Guide to Garage Doors

October 17th, 2009

Garage doors are an essential part of any home with a garage or old-fashioned carriage house. Today making garage doors is a large industry and there are many different types of doors. Materials can range from recycled wood to steel and custom wood. Styles vary widely from simple residential applications to elaborate custom doors. Safety is an important part of all garage door applications, and modern garage door systems have features to keep users safe. It is a good idea for homeowners to consider what type of door matches their needs and desires.

As sustainability has become more popular, manufacturers have started producing garage doors made from 100% recycled wood fiber. Recycled wood is covered with exterior grade resin and wax to create solid and beautiful panels. Buyers can feel good about the recycled materials, and the quality of the door they have purchased. These garage doors resist moisture, splitting, warping and cracking, and they will not bend. These doors can come in styles and colors for any application.

Steel garage doors are known for their durability and affordability. These time-tested doors require little maintenance and can last a lifetime. Further, steel doors can be made to look like wooden doors to enhance their appearance.

A wooden garage door is the classic style and material most people are familiar with. The material allows for more unique beveling, relief and styling than doors in other materials. Further, several different types of wood are commonly used, including mahogany and hemlock. These finely finished wooden doors are good looking and strong.

Homeowners living in cold climates may want to choose a garage door with extra insulating qualities. These doors consist of an insulating layer between the interior and exterior metal panels. A polyurethane product that is free of CFC’s (Chloroflourocarbons), the insulation is effective and not detrimental to the environment. Thermal seals fit between each panel to further eliminate air infiltration. R-values between 9.31 and 17.50 can be attained with this type of garage door. The outer surface of these doors is generally galvanized steel resistant to rust and corrosion.

Modern garage door owners can have peace of mind thanks to two main safety features. One is an infrared beam that spans between the lower parts of the doorway of the garage. The door will reverse direction if anything passes through the beam while the door is closing. The other is a contact reverse feature. If the garage door comes in contact with anything while it is closing, it will reverse direction.

Modern garage doors can vary widely in style and price to meet the needs and budget of any buyer. Garage doors can be simple and functional, or elaborate and made to resemble the look of old-fashioned carriage house doors. Simple steel door installations are usually quite affordable. More elaborate doors can include more ornate patterning, windows and even custom metal handles and hinges. These can cost quite a bit more, but provide a great addition to the home that will be enjoyed for years.

Martin Troughton is an expert in home improvement. If you would like more information about types of garage doors or are searching for a reputable garage doors company please visit http://www.anglianhome.co.uk

Leave a Reply