Having new garage doors installed is a great way to upgrade the aesthetic of your home, and the wide variety of door types and materials will ensure you have plenty to choose from. Before you make a final decision, it's important to think about how your choice will affect everything from door maintenance to your currently installed components as well as what extra work might be necessary during installation.
The Door Material
When you buy new garage doors, it's a great time to think about a new look or design for your garage doors. There are many different door materials to choose from, all of which have their own pros and cons. For example, metal doors and aluminum are sturdy, light, and inexpensive but can be easily dented. Wood doors can make beautiful additions to your home, but are also very heavy and are more susceptible to water damage like wood rot if they aren't consistently maintained.
Consider factors like the climate in the area you live as well as the maintenance requirements for each material. If you live in a humid environment or near large bodies of water, wood or steel doors might require too much upkeep, but you can use a close aesthetic alternative such as fiberglass. If you're after a specific look, remember that many materials can be customized to come in a variety of appearances.
Your Springs
Good garage door springs should last you almost a decade of regular use, but even if your springs are only a few years old, they should be inspected before your new doors are installed to make sure they're in good shape. If you're changing the type of door you have, you may need new springs regardless. There are two main types of springs: extension, which are commonly used for canopy and tilting retractable doors, and torsion, which are commonly used for roll-up and sectional doors. Ask your installer what changes might be necessary depending on what kind of doors you're having installed.
The Garage Door Opener
You may be able to keep your garage door opener when your new doors are installed, but this depends on a few factors.
First, consider the weight of your new doors compared to your old ones. Not all garage door openers are alike; with heavier doors, like those made of solid wood, a more powerful opener will be necessary. If your new doors are made of different materials than your current doors, double-check their weight as well as the weight limits of your garage door opener.
Second, consider how your garage doors are designed to open and close. Garage doors can open up into the garage and to the side, and some may retract fully while others may not. This will affect not just where components like door tracks are installed, but also where your garage door opener will need to go and what kind you need.
Finally, think about the age of your garage door opener. If it may soon need repairs or part replacements, buying a new garage door opener may be the better option.
For more information, reach out to a new garage door installation professional.