Have you been thinking it’s time to replace that old, rickety garage door at your place? Choosing a new garage door is an important decision that can impact both the look of your home and your security. As a homeowner in the Sacramento area, you want a garage door that is stylish, high-quality, and perfectly suited for our climate. The options can be overwhelming, though, from materials to motor types to customization choices. Where do you even start? Luckily, as your local garage door experts, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the region choose and install the ideal garage door for their needs and budget. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the factors to consider when selecting a new garage door so you end up with one you’ll love for years to come.
Consider Your Home’s Architecture and Aesthetics
The garage door you choose should complement your home’s style and architecture. Do you have a Craftsman bungalow? Maybe a traditional raised panel door is ideal. For a contemporary home, a sleek flush panel door could be perfect.
Consider the garage door’s color and material as well. Steel doors come in a variety of colors and finishes like wood grain textures that can mimic wood. They’re affordable, low maintenance, and energy efficient. Wood doors require more upkeep but have a timeless, natural look. Composite or fiberglass doors offer the beauty of wood without the maintenance.
Think about the number of panels too. More panels typically mean a more traditional look. Fewer panels tend to appear more contemporary. The panel style also affects the amount of light that enters your garage. More panels mean less glass and less natural light.
The hardware on your garage door, like hinges, handles and locks, provides another opportunity to match your home’s style. Decorative hardware can make a dramatic statement. Minimal, low-profile hardware keeps the focus on the door itself.
When choosing a new garage door, consider how it will appear from the street as well as from within your garage. An attractive, well-fitting door that complements your home’s architecture and your personal style will make a huge difference in your curb appeal and the functionality of your garage space.
Contact us today for a free quote and consultation. We’ll help you find a garage door you’ll love that’s perfectly suited to your home.
Determine the Right Garage Door Materials
When choosing a garage door, the materials are an important factor to consider. Do you want something affordable yet durable, or are you looking for a high-end option? The most common materials for garage doors are:
- Steel: Steel doors are inexpensive, low maintenance, and durable. They typically last 15-20 years. However, they can dent and the panels may warp or bend over time. Steel is a good option if you’re on a budget.
- Aluminum: Aluminum doors are lightweight, rust-proof, and can last 30 years or more. They do tend to dent easily though and the cost is often higher than steel. Aluminum is ideal if you live near a coastline or in another area with high humidity.
- Wood: Wooden garage doors add curb appeal and can last up to 50 years when properly maintained. However, they require frequent repainting or re-staining and the panels can warp or crack. Wood doors also tend to be the most expensive. Only choose wood if you’re willing to put in the necessary upkeep to keep it looking its best.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are low maintenance, impact-resistant, and can last a lifetime. They won’t warp, crack or dent and never need to be painted. Fiberglass doors do come at a premium price, but their durability makes them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
The materials you choose depends on your budget, needs, and how much upkeep you want. Think about what’s most important for your situation. If cost is a concern, steel or aluminum are good affordable options. For little maintenance, fiberglass can’t be beat. And if appearance is key, wood doors will enhance your home’s curb appeal for years to come.
It is important to choose a door style that complements the design of your house
The style and design of your garage door has a big impact on your home’s curb appeal and architectural style. When choosing a new garage door, it’s important to consider how it will complement the design of your house.
Do you have a Craftsman bungalow? A traditional two-story home? A modern contemporary abode? The door style should match the architectural style of your place. For example, decorative windows, recessed panels, and wood materials pair well with traditional homes. Sleek, minimalistic designs in steel or aluminum are better suited for contemporary builds.
There are over 1,000 options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that’s the perfect match. Think about the color, too. For the most seamless look, choose a shade that matches or accents your home’s exterior color palette.
Size and Space
Consider the size of your garage opening and space in front of the door. Standard sizes range from 8×7 feet up to 16×7 feet for a double-car garage. Make sure you choose a door size that fits properly and allows enough clearance. Think about the space in front of the garage as well. Do you need extra room for parking or storing items? An overhead garage door that lifts vertically will maximize your space in front of the garage.
Material and Insulation
Steel and aluminum doors are durable, secure, and low-maintenance. Wood doors, while attractive, require more upkeep. For energy efficiency, choose a door with insulation, which can improve the insulation of your garage by up to 14 times. Insulated doors reduce noise and make the garage more comfortable for storage or as a workshop.
When in doubt, give us a call. As your local garage door experts, we can provide recommendations and advice to help you choose the perfect door for your home. We offer free onsite estimates and would be happy to come take measurements of your garage opening.
Choose Between Sectional and Roller Garage Doors
When choosing a garage door for your home, you’ll need to decide between sectional and roller doors. Both have their pros and cons, so consider your needs and budget to determine the best option.
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional doors are the most popular and versatile style. They’re made of horizontal sections that roll up and down for easy opening and closing.
- Pros: Sectional doors provide good insulation and security. They’re available in a range of materials like steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. You can choose from many customization options to complement your home’s style.
- Cons: Sectional doors require more vertical space since the sections stack up and over as they open. They also tend to be more expensive than roller doors.
Roller Garage Doors
Roller doors open vertically and roll up onto a drum at the top of the opening. They’re a more compact and budget-friendly option.
- Pros: Roller doors don’t require much headroom space and they’re typically the most affordable garage door type. They’re easy to operate and maintain.
- Cons: Roller doors usually don’t provide as much insulation or security as sectional doors. They have fewer style and customization choices available.
In the end, you need to weigh the pros and cons of both sectional and roller garage doors for your specific needs and budget. Give us a call at
+1-916-975-0705 for a free onsite inspection and quote. Our experienced technicians at MOJA GARAGE DOORS can walk you through all the options to help choose the perfect door for your Sacramento area home.
Select Insulation for Your Climate
Choosing insulation for your garage door is an important decision based on your local climate. The insulation will determine how well your garage is sealed and protected from the elements.
If you live in a colder climate with harsh winters, you’ll want to maximize insulation. Look for doors with an R-value of 12 or higher, which indicates the level of insulation. For extreme cold, an R-16 rated door or higher is best. The most common insulation types are polyurethane and polystyrene. Polyurethane provides the highest R-value for its thickness.
For temperate climates with some winter chill, an R-8 to R-12 door should work well. This provides solid insulation for most of the year while still being budget-friendly.
In warmer climates, basic insulation or even an uninsulated door may suffice. An R-value of 6 to 8 can help with muffling outside noise and maintaining the garage at a comfortable temperature. However, too much insulation in a hot climate can make your garage uncomfortably warm.
The insulation and weatherstripping around the edges of the door also impact its energy efficiency. For the best seal, choose a door with weatherstripping on all four sides. Doors with sectional panels that lift up and overhead are more prone to air leaks, so higher quality weatherstripping is especially important.
No matter your climate, an insulated garage door will help control the temperature in your garage and make it more comfortable for working and storing items. And of course, a well-insulated and sealed door also means energy cost savings for your home overall. When selecting a new garage door, be sure to consider insulation and choose an option suitable for your local weather conditions.
Automate With Garage Door Openers
When it’s time to choose a new garage door for your home, you have several options to consider for automation and convenience. The most popular choice is an automatic garage door opener. These handy devices allow you to open and close your garage door with the push of a button, either from inside your vehicle or on a remote control.
For the ultimate in automation and security, you’ll want to consider a smart garage door opener. These Wi-Fi-enabled openers can be controlled using an app on your smartphone or other smart home devices like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. You’ll be able to open or close your garage door from anywhere with an Internet connection and receive alerts if your garage door is open or closed. Smart openers also typically offer additional security features like temporary access codes for friends and family.
The type of garage door opener you choose depends on the material and size of your garage door. The most common and affordable option is a chain drive opener. For heavier doors, a belt drive or screw drive opener is a good choice as they operate more quietly. No matter which drive style you prefer, look for an opener with safety features like automatic reverse, remote lockout and 100,000 cycles or more.
When shopping for a new garage door opener, check the horsepower rating, which indicates how much lifting power the motor has. For a standard single-car garage door, 1/2 to 3/4 horsepower is typically sufficient. Double-car and larger doors may require 3/4 to 1 1/4 horsepower or more.
Installing a garage door opener requires some technical skills, so unless you’re particularly handy, it’s best left to the professionals. The technicians at Moja Garage Doors can properly install your new garage door opener and ensure it’s securely fastened for safe operation. They can also help you choose an opener that suits your needs and budget. For the best deal, call Moja today for a free quote and onsite inspection.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the key things to consider when choosing a new garage door for your home. Style, material, insulation, safety features – it can feel overwhelming with so many options. But now you’re armed with the knowledge to make an informed choice based on what matters most for your needs and budget. When you’re ready to get estimates or schedule an installation, give us a call at MOJA GARAGE DOORS. We’ve been helping homeowners in Sacramento and San Francisco find the perfect garage door solution for over 20 years. Our expert technicians will come out for a free onsite inspection, provide recommendations based on your priorities, and get your new door installed with minimal disruption. You’ll be raising and lowering your stylish, secure new garage door in no time!
+1-916-975-0705
