When it comes to improving the curb appeal of your home, there is a lot to think about. In addition to working on things like flowerbeds and lawncare, you also have to pay attention to creating beautiful garage areas that look well-kept and secure. I started focusing on garage door maintenance a few years back, and I was really happy to see how much it has improved my home's curb appeal. Check out this blog to find out more about garage doors, how to troubleshoot your system, and how to make your doors look brand new--without breaking the bank or ruining your entire weekend.
If you're thinking of having a new garage door installed, you may want to look at steel doors. These have a few advantages over other doors, such as being durable, easy to maintain, and affordable. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you shop for a steel garage door.
Metal Thickness
If your budget is tight, you may want to choose a door with one layer of thin steel, as this would be the more affordable option. However, if strength and durability are important to you, you may want a door made from thicker steel. Steel garage doors are rated according to the thickness of the steel, from 24 to 28 gauge. The lower the number, the thicker the steel. A thicker door provides better home security and it's more durable, since thin metal can be punctured or dented.
One Or Two Sides
If you plan to use your garage for parking your car, then buying a door with one finished side is a good choice, and it will save you money. If you want to use your garage for a game room or workspace, you may want to buy a garage door that has two finished sides, so the door has a more pleasing appearance from the inside.
Layers Of Steel
You can buy a steel garage door with one, two, or three layers of steel that have insulation sandwiched between them. If you plan to heat or cool your garage, you probably want to buy a door with the best insulation. You can tell how well the door insulates by looking at its R-value. The R-value is a measure of how well the door resists heat transfer. If you live in a cold climate and want to use your garage as a work or play space, you should buy a door with a higher R-value rating. However, it is just as important to use weather seals around the sides, top, and bottom of the door, so there are no air leaks.
Shop For Variety
You don't have to settle for a plain white door just because you want the advantages of steel. There are many styles of steel garage doors on the market, so you should look at different manufacturers before you decide what to buy. You may want carriage doors, or a door with several large windows. You can get a steel door that is textured or embossed to look like wood grain. You can find a door that will add to your home's character when you take time to look around.
Even though you can buy a garage door off the shelf at a home improvement store, garage door installation is a project that usually requires an experienced professional. Even though steel doors are fairly light, installing one is still a dangerous task, and it's not a job one person can do alone.
Share5 January 2015
