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All proud homeowners know that a garage door can have a significant impact upon the overall look of a property, and if in use frequently, it needs to be functional and practical, too. Considering just how important it is to choose the right garage door for your home, below are some top tips for helping you make the right choice:

What style of garage door would best suit your needs and home?

Important for both aesthetics and functionality, you should think carefully about what style of garage door you choose. Below are 5 of the most popular styles today:

  • Sectional – made of horizontal panels that roll up and down on a track, sectional doors are usually connected to a remote system and can open and close while you’re still inside the car.
  • Swing out – similar to carriage doors, swing out doors open like French doors using a hinged frame, and can help you create a modern, farmhouse look for your home. Usually made of wood, they are also available in galvanized steel.
  • Roll-up – these doors are made up of slats that roll up around a drum to open or close.
  • Side sliding – if your garage has little ceiling space, then this type of door might be ideal, as it slides parallel to your garage door, but would be less than ideal if a garage is used primarily for storage purposes.
  • Tilt-up canopy – these doors tilt up into the garage on a pivoting hinge, and sit parallel with the ceiling of the garage.

What material should your garage door be made of?

The 4 most popular materials that garage doors are made from today are aluminum or steel, wood and composite. Aluminum and steel are the costliest, but provide security and longevity. Wood is attractive but requires higher levels of maintenance, while composite garage doors are made from wood fibers and plastic resins and are cheaper, lighter and reasonably durable.

Do you need an insulated garage door?

If your garage is attached to your home, then you’ll definitely want to consider an insulated garage door to help save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

What is the climate like?

If you live in an area that gets a lot of ice and snow, then a metal door will doubtless rust and need replacing over time. In areas where termites are common, a wooden door may not be the wisest choice. To get a garage door that’s going to stand the test of time, carefully consider your regions climactic conditions, and talk to a garage door specialist for more advice.

Could technology improve your garage door?

For a garage that gets a lot of use, automatic garage doors are the best choice, and you’ll need to choose a door that is compatible with this technology. Keypads are also a great tech addition if you lose your remote, it breaks or you want someone else to be able to get into your garage in your absence.

Safety is an important element:

Regular maintenance of your garage door should help ensure that it remains functioning correctly and safely, and in the event of a power outage, make sure you know where the emergency release pull cord is. Whatever your budget, there is guaranteed to be a garage door to suit your needs, and for more detailed advice and guidance about choosing the right garage door, talk to a garage door specialist or your local, professional locksmith.

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