Spring has arrived in the Valley of the Sun, and for homeowners that can mean only one thing: home improvement. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your home for personal satisfaction or you’re readying it for sale, boosting its curb appeal – those exterior features that can be seen from the street – can be incredibly rewarding.
In fact, when you look at this year’s Cost vs. Value report, you’ll see that four out of the top five returns on investment are for projects relating to a home’s exterior. Included in the top four exterior projects is garage door replacement. This is because your garage door takes up more than 30 percent of your home’s front-facing exterior.

The survey, which ranks thirty popular remodeling projects in one-hundred U.S. markets, further reveals that a midrange garage door replacement that on average costs $1,652, can net you a return of 91.5%, or $1,512. Whereas, an upgraded garage door replacement that on average costs $3,140, can net you a return of 90.1%, or $2,830.

But before you start calling garage door service companies – and you’ll need to, because this is a job better left to the pros –  you’ll need to narrow down your preferences from a seemingly endless stream of options such as: steel, wood, composite, full-view, insulation, window inserts, and hardware. And, let’s not forget safety, and security.

Garage Door Replacement Materials

Steel is by far the most popular material. It provides long-lasting operation with minimal maintenance required. The downside to steel is that it can rust.

Aluminum is both lightweight and rust-resistant which makes it a good choice for humid environments. It is a bit pricier than steel though.

Fiberglass is your budget-friendly option and will not rust. Design choices, however, may be limited.

Wood can be customized to match any home’s architectural design. Wood works well in all climates but requires extensive maintenance.

Composite is an excellent alternative to wood that is both affordable and moisture resistant. It can be stained to give the appearance of real wood.

Door Types

Sectional garage doors are the most type available. They roll up and down on the tracks with the help of a garage door opener.

Swing-Out garage doors are less common, but are gaining popularity in modern and contemporary homes. They swing outward when open.

Other Considerations

Sizing: The importance of accurate measurements in the garage door industry cannot be overstated – particularly since each garage opening and door is unique. Contact a pro for help determining the correct size of your current door.

Insulation: A non-insulated garage door directly impacts your home’s energy efficiency, which is why it’s important to consider some form of insulation, particularly if the garage is attached to your home.

Installation: It’s easier and safer, to have a garage door professional remove your old door, and install the one in its place. We at APEX have the experience and expertise required to ensure your door is precisely installed.

Project Length: If you’re purchasing a standard-size garage door, and it’s in stock, it could be ready as soon as the next business day. Custom ordered doors, however, can take a month or two to arrive.