THE GREAT
GARAGE DOOR
BUYER’S GUIDE
GARAGE DOOR MATERIALS
Steel
By far the most popular
and widely used material.
Provides long-lasting operation
and durability.
PROS
Aluminum
PROS
Lightweight
& rustproof.
CONS
Dents very
easily.
Prone to denting and risk of rust
if poor quality galvanization is used
on steel.
CONS
(sandwich panel)
Glass
& acrylic
PROS
Provides
ample light
and modern
styling.
CONS
Limited
insulation,
not energy
efficient.
Wood
Fiberglass
PROS
Strong visual
appeal and
high quality
woods.
CONS
Not as strong
as steel and
usually doesn’t
include
insulation.
High maintenance.
Vinyl
PROS
Very low
maintenance
and high
durability.
CONS
Newer
construction
material with
possibly
fewer options
for
customization.
Composite
PROS
Lightweight
and damage resistant.
PROS
CONS
Constructed with
environmentally
unfriendly PVC.
Poor insulation.
Wood fiber & resin
panels wrap an
insulated core to reduce
heat transmission.
CONS
Lower quality and less
authentic than traditional
wood doors. Limited
selection of model colors.
Which material is the most durable?
5/5
4/5
2/5
1/5
3/5
5/5
5/5
Steel
Aluminium
Wood
Composite
Fiberglass
Vinyl
Little to no
maintenance
required
over the
door’s
lifetime
Little to no
maintenance
Glass
& acrylic
Requires
regular
maintenance and
refinishing
over
its lifetime
Won’t split
or rot like
real wood
garage doors
Strong steel
frame and
fiberglass skin
resist
moisture
Little to no
maintenance
required
Glass
& acrylic
are fragile
and prone to
break or crack
Garage Door Construction
Single Layer
Constructed with only
a single skin, such as
wood or a steel sheet
without any insulation.
Double Layer
Similar to a single layer garage
door, but with an added insulated
backing (usually Styrofoam).
Triple Layer
Both a front and back skin with polyurethane
or polystyrene insulation in between.
Garage Door Insulation - Polyurethane vs. Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
Polyurethane
Polystyrene
Polyurethane is a liquid
spray insulation that
expands & hardens.
Polystyrene is the same
material as in a coffee cup.
Polystyrene is shaped to fit
the door panel cavities
and does not guarantee
complete coverage. Lower
R-value than polyurethane.
Polyurethane foam is
injected into the door
panels and expands to fill
the entire cavity.
Polyurethane sticks to the
walls, providing twice the
resistance of polystyrene.
Polyurethane offers better
insulation and energy savings
compared to polystyrene.
GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
Chain-Drive
Belt-Drive
LEAST EXPENSIVE AND LOUDEST
MORE EXPENSIVE AND QUIETER
Most common and affordable
type. Uses a chain
and trolley system that
moves along a metal bar
opening and closing
the garage door.
Similar to chain-drive garage
door openers but a belt
is used instead of a chain.
Noisiest of all types
because of metal-on-metal
contact and vibration.
Newer DC motor
models are quieter.
Jackshaft
They mount along the wall
beside a garage door
rather than above,
saving overhead
space.
The belt is typically fiberglass,
polyurethane, or steel-reinforced
rubber. Significantly quieter
than chain-drive openers,
but higher cost.
Jackshaft garage door
openers are quieter
than chain and belt
drive openers, but
have higher cost.
Track
Torsion spring
1
Track
Curved door arm
Track
Photoelectrical
reverse system
Operator
Garage door
GARAGE DOOR STYLES
Carriage House
Raised Panel
Contemporary
A traditional design
reminiscent of the housing
for horse-drawn carriages
in the late 19th century.
Garage door skins are
embossed with a variety
of patterns and textures
to add visual appeal.
Often striking and modern
designs that stand out from
traditional garage doors.
Can be constructed in
a variety of materials
including wood, composites,
and steel. Accented with
decorate handles and strap
hinges as well as windows
and paneling.
Common with all garage
door materials, but especially
with steel. Raised panel
designs can be combined
with windows for a unique
collection of styles.
Unique use of glass, aluminum,
steel, and wood materials,
often in combination. Best
suited for backyard living space.
5 Garage Door Style Tips
Choose a style
that complements
your home and
the theme of your
neighborhood.
Older and
traditional homes
match great with
carriage house
and plain panel
designs.
Unique
contemporary
designs with
windows and
aluminum
bandings are great
for modern homes.
Small accents and
decorative
hardware can add
personality to
otherwise plain
designs.
It’s important that
the color of
your garage door
compliments
the materials
and trim colors
of your home.
TOP 5 TIPS WHEN PURCHASING
YOUR NEW GARAGE DOOR
1
2
3
4
A new garage
door is meant
to last more
than a decade.
Take your time
studying your
options before
buying.
Cost will widely
vary depending
on your needs
and the scale of
your project.
Garage door
materials, choice
of motor, insulation
and decorative
elements will also
affect the final cost.
Do research
& contact garage
door specialists
and even
manufacturers.
They can help you
find your perfect
garage door.
When choosing
a garage door
dealer and
installer, make
sure they are
highly skilled
and insured.
5
Installing and
servicing garage
doors can be
very dangerous
and is best left
to professionals.
Sources:
http://www.diynetwork.com/remodeling/garage-door-buying-guide/index.html
http://www.styleathome.com/how-to/home-improvement/how-to-pick-the-right-garage-door/a/1720
http://www.garagewownow.com/doorstyles.htm
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Phone: (877) 573-5223