Ready for a Garage Door Upgrade? Ideas To Inspire Your Next Renovation

For some, upgrading a garage door is necessary. If it's broken or not energy efficient, it can pay to replace it. However, you don't always need an excuse to upgrade your door! Perhaps your tastes have changed, you're renovating other areas of the house, or have just organized your garage space and want a new garage door to match.

Here, we'll discuss upgrading your garage door, including tell-tale signs that an upgrade is necessary and how to choose the right door for you.

When Is the Right Time To Upgrade Your Garage Door?

Upgrading your garage door can be a double-edged sword. For example, you may find yourself wanting to upgrade because your current garage door has seen better days. On the other hand, your door may operate just fine, but maybe you're tired of the style. Both are valid reasons to initiate the garage door home improvement project of your dreams.

There are lots of other well-founded reasons, too:

1. The Garage Door Makes Excessive Noise

No one likes a noisy residential garage door. It's loud, it may disturb the neighbors and it announces each time you open your garage to the outside world. If your older door is too clamorous for your calm neighborhood, consider upgrading to something newer.

2. If It's Slow To Respond To Commands From the Opener or Wall Switch

Nothing is worse than an unresponsive garage door when you're late for work or want to get inside after a long shift. While upgrading just the garage door opener is a valid option, it's often a better bang for your buck to replace the whole system — door included.

3. If the Door Is Old and Lacks Basic Modern Security Features

While burglaries in the U.S. have been on a downward trend for years, that doesn't mean you shouldn't implement basic security features in your garage. A smart garage door opener, for example, gives homeowners complete control over and visibility into garage activity no matter where they are.

4. If You Find Yourself Paying More Than You Ought to for Heating/Cooling

To the unsuspecting homeowner, it may be surprising to learn that the garage — especially an attached garage — can affect the energy efficiency of their home in a big way. If you notice that your heating or cooling bills are larger than expected in their receptive seasons, consider how your old garage door that's poorly fitted or has no insulation may be the culprit.

5. You Find Yourself Calling a Technician for Frequent Repairs

A faulty, old garage door can quickly become a money pit. If you find yourself calling a specialist often for repairs — whether on the spring, tracks or something else — it's probably time for an upgrade.

What To Look for When Upgrading Your Garage Door

So, you've decided it's time to upgrade to a modern garage door but you're unsure exactly how to go about it or where to start. Before you head out to your nearest garage door dealer, consider the following and how these factors may affect your garage door decisions:

• Climate: Consider your typical local weather conditions and choose a suitable material. For example, durable steel is good for areas with harsh weather, while aluminum is often more suitable for humid climates.
• Insulation: Insulated garage doors are crucial if you use the garage as a workspace or if it's attached to your home. They help reduce energy costs, maintain temperature stability and can even help reduce noise during operation.
• Security: Look for doors with strong materials and enhanced locking mechanisms. Steel doors typically offer the best security since they're so robust, but you'll get to choose from a variety of openers and add-ons, too, that enhance safety.
• Budget: Set a realistic budget for your garage door upgrades, considering not only the initial cost but also long-term maintenance and energy savings.
• Aesthetics: To reap the most benefits when it comes to curb appeal — especially if you plan to sell your home in the future — match the garage door to your home's architectural style or your recent garage remodel.

Get the Perfect Upgrade: Design Your Own Garage Door

With all the types of garage doors to choose from, upgrading can feel like more of a chore when it should be fun and rewarding. If you're having trouble tracking down the perfect upgrade, why not design something yourself?

With our online tool, you can easily create the garage door of your dreams. Choose from our wide selection of styles, designs, window options, hardware and more in just a few clicks. Then, easily request a quote from an Amarr dealer near you and get your upgrade underway!