Whether you are building a new garage or looking to update your existing garage, there’s a lot riding on your choice of garage door.
Garage doors serve the primary function of protecting the contents of your garage. Beyond security, the garage door must also be practical and safe to use, as well as enhance the overall kerb appeal of your property.
With a huge range of types, styles, colours and price options on the market, choosing the right garage door can be somewhat confusing.
So that you can make the best decision for your home or commercial building, the experts here at Kay Garage Doors have put together the following garage door buying guide.
What Should You Consider When Buying A Garage Door?
As with any purchase you’re looking to make, going into the process with a clear idea of what you are looking for is how to pick the right option.
When it comes to buying a garage door, these are some of the top factors that you need to consider before you commit to your purchase.
Budget
Before you begin shopping for a garage door, you should work out your budget and how much you are willing to spend. Remember, your garage door will be guarding your home and some of your possessions, so paying a little bit extra for a high-quality door is always worth it.
Colour And Door Style
It’s important that the style and colour of your garage doors complement the overall appearance of your home. There are a range of different styles and colours available. Having a good idea of what colour, material and style you’d like can make the process easier.
Door Size
The size of the garage door should consider the size of the opening to fit the doors and the space available to open the doors. Sometimes, you’ll also need to factor in planning constraints (although this is rare).
Insulation
If your garage is attached to your home or you use it frequently, consider an insulated door. Insulation helps regulate temperature, reduce noise and improve energy efficiency.
Maintenance Requirements
Just like anything, your garage door is going to require some maintenance in order to keep it in top condition. Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to perform. Steel doors are generally low-maintenance, while wood doors will require more attention over time.
Security Features
Look for doors with strong locking mechanisms and security enhancements to protect your belongings and home.
Usage Needs
Determine the primary purpose of your garage. Are you using it solely for parking, or do you plan to use it as a workshop, storage area or even an additional living space? Your needs will influence the type of garage door system you choose.
What Are The Different Types Of Garage Doors?
One of the biggest factors that you must consider is the way that a garage door opens. This is very much going to depend on the door type you opt for.
Below, we will discuss five of the most popular garage door options, along with their pros and cons.
Automated Garage Doors
Automated garage doors can be an excellent choice for your convenience and security needs. They eliminate the hassle of manual operation, allowing you to open and close your garage effortlessly. If you appreciate modern technology and value ease of use, an automated garage door system might be a perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Roller Garage Doors
Similarly to sectional doors, roller doors open vertically. Instead of going back into the space like up and over or sectional doors. However, roller doors curl up into a roll before opening. This means that they offer maximum space both inside and in front of the garage. In addition, the ceiling of the garage remains free and can therefore be used for extra storage space, lighting or ceiling bike racks. Roller garage doors can be operated automatically and they also have benefits in terms of security and insulation.
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are made up of sections of panels rather than one single panel. As they rise vertically, they do not take up any driveway space in front of the garage and provide a full opening drive-through width. A sectional garage door moves outwards when opening before going up which allows you to park your car right up close to the door. This is perfect for properties with limited driveway space. Sectional garage doors can be automated to make your life as easy as possible, and they help keep your garage both energy efficient and well-insulated.
Side-Hinged Doors
Side-hinged doors open like traditional double doors and allow quick access for pedestrian use, making them perfect for properties that require regular pedestrian access. Side-hinged doors are low maintenance and easily operated, while also looking stylish. As the doors open outwards, side-hinged doors require some space in front of the garage but they provide lots of space inside.
Up And Over Garage Doors
Up and over garage doors are one of the most common door styles. The door does exactly as the name suggests – it opens up and over the garage space. Up and over doors come in a range of different sizes, materials and colours and are generally the easiest to install. Strong, durable and weatherproof, these types of doors are a reliable choice. However, as they open out onto the driveway, they are not suitable for properties that have limited driveway space.
Garage Door Material Options
The material of your garage doors also forms a really important part of the decision, since the material type will impact everything from the cost to the performance of the door.
You also need to think about the exterior of your property as a whole, since the door must fit the aesthetics. For example, if you live in a traditional home, you may want to consider a timber door, whereas metal garage doors are more suited to modern homes.
Price wise, steel and PVC tend to be the cheaper options. That said, other materials may offer more long term value in terms of how long they last and the overall properties they can provide.
Aluminium
Aluminium doors are lightweight and stylish. However, aluminium garage doors do require powder coating to make them resistant to corrosion.
Fibreglass
Resistant to dents and rust, fibreglass is suitable for humid climates. It can mimic the appearance of wood.
PVC
Similar to using plastic materials for windows or external doors, PVC garage doors offer a lot of benefits where contending with the weather is concerned. Plastic garage doors can be made in various styles and colours.
Steel
Steel garage doors are durable, low-maintenance and available in various designs. Steel can also be insulated to improve energy efficiency.
Wood
Wooden garage doors offer a classic and elegant look, but require more maintenance to prevent warping, rot and similar issues.
Garage Door Sizes
It used to be the case that when you wanted to buy a garage door you could only buy them standard sizes. Thankfully, times have moved on meaning it’s now possible for manufacturers to create bespoke doors that fit your required space perfectly.
However, door sizes may vary between manufacturers, so it’s always best to talk to a professional to see what they recommend for your space.
How To Choose A Garage Door FAQs
Still have some questions before you purchase a new garage door system? We’ve answered some of the top queries below. If you’re based anywhere in Central Scotland and have more questions for our team please get in touch.
How Much Is A Garage Door?
Garage doors can cost anywhere from £400 to £4,500 excluding the cost of labour.
There is a wide fluctuation in the average costs, since there are so many garage door types to choose from. Whether you’re on a budget or are in search of a premium garage door, our team can advise you on the best door type to suit you.
How To Insulate A Garage Door
Ideally, you should look to insulate your entire garage rather than just the door itself. But in terms of making a garage door more thermally efficient, one of the best ways is to use insulating boards which are cut to size and applied to the inside of the door.
Ultimately, if your garage door is leaking a lot of heat in the winter, or in the summer is allowing too much heat in then a door replacement is likely in order. Kay Garage Doors can advise you on the most thermally efficient garage doors that also improve the security and kerb appeal of your garage.
What Are The Best Quality Garage Doors?
Choosing the best garage door comes down to several important aspects. First and foremost, ensuring that the door provides excellent security to protect the contents of your garage as well as your home. Also, the best garage doors should be easy to use and maintain so that they give you many years of operation.
Where To Buy A Garage Door?
We know there are lots of places these days where you can buy garage doors. However, buying your garage door from the experts here at Kay Garage Doors means your long term satisfaction is more likely to be guaranteed. We can just offer the supply of your door, or we can also visit your home or commercial property to professionally install your garage door.
Kay Garage Doors: Get A Free Quote For New Or Replacement Garage Doors
Based in Central Scotland and looking to purchase a garage door?
Kay Garage Doors operates across a wide area including locations such as Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow, Perth and St Andrews and Stirling. Our highly experienced team can advise you on all aspects of choosing a garage door. We can also supply, install or replace your new garage door with leading brands to choose from including Cardale, Hormann and Novoferm.
To get a free quote from our team please give us a call on 0178 6568 160 or fill out our quotation form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
