You’ll find that in most homes, the garage door can make up to one third or more of the entire front facade! That is why it is so important to choose something that you love.
When well chosen, a garage door can complement the entire look of your home. When poorly chosen, it can be a huge eyesore.
Garage doors do need to be replaced when they grow old or rickety for practical and safety reasons. If that’s the case for you, you should take replacing your garage door as an opportunity to change the look of your home.
There are many different types of garage doors. Read on to learn about some of the styles you should consider for your new garage door Arlington TX.
1. Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors are fitted with aluminum panels. The aluminum material eliminates the problem of rust but is easier to dent.
These types of garage doors are available in many finishes, as well as many colors. Some people choose translucent glass panels in place of aluminum panels. These let in beautiful natural light without compromising privacy.
2. Steel
Steel garage doors are made up of two layers of galvanized steel. The top surface of the steel is primed and painted with a tough top coat. Or it can be finished with a composite material.
Your steel garage door Arlington TX can be painted in any color to match your home. These doors are also available with or without insulation, which we will get into a little later. The downside of steel garage doors is that they are easily dented and can be subject to corrosion.
3. Wood
Wood garage doors are often times the choice for someone who has a traditional home. Your wood garage door Arlington TX is built with layers of wood to prevent warping.
Many different types of wood can be used based on your preference: cedar, redwood, fir, etc. You can choose to have your wood garage door painted or stained at the factory, or finished on site.
Another option to consider is wood composite garage doors. While it is a controversial topic whether it is better than real wood doors, they both have their advantages.
Composite garage doors usually have a wood frame covered with fiberboard. High-quality composite doors offer high-density fiberboard skins which include realistic details to make it look like a real wood door.
The advantages of composite over wood are many, the main one being that you do not have to worry about warping or rotting. It’s low maintenance and is also eco-friendly.
4. Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors do not dent or crack easily. They also don’t rust but can break if the impact is hard enough. These doors offer a reasonable alternative to traditional steel doors.
Two layers of fiberglass bond to a steel frame and are filled with polyurethane insulation. Steel end caps can help improve the rigidity and stability of the fiberglass. Fiberglass doors can also come with a wood finish, which provides an efficient solution for having wood doors without the cost or maintenance.
5. Windows
Not only do windows add architectural detailing to your new garage door, it also allows natural light in. Almost all garage doors come with the option of customization with windows.
Windows may make your garage door Arlington TX more expensive, but they also add a lot. Window options come in a variety of shapes and styles, from basic squares to detailed design windows. Just like the overall style of the door, you should always choose windows that complement your home.
The placement of the windows is something else to consider. Placement in the top panel gives you the natural light while still giving you privacy.
If you prefer to be able to look out your windows, you can place your windows in the third panel section up from the bottom. This would be around the perfect height for most people to be able to see out of your garage windows.
6. Insulated
Insulation is something many homeowners forget to think about when deciding on their new garage door Arlington TX. There are many benefits to choosing an insulated door, but energy efficiency and saving money are two of the big ones.
There are many materials out there that will provide insulation for whatever door you choose. You should also consider the direction your garage door faces. If it faces the sun all day or is getting blasted by cold wind or snow, an insulated door will help regulate the temperature inside.
7. Panel Design
Panel design is an important style factor when it comes to garage doors. Here are 3 basic types of garage door panels:
Flush Panels
This type of garage panel is flat and usually comes with some light texturing. Flush panel doors are usually the most simple choice and don’t draw a lot of attention. They install with or without windows depending on your preference. These panels may be suitable for a home that is simple and modern, staying in theme with the clean lines.
Raised Panels
These garage doors have panels with raised sections that serve as a decorative element. The border around the raised section often has more intricate detail. For raised panels, there are usually two choices: long raised panels and short raised panels. Long raised panels run the width of the door while short raised panels combine to run the width of the garage door.
Carriage House Panels
These doors have gotten more and more popular over the years. Carriage house panels, as the name suggests, look like old-fashioned carriage house doors.
They often have boards that cross at different angles as a design. They sometimes also have handles in the middle to look like real carriage house doors.
Ready To Find Your Perfect Garage Door Arlington TX?
The garage door style you choose should always fit the style of your home. Materials, color and panel design are all things to consider before outfitting your new home with new doors.
Check us out for more information on how we can help you pick and install your perfect garage doors.
