Start Designing Your Amarr Garage Door

Now that you are equipped with what you need to know to buy the best garage door, use Amarr's easy, online design tool to create your own personalized garage door. Let the fun begin!