Like many things in life, purchasing a garage door needs careful thinking on your part. You will definitely need to seek the help of experts, especially if you are not familiar with garage doors. To help you get a head start, however, we are listing herein some top questions to ask garage door dealers, including answers you should expect from them.
Which is better – a metal garage door or a wood garage door?
Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Metal garage doors are known to require low-maintenance materials. Wood garage doors, on the other hand, are often chosen by some homeowners because of their natural warmth. You also have endless choices when it comes to these materials and prices may differ depending on their respective manufacturing quality.
Should the garage door be insulated or not?
The answer to this question will depend upon your usage of the garage and whether it is detached from or attached to your house. It will also depend if the garage uses a heating system or not. In case there is a bedroom or any other room placed over the garage, it is best to go for insulated doors. Also, if the garage is used for purposes other than parking your car, you will need to have it insulated too.
In case you go for insulated garage doors, you can choose between polyurethane and polystyrene. Polyurethane is loved by many because it has better thermal capabilities when compared to polystyrene. Alongside this, you must consider the door’s overall thickness.
Should it be a garage with two single doors or should it be a double-garage door?
If you are thinking of a more practical option, going for a garage door with two single doors is said to be better over a double garage door. The reason for this is that you can still use one door in case of the opening mechanism malfunctions in the future. The same is true if you want to achieve a better balance between a garage door and that of your home’s overall architecture.
How long will a typical garage door last?
The answer to this question will depend upon the quality of the materials used in building one. Typically, if a garage door is about 45 mm thick and is injected with polyurethane for insulation, it is expected to last for about 20 years or so. If you are concerned about the paint finish, it can last as long as the garage door provided you wash it at least two times a year. This will help keep its shine even in the toughest of weather.
How much space is needed for the headroom?
You will need about 14 inches of headroom space above the door. The hardware system itself will use up about 12 inches of space while the electric door opener will need 2 more inches. Sometimes, you also have to ask the garage door dealer about their specific requirements too. Some will require a minimum of 6 inches headroom while others can go higher than that. There are some hardware systems that can adjust to the particular type of application as well.
Are windows needed in the garage door?
You will need windows in a garage door if there are no other windows installed in the garage but for security and privacy reasons, you may do away with windows. Also, you must consider if adding a window will provide a better overall appearance not just to the garage but to your home as well. If you are in doubt, always ask the opinion of the dealer.
These are but a few of the questions you must ask if you are thinking of installing garage doors in West Vancouver. Make sure that you have raised all your concerns to a garage door dealer before you even have the door installed for your home.
