Garage Door R-Value and U-Factor 101: Understanding Energy Efficiency

Posted May 8, 2024 by Amarr Garage Doors

A garage door is often the largest opening to your home, making these spaces vulnerable to moderate and extreme weather conditions that can affect your energy bill. How? Air leakage and heat flow from the garage can affect your home’s insulation greatly.

An insulated garage door can help reduce the heat transfer to and from your garage and other areas of your home, thus improving overall energy efficiency. Even detached garages, especially those used for more than simply storing a vehicle, can benefit from added insulation.

Until recently, thermal efficiency for a garage door was measured using what’s called R-value. But now, there’s an industry shift to a different measure of thermal performance, called U-factor.

Here, we’re examining both types of measurements, how they’re different, and why garage doors that have been graded using either of these standards are beneficial.

What Is R-Value vs. U-Factor?

R-value is the longstanding measurement used by garage door manufacturers to determine thermal resistance, whereas U-factor measures thermal transmittance, the rate of heat transfer through a complete garage door.

The lower the U-factor means the better insulation and less heat transfer, which is desirable for maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the garage and potentially reducing energy costs. Higher heat transfer means a greater loss of energy from either heat or cold.

As a participant in the DASMA Thermal Performance Verification Program, Amarr shows both R-value and U-factor measurements.

U-Factor vs. R-Value: How Are They Different?

Now that we know what each measurement is independently, let’s do a quick side-by-side comparison.

The U-factor and the R-value are both measurements used to assess the thermal performance of insulation materials, including garage doors.

U-Factor Chart

In summary, U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer through a material. It is not the reciprocal of R-value, although it is often mistaken to be. According to Door & Access Systems Manufactures Assosiation (DASMA), “these two methods are not comparable and are obtained by entirely different methods reflecting different aspects of thermal performance.”

With that in mind, U-factor is typically used to evaluate the insulating properties of entire garage door assemblies, such as door sections, tracks, hardware and accessories like windows.

The lower the U-factor, the better the insulation performance. See how Amarr garage doors rank in ways of U-factor and R-value.

To reiterate, R-value measures the thermal resistance of a material, indicating how well a material resists heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. R-value is commonly used to measure the insulating properties of individual materials like batt insulation or foam insulation.

In the context of garage doors, R-value accounts for an individual door section, not the entire assembly like U-factor does.

While both U-factor and R-value provide information about insulation performance, they represent it in slightly different ways. U-factor directly measures heat transfer, while R-value measures thermal resistance. Generally, a lower U-factor and a higher R-value indicate better insulation.

What Is the Main Benefit of a Garage Door With a Low U-Factor (Or High R-Value)?

A garage door with insulation and a R-value or U-factor measurement brings many benefits to you and your home such as enhanced comfort, cost savings and better durability; however, the biggest benefit is increased energy efficiency. Here’s why…

Increased Energy Efficiency

A low U-factor indicates better insulation, meaning the garage door can help maintain a consistent temperature inside the garage. This can lead to reduced energy consumption for heating or cooling the space, especially if the garage is attached to the house or if there are rooms above it.

Additionally, by reducing energy consumption, a garage door with a low U-factor can help lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems. This can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and help mitigate climate change.

Garage Door U-Factor FAQ

Do you still have questions about U-factor? Amarr has some answers!

How Do I Interpret U-Factor Values?

In general, the lower the U-factor the better. If you’re unsure about the U-factor of a garage door you’re interested in, seek guidance from a garage door professional.

What Factors Influence the U-Factor of a Door or Window?

Many things impact the U-factor rating of doors and window systems, such as the type of insulation material used, how many layers of material are used in construction, and the quality of installation.

What Are the Recommended U-Factor Values for Garage Doors in My Area?

Depending on the climate zone and local building codes, recommended U-factor values may vary. Insulated garage doors help maintain the temperature inside a garage in both cold and warm climates. If you’re unsure about what’s recommended for you, we recommend contacting a garage door professional.

How Can I Improve the U-Factor of My Existing Garage Door?

To improve the U-factor of your garage door system, you improve the weather seal around the garage door to achieve better energy efficiency and comfort. Alternatively, you can replace your garage door altogether and purchase one that has an appropriate U-factor for your area.

Amarr Offers Superior U-Factor-Measured Garage Doors

Amarr offers a variety of garage doors, each with a superior U-Factor that translates into energy savings for your home. Our Designer’s Choice line features triple-layer construction and insulation that brings a low U-factor for better thermal efficiency.

Our Olympus and Classica garage doors also have low U-factor ratings if you are looking for different door designs that meet energy efficiency expectations.

Having the right insulation product can make all the difference for your home’s thermal regulation capabilities. Choosing between polystyrene or polyurethane insulation will determine the thermal performance level of a garage door.

Amarr partners with a network of independent, professional garage door dealers who can walk you through your selection process to ensure your choice of garage door provides an optimal U-factor that meets your needs.

Ready to get started? Find an Amarr dealer near you.

10 Cool Garage Doors, Trends and Stylish Design Ideas

Posted April 30, 2024 by Amarr Garage Doors

Garage doors represent a significant surface area on the outside of your home. Cool garage doors not only allow you to take some design initiative to transform how your home looks, but a new, cool garage door can breathe life into your property and increase curb appeal and property value.

In this article, we’re discussing some current garage door design trends as well as ways you can transform your garage door from mundane to miraculous.

Having a cool garage door is easy with Amarr.

Current Garage Door Design Trends

Like any type of design, garage door trends experience an ebb and flow. Over time, different styles make their way to the forefront and become the popular choice while others take a backseat, and vice versa.

Here are a handful of popular garage door designs and garage entrance trends we’re noticing right now (with actionable steps on how to achieve them following closely afterward).

Modern traditional: This style combines the classic aesthetic of traditional garage doors with modern materials, technology and design elements.
Two-tone: Incorporate two different colors or finishes on different sections of the door to create a visually appealing contrast and add dimension.
Maximalism: Characterized by bold, eclectic and often extravagant design elements that make a dramatic statement.
European styles: These traditional and timeless aesthetics complement various architectural styles, from rustic cottages to elegant estates.
Sleek glass panels: Contemporary design tends to favor sleek, sophisticated and minimal aesthetics. A garage door with glass panels fits the contemporary bill perfectly.
Bold colors: Bold, bright colors are the perfect way to make a statement in your neighborhood.
Wood (or Faux Wood): Wood is elegant. Whether you opt for a real or faux wood garage door, this design trend is sure to turn heads.
Smart openers: From in-garage package delivery to automatic deadbolts, a smarter garage is a cooler (and safer) garage.
App control: Remote garage door access enables you to open or close your garage door from just about anywhere, providing peace of mind.
Biometric access: Button-click garage door openers have had center stage for too long. Fingerprint and face scan technology makes you feel like a superhero for simply opening the garage door.

10 Cool Garage Doors and Trends To Revamp Your Home

With so many designs and trends to choose from, let’s take a closer look at each to see which one you like the most. Or combine the designs with trends for the ultimate upgrade. Which one of these 10 cool garage door ideas and trends will be your favorite?

1. Go Bold With a Custom Color

A white garage door is classic, but a colorful garage door is cool.

Garage doors that make a statement or match other elements of your home’s exterior, such as shutters, add a special flair that only a bold color choice can achieve.

So, whether you want a bright, beautiful garage door color or a more subtle shade that pulls everything together, getting a little bold with your choice of paint is a fun way to showcase your personality to the neighborhood.

With Amarr Color Zone, you can choose from over 800 approved colors for most garage door styles. Dont be afraid to get a little bold!

2. Let Light In With Sleek Glass Panels

The great thing about glass panels on garage doors is that there are plenty of options available, from full-view options to just a few windows. Depending on your style inclinations and what you use your garage for, adding a couple or many glass panels helps brighten up your garage space without the need for additional artificial lighting.

After a modern-looking garage? Full-view options could be just what you're looking for.

3. Up the Ante With a Wood (or Faux Wood) Finish

Real wood makes for a show-stopper of a garage door but it can run on the expensive side. Thankfully, achieving that natural wood look is possible with a steel garage door.

Faux wood options offer the best of both worlds: the look of real wood and the performance, affordability and ease of maintenance of steel.

Northwoods by Amarr is the epitome of (faux) wooden elegance. Available in Cedar or Aspen Gray. Having a wood-like garage door has never been so easy (or looked this good).

4. Details, Details, Details (Maximalist Hardware)

Fans of carriage house-style garage doors are familiar with characterful handles and decorative hardware. Other styles, like Victorian and Tudor, are also known for their ornate elements that make them what they are.

If you’re a fan of maximalist design, choosing a garage door with customizable hardware is a great way to bring your interior’s minimalist design outside.

Decorative hardware such as handles, hinges and faux straps evoke the charm indicative of more design-heavy garage door styles.

5. Can’t Decide? Try a Two-Tone Design

There’s nothing wrong with painting your garage door more than one color. In fact, there are many garage door styles where a two-tone paint job works exceptionally well, such as carriage house styles and raised panel garage doors.

To use carriage house as an example of how to achieve a two-tone look, consider this:

Carriage house style garage doors are designed to resemble the swinging doors found on traditional carriage houses and typically have distinct sections that are easily painted. Choose one color for the base of the garage door and choose a different color for the diagonal element of the door to add excitement to your outdoor aesthetic.

If youre indecisive, good news: You dont have to choose just one color for your garage door.

6. Play It Safe With A Modern Traditional Look

Traditional-looking garage doors are a practical and popular style choice for many reasons. If you prefer the understated and classic look of traditional garage doors but still want to spruce things up a bit, consider something with a modern twist.

The best part about the modern traditional style is that you have the vintage flair of traditional doors and the endless customization of modern styles. From colors to materials to smart technology, you cannot go wrong with a modern traditional-style door.

7. Take Inspiration From Across the Pond (European Styles)

European styles have been popular in America for quite some time — and for good reason. This always-popular design trend sticks around because of its timeless and ornate appeal.

Whether the French countryside or Mediterranean oasis is calling your name, European styles, like Amarr’s Classica garage door, fit the bill nicely and can help you achieve an inspired design that screams “cool garage door!”

European-style garage doors add a unique flair to your home.

8. Make Your Garage Smarter

Making your garage cool extends beyond just the design of the door itself. Smart garage door openers, for example, do wonders to make your garage more functional and secure.

Some models, like the LiftMaster Elite 98032 offer enhanced surety through automated deadbolt locks. Others, like the LiftMaster Model 84602, enable in-garage delivery of packages so you don’t have to worry about porch pirates nabbing your mail right off your doorstep.

At any rate, the smarter the garage door opener, the cooler the garage!

9. Gain Remote Control of Your Garage

In a similar vein to smart home tech, more garage door openers grant remote access to your garage via an app. Forget to close the door before heading out on vacation? Smart systems like 821LM MyQ Garage enable you to monitor your garage and close it remotely from just about anywhere.

You can also opt-in to recessive notification when your garage door opens, so if it happens unexpectedly, you can take appropriate action. The future is here and it hasn’t left garage door tech behind.

10. Enter Using Your Face or Fingerprint

As technology advances, biometric access controls are becoming more and more commonplace. These days, some garage door openers work by scanning your fingerprint or face to grant access to your garage.

Not only is it a secure way to keep your valuables stored, but you can feel like Batman every time you open your garage door. That’s pretty cool.

Design Your Perfect Garage Door

Has a cool garage door idea or trend caught your eye? Make your garage door dreams a reality with Amarr.

From the style down to the paint, hardware, openers and accessories, the design is entirely up to you! Choose from a range of styles and over 800 paint colors to create a garage door you’re proud of — one that your neighbors will look at and think, “That’s cool!”

Ready to get started? Design your custom garage door using our online tool.

What’s the Standard Garage Door Height? A Garage Door Sizing Guide

Posted March 29, 2024 by Amarr Garage Doors

Garage doors come in a variety of sizes for both residential and commercial applications; however, there is some method to the madness. Residential garage doors tend to have consistency in their size, with certain dimensions being fairly standard across the board.

Here, we’re talking all about residential garage door sizing from single-car to double, standard garage door sizes and even how to measure your garage to get the perfect fit when shopping for a new door.

Standard Garage Door Sizes

While every garage door is different, there are typical sizes, or size ranges, that you can expect to encounter on many houses in North America.

Here are a few common garage door sizes:

Single Garage Door Size:

Width: 8 feet (2.4 meters), 9 feet (2.7 meters) or 10 feet (3 meters)
Height: 7 feet (2.1 meters) or 8 feet (2.4 meters)

Double Garage Door Size:

Width: 16 feet (4.9 meters), 18 feet (5.5 meters) or 20 feet (6.1 meters)
Height: 7 feet (2.1 meters) or 8 feet (2.4 meters)

Sure, these are a few general standard sizes, but it’s essential to measure your garage opening accurately before purchasing a new door replacement. Variations in garage design can affect the type of garage door you need, even if it looks fairly typical to the naked eye.

Additionally, garage door sizes can vary based on factors such as the type of door (e.g., sectional, roll-up, swing-out), material, insulation thickness and whether the door is manual or motorized.

So, even if you suspect that you need a standard size for your one or two car garage, it’s always important to measure before making a purchase.

Have an atypical garage door opening or size? Some manufacturers offer custom garage door sizes to fit non-standard openings. If that sounds like your situation, make sure to find a local dealer near you to talk options.

Four Reasons Why Garage Door Size is Important

The wrong size garage door won’t only cause mechanical problems but aesthetic, economic and even security troubles as well. Here’s how:

1. Fit and Functionality

A garage door needs to fit the opening of your garage properly. If it’s too small, it won’t cover the entire opening, leaving gaps that compromise security and insulation. If it’s too large, installation is virtually impossible or may cause the door to get stuck during operation.

In carpentry, they say: “Measure twice, cut once.” When buying a new garage door, tell yourself something similar: “Measure twice, purchase once.”

2. Aesthetic Appeal

The size of the garage door affects the overall appearance of your home. A wrong size option — one that’s too small or too large — can look disproportionate and detract from the curb appeal.

3. Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Gaps around an improperly sized door can lead to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, which can increase your monthly energy costs.

A garage door that’s the right size for your space can be properly sealed around its edges to increase insulation effectiveness.

4. Safety and Security

Garage door security is an important part of home security. A properly fitting garage door closes suitably, providing better security for both your home and belongings. It also reduces the risk of safety incidents by ensuring that the door operates smoothly without any obstructions, which means there’s less chance of you or your family getting injured as a result of a faulty, poorly fitting door.

Properly sized doors are essential in ensuring garage door security.

How To Measure Your Garage Door for the Perfect Fit

We understand that measuring your own garage door can be a bit challenging — especially if you’ve never tried it before. Here are some helpful tips to simplify the process for measuring residential garage doors.

If you need help to ensure you get the best fit possible, reach out to a professional for assistance.

Learn how to measure your garage door when youre needing a new replacement. All garage door types require the correct size for your home.

1. Measure Width

To begin, measure the width of the garage door opening at its widest point, from the inside of one side jamb to the inside of the opposite side jamb.

Take measurements at both the top and bottom of the opening, as garage openings are not always perfectly square — although in a perfect world, they would be! Once you’ve collected these measurements, use the smallest of them to ensure the door fits without rubbing against the frame.

2. Measure Height

Measure the height of the garage door opening from the floor to the underside of the header or ceiling. Again, take measurements on both sides and at the center of the opening to account for any variations in size. Use the shortest measurement for the best results.

3. Measure Side Room and Headroom

Measure the space on the sides of the opening (side room) and above the opening (headroom) to ensure there is enough space for the tracks and springs of the new door system. Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the required side room and headroom for your chosen door.

Additional Considerations When Measuring A Garage Door Opening

Check for Obstructions

If you have a garage door opener, light fixture or any other obstructions near the garage door opening, make sure to account for those when measuring as they might interfere with the installation of the new door. Make sure there is enough clearance for the new garage door to operate smoothly.

Take Note of the Floor Slope

Check if the garage floor slopes. If it does, measure the slope and consider this when selecting the door size or ordering a custom door.

Other Factors To Consider

If you’re replacing an existing door, note the type of door and any special features like insulation or windows. This information will help you choose the right replacement door.

When all else fails, or you just need a second opinion, it’s worth reiterating: consult a professional. If you’re unsure about taking measurements on your own or if your garage opening is non-standard, it’s best to consult a professional garage door installer. They can provide accurate measurements and recommend the best door size and type for your needs.

Design Your Perfect Garage Door That Fits the Space and Your Taste

Our online design tool allows you to create your perfect door design that fits both your taste and your space!

Choose the number of doors and their sizes, and then get into the fun part by choosing the design elements you want.

Once you’re done, review and save your creation and find a local dealer to help bring your vision to life.

Insulated Garage Doors: The Sensible Solution for 5 Common Garage Problems

Posted March 13, 2024 by Amarr Garage Doors

When you think of weather-proofing your home, does your garage come to mind? Whether you use your garage for parking or to accommodate other hobbies and activities, you should feel as comfortable in your garage as you do sitting in your living room.

Garage door insulation should be top of mind as you consider which garage door to buy. Let’s take a look at why garage door insulation is important, different types of insulation and how a well-insulated door can solve five common garage problems.

Why Garage Door Insulation is Important

You’ve heard of insulation, but do you know the full scope of what it does for your home? Because many people use the garage for more than storing cars, it should be cared for like the rest of your home.

Whether you use your garage as a storage space or a place for your creativity to thrive, here are some surprising reasons you should consider adding insulated garage doors.

1. Improve Energy Efficiency

If you have an attached garage that is not properly insulated, air can travel into or escape from the living space. In the summer when your AC is working overtime, and in the winter when the furnace is cranked, insulated garage doors can reduce heat transfer and heat loss to conserve energy.

2. Improve Airflow

With an insulated garage door, you can better control your home’s airflow as insulation helps regulate temperature. Your garage is typically the largest door opening in your home; without insulation, it’s like leaving the front door wide open while the air conditioning unit is running.

3. Lower Noise Levels

Insulation’s greatest secret is that, in addition to regulating temperature, it also effectively regulates sound. When your garage door is sealed properly with high-quality insulation, not only does your garage door make less noise when operating, but it helps cut down on outside noise as well.

So, if you have neighbors with loud dogs or live on a busy street, you can make your home’s atmosphere a little more tranquil.

Understanding Garage Door Insulation Types

Garage door insulation is available in a few types, each with its own price point and benefits depending on your budget and needs. If you’re shopping around for particular insulation levels, you’ll need to consider the R-value. This measurement is how insulation professionals determine thermal resistance. The higher the value, the more resistant, which makes it a more insulative material.

There are three basic types of garage door insulation: fiberglass, polystyrene and polyurethane.

Amarr garage doors are available with no insulation (left), polystyrene insulation with vinyl backing (center), or polyurethane insulation with steel backing (right).

Fiberglass Insulation

You’ve probably seen fiberglass insulation in new-build home projects; the pink cotton candy-like material. It’s made of very fine glass that is melted and spun or blown into fibers.

Fiberglass is a good thermal insulator, an effective sound-dampener and is fire-resistant, making it an affordable option for garage door insulation. However, this is type of insulation is typically available through DIY in home kits which is not the best solution when shopping for insulated garage doors.

The best choice is to choose garage doors that are already insulated properly from the manufacturer and contain polystyrene or polyurethane insulation.

Polystyrene Insulation

Polystyrene insulation, commonly called styrofoam, is a closed-cell foam board that is waterproof, fireproof and protects against weather changes. This type of insulation is one of two that Amarr offers on garage doors, the other being polyurethane.

It’s a colorless thermoplastic option that contains small pockets of air making this material the most effective insulation. This type of insulation is also one of the most durable options, typically lasting 30 to 50 years before a replacement is necessary. Finally, rigid foam paneling is non-toxic, chemically inert and non-irritating.

Polyurethane Insulation

Polyurethane (PUR), or polyisocyanurate (PIR), is a type of insulation material that offers good thermal efficiency and strength.

It’s a spray-on material that foams up to create its insulative barrier, which makes it resistant to mold, water damage and fire. PUR can also fill small gaps within the garage door, making it a great solution for garage doors.

Most Amarr garage doors are available with one of these two types of insulation: polystyrene and polyurethane. Either material will improve temperature regulation and prevent heat loss.

Should I Add Insulation or Get a New Insulated Garage Door?

Technically you can add insulation to already installed garage doors; however, we do not recommend it as it will not be as durable or have the same quality as doors properly manufactured with insulation.

Choosing a pre-insulated option direct from the manufacturer is your best bet. Although non-insulated doors are cheaper, the year-round usability of your garage overtime will benefit from an insulated door. The value lies in how you utilize your garage — do you have any items of value that could get damaged under high heat or low temperatures? Do you work or play in your garage? Would you like to dampen noise from the outside of your house while in the garage? If the answer to any of these is yes, opt for insulated garage doors.

How Insulation Solves 5 Common Garage Problems

Wondering whether or not you need to insulate your garage doors? Let’s take a look at five common garage door problems you might be experiencing to find out.

Problem 1: My Garage Is Too Cold!

In areas that experience extremely cold temperatures, an insulated garage door is a must. If you find that your garage stays cold in the winter, consider upgrading to an insulated garage door. Without insulation, your garage cannot seal in heat effectively.

Problem 2: My Garage Is Too Hot!

On the other side of temperature regulation, you may be finding your garage is too hot. An insulated garage door helps your garage stay cooler by more effectively sealing in cooler air.

Problem 3: My Energy Bills Are Too High!

If you find yourself paying more than you ought to on your energy bills but are using the furnace and AC responsibly, it could be that your uninsulated garage door isn’t probably regulating temperatures.

As a result of good heat stability, garages act as a buffer and help maintain temperature to keep energy costs down.

Problem 4: The Garage Door Is Too Noisy!

The insulation in your garage door dampens the clattering sound that non-insulated steel garage doors often make. In turn, this makes insulated doors significantly quieter and provides much-needed relief for many homeowners with loud garage doors.

Problem 5: I Have To Replace the Door Because of Damage!

Insulated garage doors are considerably more rigid than their non-insulated doors, thus helping them endure minor impacts, such as rebounded basketballs or small fender-benders.

So, if you’re wondering whether it’s best to repair or replace in this case, we’d encourage a full replacement.

Want to learn more benefits of insulated garage doors? Check out this infographic from our polyurethane manufacturer, Dow, courtesy of Door + Access Systems Magazine! Click the picture to view it in full size.

Trust Amarr When Considering an Insulated Garage Door

When it comes to protecting your home from extreme weather, cutting down on energy costs and preparing for longevity, we’ve got you covered. With Amarr manufacturing insulated garage doors and professional garage dealers installing them, you are in good hands. With us, you’ll never have to wonder if you’re getting the right deal or the perfect garage door.

Talk to a garage door dealer at a location nearest you.

A Guide to the Different Types of Garage Doors and How To Choose One

Posted March 1, 2024 by Amarr Garage Doors

Considering a new garage door? Beyond the wide range of design styles available for garage doors, there are also lots of different garage door types. Before making your decision, you may want to consider how you want the door to look and any particular design elements that make it stand out from other options, materials, features and more.

Let's discuss some of the most popular types of garage doors, highlighting some of the top advantages and considerations for each to help make your decision easier.

A Breakdown of Residential Garage Door Styles, Materials, Features and More

Garage doors aren't as cut and dry as they used to be. These days, there are plenty of options available that appeal to a diverse range of style preferences, insulation and security needs, technology demands and more.

But first, let's start with a few of the most common styles, which essentially form the basis of most types of modern garage doors. From there, we'll discuss materials and additional features that make upgrading your garage door so exciting (and valuable).

Common Garage Door Styles

Traditional, carriage house and modern garage doors are three typical styles that you'll see in many homes today. Most other garage door styles can fit into one of these groups, perhaps with a few exceptions.

Here's how each common garage door type is defined:

Traditional Garage Doors

Traditionally designed garage doors are a common and classic style, often featuring raised panels that add depth and dimension to the door's surface. They're timeless and classic, and their simplicity lends itself well to a diverse range of home styles.

Carriage House Garage Doors

Inspired by old carriage doors, this garage door style often has a rustic or traditional look, complete with decorative hardware. While some are actually designed to have a swing-out operation like their age-old predecessors, most modern iterations of the carriage house door are designed with a convenient overhead operation, but made to look like they swing outward.

Magnetic hardware is an easy way to enhance the look of a carriage house garage door, adding to its historical charm.

Modern Garage Doors

By modern, we mean contemporary. Even carriage house garage doors made to look antique are modern — with all the smart home technology, garage door openers and triple-layer construction to boot.

That said, modern-style or contemporary garage doors typically feature clean lines, sleek finishes and minimalist design elements, making them suitable for more stylish homes. Some may also emphasize windows, offering full- or multi-view designs that are almost entirely made of glass.

Modern plank-style doors can add that unique design element to your homes exterior.

Popular Garage Door Materials

Although most garage doors are made of steel in today's world, there are other available options becoming more popular as technology and materials are enhanced. From steel to wood to aluminum — let's take a look at these three options, highlighting their key advantages, appealing features and even potential pain points.

Steel

Steel garage doors are durable and have relatively low maintenance requirements, making them an appealing option for many homeowners. A wide range of garage door styles are or can be manufactured with steel, including everything from traditional raised-panel designs to contemporary flush-panel and modern MultiView glass options.

Typically, steel doors are more affordable than doors made from other materials, like real wood, which look incredible but can be costly and require regular maintenance.

Love the look of natural wood grain but want the durability and reliability of steel? Faux wood garage doors made from steel may be exactly what you're looking for.

Aluminum

Unlike steel garage doors, which tend to be heavier, aluminum garage doors are lightweight, rust-resistant and require minimal maintenance. This material is also available in various styles, including full-view glass doors and contemporary designs with sleek finishes.

Compared to steel, garage doors made from aluminum are typically more expensive due to the advanced manufacturing of the material. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that aluminum is not as strong as steel and may be more prone to dents and scratches. So, if you require a door that may be subject to these types of possibilities, then steel may be a better choice.

The Amarr Vista garage door is manufactured in aluminum, offering a full-view glass front to maximize natural light and visibility.

Wood

A wood garage door offers a natural and classic look that can enhance a home's curb appeal. Moreover, it can be customized by choosing different wood species, stains and engravings to match the architectural style of the house.

That said, wood doors require regular maintenance, including treatments such as re-staining or re-painting to protect them from the elements and prevent warping or rotting.

For a lot of homeowners who love the look of real wood but don't want the upkeep of maintaining their garage doors regularly, a faux wood garage door made from steel is an appealing option and offers the best of both worlds — a real wood grain appearance with low maintenance requirements.

Amarrs Northwoods faux wood garage door offers the best of both worlds in terms of style and maintenance requirements.

Construction, Operation and Additional Features

To cover all our bases, there are a few more options and variables to consider that help make up your perfect garage door:

Opting for single-, double-, triple- or quad-layer construction.
Choosing sectional doors that may or may not have windows.
Adding a garage door opener and other accessories.
Purchasing a door with a suitable R Rating.

Construction

Steel garage doors are available in single- or multi-layers of steel to enhance durability and energy efficiency. The more layers you have, the more durable the garage door will be, and the better it will perform in terms of noise reduction and regulating temperatures.

Mechanism

Not all garage doors use an overhead operation, even though that's probably what you envision when you think about a garage door. Let's explore the basic types of door mechanisms.

Overhead garage door: This mechanism, which is the most known, includes variations like a tilt-up or canopy garage door and a sectional garage door, which is split into two or three steel sections.
Folding and sectional garage doors: Tri- or bifold garage doors fold into sections before opening — usually horizontally but sometimes vertically.
Hinged door: This includes side-hinged garage doors that feature a swing-out operation like a regular door.

Garage Door Openers and Other Accessories

A garage door opener is a necessity on all modern doors that make opening and closing them quick and easy.

Additional door accessories, like security cameras, smart openers, motion-activated lights, keypads and more, can be added to increase security, energy efficiency and peace of mind.

R Rating

This rating system communities the thermal resistance or insulation value of a garage door, measuring how effectively it resists the flow of heat. Garage door R-ratings typically range from around R-6 to R-17 or higher:

R-6 to R-9: Basic insulation levels suitable for moderate climates. These doors provide some insulation but may not be sufficient for areas with extreme temperatures.
R-10 to R-14: Better insulation suitable for regions with colder winters or hotter summers. These doors offer improved energy efficiency and help maintain more stable temperatures inside the garage.
R-15 to R-17 and higher: High-performance insulation levels are ideal for extreme climates or for homeowners who prioritize energy efficiency. These doors offer superior thermal resistance and can significantly reduce energy costs.

Garage Door FAQs (and Answers) To Help You Make the Right Choice

If you still have questions about garage doors, we have quick answers to help make the hunt for your next door easy.

Which Type of Garage Door Offers the Best Insulation?

These days, almost every garage door is designed with insulation in mind. That means no matter which type of garage door you prefer, it's going to offer adequate sound and temperature insulation. Amarr insulated garage doors are available in double- or triple-layer steel.

Can I Convert My Existing Garage Door to a Different Type?

In some cases, it may be possible to convert an existing garage door to a different type. Still, it depends on factors such as the structure of the garage, available space, and compatibility with the new door type. It's best to consult a professional garage door installer to assess feasibility.

Are Certain Types of Garage Doors More Secure Than Others?

Security features vary among different types of garage doors. Generally, doors with sturdy construction, robust locking mechanisms and limited access points, such as sectional and roll-up doors, tend to offer better security.

Can I Customize the Appearance of My Garage Door?

Yes, many types of garage doors offer customization options, including material, color, design, and hardware choices. Customization allows homeowners to match the garage door to the architectural style of their home and enhance curb appeal.

Design Your Perfect Garage Door

Amarr garage doors are built to last — and are completely customizable. If you're looking for more than an off-the-shelf style, you can personalize your perfect garage door right down to the hardware using our online design tool.

7 Tips for a More Organized Garage

Posted February 16, 2024 by Amarr Garage Doors

Garages are often a catch-all for items that don’t get used a lot, are seasonal or you just don’t have anywhere else to put them. Without proper organization and planning, items in your garage can start to pile up, making it look messy and unappealing. Moreover, a clutter-filled garage can make it difficult to use for its intended purpose, whether that be storing your vehicle or working out.

Here, we’re inspiring you to get organized and keep clutter off the garage floor with these seven garage organization tips and ideas.

The Benefits of Having Organized Garage Storage Space

A clutter-free garage not only looks nice, but it has tangible benefits that may help make your life easier:

Efficient use of space: Implementing intuitive storage solutions and getting your items organized helps you maximize your garage space. If you’ve found yourself running out of places to store things but your garage is piled high with miscellaneous materials, there’s more than likely some wasted space that could be put to better use.
Time savings: Are you constantly rummaging through piles of parts and pieces, and giving up before finding what you’re looking for? Chances are you could benefit from more organization. When everything has its place, it makes finding a particular power tool, a piece of equipment or another item a lot easier, helping you save time.
Improved safety: Disorder has multiple definitions for a reason. A messy garage can lead to disorder in your life and may even cause injury. Cleaning things up can minimize the risk of accidents and injuries that could be caused by tripping over clutter. Particularly, an organized garage space ensures that potentially hazardous items such as sharp tools are stored properly.
Heightened appeal when selling: According to one realtor’s survey, 80% of buyers say that the garage is a big factor when making a buying decision. So, keeping your garage organized and appealing may help it do well on the market.

What Items Are Best Stored in the Garage?

Using a garage as a storage room is common, but it also begs the question: What exactly should you be storing in there? While the garage may not be the best place to store items that are valuable, easily stolen or could be damaged by moths, it is a great place for most everything else — as long as you keep it organized. Here are just a handful of items that are appropriate to keep in the garage:

Tools.
Sports equipment.
Seasonal items.
Outdoor equipment (lawn and garden; bicycles, etc.).
Vehicle supplies.
Camping gear.
Recycling and garbage.

7 Garage Storage Ideas for a Clutter-Free Space

These seven garage storage ideas can help you create more floor space, save precious time spent searching for small items and even ease your stress.

1. Utilize Overhead Space

A garage ceiling, especially if you have an A-frame roof, offers a lot of great storage space. If your garage allows, try installing overhead storage racks for larger or less-used items. Not only does this provide a safe space for your prized possessions, but it also gets them up off the ground, freeing up valuable floor space. Seasonal stuff, or large, bulky items are great candidates to be stored high and dry in your garage.

Need bike storage ideas? Drill hooks into your garage ceiling and hang bikes upside down by the front or rear tire!

2. Install a Wall-Mounted Cabinet

If hoisting heavy items high overhead isn’t a practical option for you, you can try utilizing vertical wall space by installing wall-mounted storage racks and pegboards. This will free up floor space and provide easy access to smaller items. These shelving solutions are ideal for smaller garage spaces and operate on the same principle as overhead storage: they keep items off the ground to free up garage floor space.

With wall-mounted storage, you get the added benefit of accessibility, so you can store items that you may need to access more often. Plus, a well-installed wall storage unit looks sleek, which may make it easier to want to keep the garage clutter-free!

3. Consider Wire Shelving for an Affordable Storage Option

Wire shelving is typically lighter on your wallet than other storage options while still providing an easy, secure way to organize your items in the garage. This storage solution could be wall-mounted or freestanding and is a great first step to an organized garage for the cost-conscious consumer.

4. Include Tool Storage

If you consider yourself something of a craftsperson or otherwise have a lot of valuable tools, they should be stowed away when you’re not using them. There are plenty of great toolboxes, storage cabinets and workbenches out there that are designed to keep your tools safe, secure and accessible.

5. Create Zones

If you’re looking to get a little more granular with your organization than simply building storage solutions into your garage, try creating zones.

Designate specific zones for different activities or categories. For example, keep all your gardening stuff together in one area, sports equipment in another and car cleaning supplies somewhere else. This will not only make it easy to retrieve particular items when you need them, but it can make keeping your garage organized easier, too — since you know exactly where items belong.

6. Label Everything

Labels can go a long way — especially if you’re storing items in opaque plastic bins and containers. If you have a particularly good memory, using a more generic label, such as “camping items,” would suffice. However, if you prefer to be a bit more thorough, there’s nothing wrong with listing out exactly what’s in the storage bin on the label.

To make things just a bit easier on yourself, make sure to use a consistent labeling system so that when it comes time to find something, you know exactly where to look. On the other hand, if labeling isn’t your jam, you can opt for transparent storage containers to quickly identify the contents without opening them.

7. Keep Up With Maintenance

Life happens and sometimes it’s easy to fall out of a routine (or into a different one). However challenging it may be, try to hold yourself to regular decluttering sessions. This can help to prevent the accumulation of garbage and/or unnecessary items in your garage. On top of that, always try to put items back in their designated places after you use them to keep the garage spick and span.

Consider a New Garage Door To Complement Your Newly-Organized Space

The outside of your garage, and your home in general, deserves just as much attention as the interior — so don’t stop the tidy once you get organized on the inside! Keep working your magic and consider complementing your freshly-organized space with a new garage door to suit.

New garage doors offer better durability and security than older models, which helps keep your organized items safe and secure.

Amarr offers a range of garage door styles to fit your unique design preference. Ready to find your dream garage door and keep the cleanup going? Then build the perfect garage door that would complete your garage organization project.

New Style Garage Doors: Introducing the Northwoods Collection by Amarr

Posted January 31, 2024 by Amarr Garage Doors

Picture this: You’ve just purchased your dream house or are building something new to your perfectly envisioned specifications. Everything is just how you’d imagined, but something feels like it’s missing. The exterior of your new home is perfect, but the current garage door leaves something to be desired.

Well, plank-lovers rejoice! Amarr is excited to announce that a popular and long-requested garage door style is entering our roster of products.

Introducing the Amarr Northwoods overhead door: a sleek, sophisticated take on a plank garage door with modern flare and mid-century roots.

What’s more, we’re also thrilled to reveal Amarr’s new SlimLine garage door window — a style perfectly suited for the Northwoods Collection that compliments the printed horizontal plank style beautifully.

Here, we’re covering some of the standout features of the Northwoods, including design, construction and more.

Amarr Northwoods Modern Plank Garage Door

Whether you’re going for a craftsman-style home or something more contemporary, the Northwoods’ versatile aesthetic is suitable for a wide range of tastes.

Why Are Plank-Style Garage Doors So Popular?

Unlike most other garage door styles, plank doors are flat with no raised or debossed elements. This makes them more simplistic in appearance and perfect for complementing homes with intricate architectural design details.

On the other hand, modern homes designed with clean lines and muted colors can benefit from the contrast Northwoods offers against more neutral tones, allowing the garage door to become a statement piece on your home’s exterior.

Better yet, the printed wood grain, triple-layer steel design of Northwoods offers all the durability, insulation and security of a steel garage door with a welcome touch of design flair. Like all Amarr products, it’s the best of both worlds.

Northwoods Design and Construction

Northwoods offers the best of everything that you want in a residential garage door: security, insulation and aesthetic appeal.

The ribbed section’s printed horizontal plank design adds depth, texture and a touch of dimension and is an ideal match for modern, mid-century modern and traditional architectural styles.

Here are some of the features and design elements you can expect with Northwoods:

Multi-tone, digitally printed wood grain design that mimics the character and charm of natural wood beautifully.
Multiple window options, including traditional or mosaic placement.
SlimLine windows, our new window offering, complements the design of the Northwoods Modern Plank garage door nicely. Available in clear, frost, obscure and dark tint options, there’s a style for you that’s just meant to be. If you’re a fan of our other window offerings, don’t worry — our classic short- and long-panel windows are available for Northwoods, too.

Color options:

Cedar: A more traditional take on wood garage doors, the cedar colorway of Northwoods offers an earthy tone that’s equal parts rustic and modern, without the hassle, required care and price tag of real wood.
Aspen Gray: For a more contemporary twist, the Aspen Gray colorway will blend seamlessly with sleek and sophisticated home designs for owners who prefer a minimalist, monotone style.

Construction:

The triple-layer construction of our Northwoods door offers enhanced insulation and security without compromising aesthetics. It’s built with heavy-duty exterior and interior steel, and environmentally safe polystyrene for a reliable, durable and low-maintenance garage door that’s extra quiet during operation.
Get durability, security, versatility and longevity with the Northwoods while boosting the curb appeal of your home.

What Home Style is Northwoods Best Suited For?

Northwoods is versatile. Its horizontal printed plank design lends itself to styles where natural elements, simple materials and clean lines shine — and that covers a lot of ground! But the design possibilities don’t stop there.

Here are a few design styles where Northwoods would stand out or blend in seamlessly with the rest of the home:

Craftsman: Characterized by clean lines, simple geometric shapes and natural materials, the printed plank design of the Northwoods is right at home on a craftsman-style house.
Contemporary: Symmetry and sleekness shine through on most contemporary homes, and the Northwoods create a contrast that’s both welcome and tasteful.
Mid-century modern (MCM): We’d be remiss to leave MCM off this list. The minimalism, softness and personality often attributed to MCM design speak almost too perfectly to Northwoods with its flush panel and wood-like finish.
Cottage: Earthy tones and natural materials are what cozy cottage-core design is all about. Northwoods offers the perfect blend of both while mixing in modern appeal to accent your contemporary cottage easily.

These are just a few examples of how you could incorporate Northwoods into your current home or new build. The flush panel design and two available color options make mixing and matching Northwoods with a myriad of styles an easy task.

Get Started Designing Today!

Amarr’s ever-expanding catalog of garage doors is always evolving to offer modern garage doors and even doors with historical charm. No matter your design preferences or taste, we’ve got garage door styles to suit. Looking for design inspiration? Check out our photo gallery collection to see how Amarr garage doors look on all kinds of house styles.

Ready to see if the new Northwoods garage door is the right fit for your home? Start designing today to see what options you would choose!

A Breakdown of the Cost vs. Value Report

Posted January 22, 2024 by Amarr Garage Doors

The Cost vs. Value report is an annual roundup of remodeling statistics presented by Remodeling Magazine that aims to help homeowners, home buyers and investors understand the initial remodeling cost and return on investment (ROI) of different renovation projects.

The United States-based report offers national, regional, and city-specific data to help you understand which remodels are worth your investment and which can fall by the wayside.

Here, we provide a brief breakdown of the report and highlight some of the top projects to tackle for better cost recoupment.

Top 5 Remodeling Projects With High ROI: And #1 is….

The latest report shows data from 2024; however, based on past history, it’s safe to assume the following projects and trends will continue to be popular well into the coming years.

1. Garage Door Replacement

While garage door replacement came in second last year, it has taken its place back at the top! With a ROI of over 190%, one can assume replacing your garage doors will be well worth the money.

The report highlights a few of the most popular options that helped this project achieve its high value:

Heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks.
Durable steel doors.
Insulated to a minimum of R-12.

The highest ROI for garage door replacement is in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., with an estimated 103.7% of the project cost recouped upon the sale of the home. While the Pacific region also yields a powerful ROI of 96.8%.

2. Steel Entry Door Replacement

This year was all about replacing items that product your home’s entrances. With an average project cost of $2,355 and a resale value of $4,430, removing existing entry doors and jambs with new 20-gauge steel doors data shows you can gain a ROI of 188%. Second still to garage door replacement.

3. Manufactured Stone Veneer (Siding)

Although coming in third place, replacing or updating your manufactured stone veneer in 2024 property owners can recoup more than 150%. Stone veneer edged out vinyl siding, which as of the latest available data, is still a top 5 home remodeling project with high ROI.

4. Grand Entrance (Fiberglass)

A new contender was added to the top five this year, fiberglass grand entrance. If you’re already replacing your garage door and entry door, why not add a grand entrance to complete the remodel? Although this newcomer on the 2024 Cost vs. Value report has a smaller ROI then its contenders, one can still enjoy a positive ROI of 97.4%.

5. Minor Kitchen Remodel

For years, everyone has heard how updating kitchens can bring in a high return when selling a property and this year’s report has the data to prove it!. Minor kitchen remodels took over 2023’s fifth place position; vinyl siding. By adding new cabinet fronts, fresh hardware and a modern cooktop/oven range, you can expect to see a 96.1% ROI.

History was Made in this Year’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report

The ROIs in this year’s report are the highest ever reported. According to the 2024 release of the 37th annual Cost vs. Value report some project values doubled in comparison to last year’s results! Exterior improvement projects continued the multiyear trend of providing home sellers with their greatest return on investment (ROI) . Nine out of the top 10 projects with the highest ROI were exterior improvement projects. See how the top two brought hot returns.

With garage door and steel entry door replacement taking positions 1 and 2, their values result in ROIs of almost 200%, and an average ROI for the manufactured stone veneer project of over 150%. These “hot returns” are the highest in the history of the Cost vs. Value report and can be attributed to the unique housing market for existing homes. With the combination of higher mortgage interest rates and existing homeowners sitting on loads of equity. “There has been a strong shift in the existing home market that favors move-up buyers. A new garage door or new entry door can make a pronounced difference and it could be the thing that makes one house stand out against all the others, making the home worth a higher price.” says Todd Tomalak, a principal of Zonda Advisory.

This was just one of several aspects of the report. Explore other key trends in the 2024 cost vs. value report that made an impact and showed definitive turnarounds. You can also take a quick overview of the 2024 National Averages below showcasing the many areas of improvements one can make to their homes to gain valuable returns.

National perspective. Sorted by the highest return on investment, this table ranks all 23 projects in the 2024 Cost vs. Value report.

Choose a Remodeling Project That Pays

As you can see, garage door replacement has can give you an advantage when it comes to your remodeling projects by offering a generous return on your initial investment.

Furthermore, it’s among one of the most economical projects for homeowners and home buyers. Where other projects can quickly get expensive, replacing your garage door is a solid, lower-cost option with a net-positive ROI. It’s a win-win!

Ready to get started on your new garage door upgrade? Find a local Amarr dealer near you to discuss your options.

Or, if you want to see what different kinds of garage doors would look like on your home first, then use our simple, online design your own garage door tool.

Garage Door Design Ideas to Inspire (and Improve Curb Appeal)

Posted December 20, 2023 by Amarr Garage Doors

Modern garage doors come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, but upgrading your garage door doesn’t have to be an overwhelming decision.

Here, we list 10 garage door design ideas that cover everything from aesthetics down to material, discussing some popular options for new garage doors, which design elements work well for particular house styles and more.

The Importance of A Good-Looking Garage Door

A good-looking garage door means much more than making a simple statement. Having a new garage door that matches the rest of your house can give your property a boost in appearance, making it look refreshed and updated. As a byproduct, the curb appeal of your home can increase dramatically with the right garage door — an important factor if you’re looking to sell.

Installing a new garage door can increase the value of your property. It’s one of the few remodeling projects that accrues more than the initial job cost upon resale of the home (102.7% ROI), according to Remodeling’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report.

10 Garage Door Design Ideas

If you’re in the market for a new garage door but in need of inspiration, consider these 10 garage door ideas for a truly unique design that works for your home.

1. Modern/Contemporary

Modern home design is all about clean lines, sleek appearances and minimalistic details. Think 90-degree angles, monochrome color schemes (mostly grays, whites and blacks) and flat roofs.

When it comes to a contemporary garage door, consider options that reflect the overall simplicity of modern style. Clean designs, such as flush panels or smooth surfaces, are great options for a modern garage door. Even garage doors with glass elements can add a touch of elegance that also allows natural light to filter into the garage space.

Discover Amarr Garage Doors for modern homes.

2. Rustic

Rustic homes embrace a nature-forward, rugged aesthetic and are often inspired by rural and mountainous settings. Homes in this design category often feature materials such as natural wood, stone and metal to create a warm and earthy atmosphere.

When choosing a garage door for a rustic-style home, it should complement the natural and rugged character indicative of rustic design. Options such as faux wood garage doors, especially those that are designed to look distressed or reclaimed, can add a touch of authenticity to the rustic look.

3. Cottage

Known for their cozy and charming characteristics, cottage-style homes are often inspired by rural or seaside cottages.

Garage doors designed to suit a cottage-core style should enhance the quaint and welcoming atmosphere that these homes create. Decorative details, such as arched panels, crossbuck designs or even some carriage house-style doors should suit this design well. These elements help to add a touch of rustic charm that’s common with cottage-style homes.

4. Mediterranean

Drawing inspiration from architectural traditions of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, a Mediterranean design style features elements such as stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, wrought-iron details and arched doorways.

When choosing a garage door for your Mediterranean home, consider designs that incorporate arched elements, wrought-iron hardware and decorative details. Intricate patterns or textured surfaces also lend a hand to this design aesthetic, making it feel more authentic.

Discover Amarr’s Mediterranean-style garage doors.

5. Colonial

Garage doors for Colonial-style homes complement the symmetry and classic elements of the overall home design. Design elements such as raised panels or carriage house styles are common for Colonial-style garage doors, and it’s not abnormal to see doors that mimic the design of the main entrance to maintain a cohesive and harmonious look.

6. Craftsman

Craftsman-style homes are characterized by their emphasis on craftsmanship, natural materials and simple yet elegant design.

Craftsman garage doors are designed with horizontal lines and minimalistic detailing. Raised panels or small windows with geometric patterns can add an extra touch of craftsmanship to the garage and the home. In terms of colors, earthy tones like browns, greens or muted reds are well-suited for this design style.

Explore garage doors for your Craftsman home.

7. Victorian

Victorian homes often feature intricate detailing, asymmetrical facades, steep roofs and various decorative elements such as turrets, gables and bay windows.

For garage doors in Victorian-style homes, you’ll want to choose options that complement the ornate and eclectic nature of Victorian architecture. You can’t go wrong with raised panels, intricate moldings and decorative hardware on a Victorian-style garage door.

Check out Victorian garage door styles from Amarr.

8. Cape Cod

Cape Cod-style homes are elegantly simple in terms of design, so the garage door should be reflective of that simplicity.

Garage door design options for Cape Cod-style homes are typically understated and feature traditional details such as crossbuck panels or simple horizontal lines. The idea is to maintain the classic and uncluttered aesthetic indicative of Cape Cod architecture.

Browse Amarr garage doors for Cape Cod-style homes.

9. Carriage House

Carriage house-style homes often feature a charming and rustic appearance with details such as exposed beams that offer a quaint, cottage-like feel.

One of the more popular designs, carriage-style garage doors are meant to mimic the look of their historical counterparts — where they used to store actual horses and buggies! Typically, that means they’ll feature either a swing-out or overhead operation — or an overhead door that looks like a traditional swing-out door. Decorative hardware such as handles and hinges can add authenticity to the carriage house style.

10. Mid-Century Modern

When you think about a mid-century modern (MCM) home, you probably picture a sleek, uncluttered appearance that makes use of elements from nature (especially natural wood) and simple architecture that allows for lots of natural sunlight.

Designing a garage door for this particular aesthetic leaves room for a couple of options depending on your taste. However, consider garage doors with clean, horizontal lines, flat panel designs or doors with minimalistic details. Glass elements, such as large garage door windows or even full glass panels, can contribute to this design’s inclination to be connected with nature by allowing plenty of natural light into the garage space.

Garage Door Design FAQ

What Is the Most Popular Garage Door Style?

Garage door styles can vary significantly from one region to another. However, steel garage doors are a popular choice for their strength and durability.

How Can I Make My Garage Door Look Better?

There are many different ways to improve the look of your garage door, starting with replacing it altogether. A custom garage door designed specifically for your home can increase curb appeal and bring cohesiveness to your home’s overall design.

That said, there are other, more cost-effective ways to improve the appearance of your garage door, including applying a fresh coat of paint, buying and installing new hardware and even giving it a good clean.

Should Garage Doors Be Painted the Same Color As Your House?

Not necessarily. While some people may choose to paint their garage door the same color as their house, it’s not a requirement. In general, however, the garage door should match or complement the color scheme of your home.

Design Your Perfect Garage Door

Getting a new garage door, whether out of necessity or to increase the curb appeal of your home, is an exciting investment. If you have a vision for your garage door, use our Garage Door Designer Tool to see how it could look on your home.

There are four easy steps:

Determine how many doors you need and what size they are.
Select a pre-configured image of a house or upload a photo of your own home.
Design your door by choosing styles, colors, windows, decorative hardware and more.
Review your design, save it and request a quote.

When you’re ready to order, find a garage door dealer near you to get started. Happy designing!

Garage Door Security: Protect Your Home All Year Long

Posted December 7, 2023 by Amarr Garage Doors

When a garage door lacks even basic security features, it could become a target for home intruders.
Particularly for attached garages, they present a large point of entry into your home. However, a detached garage is still a target for thieves, too, as you likely have stored items that are appealing to criminals — not to mention your vehicles themselves.

To deter intruders from entering your garage, it's critical to implement adequate security features and, if you have particular old garage doors, even consider upgrading modern garage doors with more robust security options.

From motion-activated lights to installing a brand-new, modern garage door, we're covering some of the most beneficial ways to lock down your garage to help deter criminals and prevent theft and home invasions.

Amarr Vista garage doors add security and beauty to your home.

Keeping Your Home Safe By Securing Your Garage Door

According to the most recent data from the FBI, which was released in 2019, there were nearly 7 million instances of property crime across the United States that same year — 1.1 million of which were classified as burglaries. Alternative sources estimate as many as 2.5 million burglaries annually in the U.S.

Furthermore, 34% of burglars target the front door of the home. However, if the front door isn't accessible or you've already implemented security features for your main entrance, 9% of criminals will look to the garage as their next point of entry.

These stats make one thing abundantly clear: homeowners interested in protecting their property from intruders shouldn't neglect their garage when battening down the hatches. What's more, most garages have at least a couple of doors, including the main garage door — giving burglars even more options.

Thankfully, there are many effective ways to lock down your garage to deter criminals and prevent break-ins.

Garage Door Security Must Haves

The following features, products and garage door security best practices will help you lock down your garage to protect what's inside.

Add an Automatic Garage Door Opener

These days, most garage doors likely have an automatic opener. If your garage doesn't, it may be worth looking into. Most modern automatic garage door openers come equipped with a keypad or other accessories that add an additional layer of security to your garage.

More often than not, automatic garage doors cannot be opened from the outside either, making it difficult for intruders to simply lift them up and enter. In this case, garages with automatic door openers don't require an additional locking mechanism to stay secure.

Use a Smart Garage Door Opener

A smart garage door opener, or garage security system, is perhaps one of the most innovative products in terms of garage security in years. These handy devices often come with sensors and connect directly to your home's Wi-Fi signal. In most, if not all cases, smart garage door products also come with a companion app that gives you insights into the status of your garage door (whether it's open or closed) and allows you to control it from anywhere.

This is highly beneficial for garage security for a couple of different reasons:

If your garage door opens unexpectedly, you'll be alerted.
If you forget to close your garage door before leaving your home, you can close it remotely.

Products like the MyQ Garage system enable smartphone control for most major garage door opener brands — so you don't have to worry about replacing your whole system. Simply hook it up and control up to two garage doors via the MyQ mobile app. Receive alerts and security monitor your garage from home, work or on vacation.

Install Motion-Activated Lights

If your garage lacks adequate light, intruders can easily go unnoticed on your property. And while more lighting is always good, motion-activated lights are much better and more effective at deterring unwanted guests.

Designed to activate when they detect any kind of motion, these lights draw attention to anyone trying to sneak around near your garage. This makes them less likely to stick around.

Use Tinted Security Film On Garage Door Windows

Garage doors come in all types of styles — many of which include windows as part of the design. And as much as we love the look of windows on garage doors, it's important to keep security top-of-mind.

To prevent thieves from peering through windows to take stock of what's inside, you can use tinted security film. These adhesive sheets are easy to apply and essentially make your garage windows opaque to peering eyes.

As an alternative, you might consider frosted or tinted windows already available on several Amarr garage doors.

Amarr offers a variety of glass colors to add an extra level of security.

More Garage Door Security Tips

With the previous security features in mind, we have a few more tips to share that will help keep your garage secure and deter criminals.

For better security, follow these best practices:

Don't Store Valuables In the Garage

Yes, garages make great storage spaces and you should absolutely take advantage of that. However, it's crucial to be mindful of what you're keeping in your garage. Holiday decorations, seasonal clothes and odds and ends are all fair game — but the more valuable items are, the more enticing they can be to criminals who catch a glimpse.

Avoid storing anything that you couldn't bear to part with or afford to lose in your garage.

Ensure That Your Garage Door Is In Good Shape

Perhaps most importantly, having a garage door that's in good, working condition is paramount to security.

Old, unkempt garage doors may not close properly or completely lack any sort of locking mechanism altogether. Beyond being externally easy to open, neglected garage doors may often appear as easier targets for criminals.

If that's the current state of your garage door, consider upgrading it for better security.

Amarr garage doors are built of steel and add a solid level of security.

Keep Your Remote Garage Door Opener In a Safe Spot

Automatic and remote garage door openers are great; however, if that's the only layer of security you're using, and the opener is misplaced or stolen, intruders have a free pass into your garage.

For that reason, it's critical to keep your remote garage door opener in a safe spot. While it may be convenient to keep it in your vehicle, thefts and break-ins continue to skyrocket in many areas of the U.S. Depending on where you live, leaving your garage door opener in the car isn't always a great idea. To keep it more secure, consider keeping it inside and out of sight.

Keep the Door Closed

Of course, it makes sense to keep your garage door closed a majority of the time — especially if you're storing lots of items in it that may be appealing to thieves. Even if you're out working in your garage or need to keep it open for one reason or another, just be mindful of what you may be showing off to potential burglars.

As much as you can, keep your garage door closed.

Protect the Service or Side Door

As mentioned previously, most garages will have multiple points of entry, including a service, side or other exterior door. As another access point into your garage and potentially your home, it's important to keep these doors protected, too.

Consider adding a security camera and motion-activated light to the side door of your garage to deter criminals. Additionally, and like any other door in your home, always keep it locked!

Upgrade To A More Secure Garage Door

Old garage doors just don't have the robust security features that many new models come equipped with. Even implementing one or more of the aforementioned security must-haves can only do so much. If your garage door is easy to open, criminals can take advantage.

Amarr offers plenty of styles and materials to suit any budget. If your garage door is in rough shape, or you're simply interested in protecting your garage better than what an older door is capable of, find a garage door dealer near you.