Thinking about replacing a weathered, battered, or aging garage door? Perhaps you’re having your dream home custom built and need a stylish door to match its architecture? To help you make the best decision for your home, budget and lifestyle, here is what you need to know before you buy a new garage door.

Take Measurements

One of the greatest advantages in knowing the dimensions of your garage door opening is that it helps determine cost. You should do this even if the door will be professionally installed. Measure the width and height of your door opening. Also, measure the distance between the sides of the door and the walls on either side, as well as the distance between the top of the door opening and the ceiling.

Compare Cost and ROI

Replacing your garage door delivers one of the best returns on investment. That’s according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, which compares average job costs with the value those projects retain at resale in 136 U.S. markets. This year’s report reveals that an upscale garage door replacement, costing approximately $3,500 delivered an estimated $3,502 when the house sold. That’s a 98.6% return on investment (ROI)!

Consider the Materials’ Durability

Benefiting from advances in technologies, popular materials like steel, wood composite, and aluminum are incredibly resilient and low maintenance. Natural wood, by comparison, requires additional upkeep. It may need to be sanded, stained, and sealed every few years. Another popular option is aluminum and glass doors. You’ll want to factor local weather and desired maintenance into your decision-making process.

Upgrade to an Insulated Garage Door

An insulated garage door mitigates heat loss, which may help lower heating/cooling costs and increase your comfort, especially while using the garage. Insulation can also boost durability for the door and its components. The insulating effectiveness of a garage door is its R-value. Higher values represent greater thermal performance. Additionally, you may want to consider paying extra for polyurethane insulation.

Pay a Little More for High-Cycle Torsion Springs

Springs counterbalance the weight of the door when in operation. Of the two types of springs available, torsion and extension, torsion is preferred. Installed above the door, standard torsion springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. How long those cycles last is dependent on personal usage. If you open and close your door four or more times a day, you may want to consider investing in a spring rated for 20,000 cycles.

Evaluate Your Current Garage Door Opener

If your opener is showing its age, you went with a heavier door or you just want an opener with more features, this is the time to replace it. The door’s weight will determine the minimum horsepower you’ll need. The standards are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 hp. Smart garage door openers can be operated via a smartphone app, which lets you control and monitor the door from anywhere, anytime. You can even integrate it with other smart home devices.

Hire a Pro to Install Your New Garage Door

Hiring a professional to install your new garage door and, possibly new opener, can save you time and prevent accidents. The cost of installation includes delivery of the new door and removal of the old one. A pro has the tools, equipment, and experience needed to have your new system fully operational in a fraction of the time it may have taken you to install it.

Apex Garage Door and Repair is a locally owned and operated garage door service company with a team of experienced professionals serving the greater Phoenix area. We specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of today’s most popular garage door and garage door opener brands. Schedule an appointment today at (480) 460-1199.