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A Buyer’s Guide for Garage Doors

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

If your garage door is starting to sag and fall apart, then it’s time to get a new one. A faulty garage door is not only an accident waiting to happen; it also compromises the safety of your home. In today’s post, we are giving you tips to determine what type of garage door to get and other details to consider:

Types and Cost of Garage Doors

Aluminum Garage Door

Because aluminum is moisture, rust, and decay resistant, this material is perfectly suited for homes located in very humid, caustic environments. The material is also the lightest so the garage door is very durable yet light. The average cost for an aluminum double door is $1,500 to $2,000.

Steel Garage Door

Steel offers the widest selection of colors, insulations, and price options. Steel garage doors come in single, double layer as well as non-insulated to three layers. The average cost for a steel garage door is between $750 and $3,500.

Wood Garage Door

Wood garage doors are typically made from cedar, cypress and redwood. The wood is treated to make it resistant to moisture and decay. Wood garage doors are perfect for those who want a custom designed garage doors. Of all types of garage door materials, wood is the most high maintenance. An average wood garage door will set you back $1,200 to $4,000+++.

Composite Wood Garage Door

A composite wood garage door mimics the look, feel, and texture of real wood. And unlike real wood, composite wood is low maintenance and moisture-resistant. It is also durable. Composite wood garage doors won’t separate, crack, or shrink over time. This garage door is insulated and can be stained or painted. Composite wood garage door costs anywhere between $1,200 and $2,200.

Where to Buy a Garage Door

Home Improvement Centers

Most home improvement centers offer different types of garage doors. Because the selection is extensive, we recommend checking the doors online. From there, you can see the material, the cost, the measurement, and the appearance of the garage door. Take note of the model number and go to the nearest home improvement center in your area.

Independent Vendors

You can also get garage doors from an independent vendor or door company. Most of these vendors offer extra services such as installation, delivery, custom designs, etc. Some independent vendors sell manufactured doors, while others sell bespoke garage doors. Customized garage doors may be expensive but they are a great choice if you want a unique garage door.

Garage Door Installation

Some types of garage doors are designed for DIY installation. Assuming that you are installing the garage door yourself, go for a product that comes complete with easy to follow instructions. Installing a garage door will require carpentry tools and skills. In addition, the job requires handling heavy-duty springs, which can be dangerous to work with.

Installing the door on your own will take longer but a professional installer can complete the job in 5 hours or less. The cost of installing a garage door costs about $250 to $500.


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