Incorporate Your Garage Door into Your Home Design

by spectrumohd | Aug 21, 2023 | Buying Garage Doors

We have established before that installing a new garage door can increase your overall home’s value by increasing security and increasing the home’s curb appeal. However, how do you incorporate your garage door into your home design? How well this is executed can make a big impact on how much you increase your home’s curb appeal. Let’s explore some innovative ways to seamlessly blend your garage door with your home’s architectural style and design elements, ensuring that it’s not just functional but also visually compelling.

Garage Door Design Tips

Matching Materials with the Main House

Wood, steel, aluminum, or glass? Choosing the right material for your garage door that matches or complements your home’s primary construction material can make a world of difference. For instance, if you have a traditional home made of bricks or wooden siding, consider wooden garage doors or those with wooden finishes. If you reside in a modern abode with a lot of glass features, a sleek glass-panel garage door might just be the perfect choice.

Color Coordination is Key

Your garage door doesn’t necessarily need to be the same color as your home, but it should complement the home’s primary and accent colors. If you have a beige or tan home, for instance, consider a garage door in a shade of brown or even deep green. For houses painted in neutral tones, a bold garage door color can serve as a statement piece.

Window Panes that Reflect Your Home’s Style

If your home features a specific type of window—like bay windows, sash windows, or mullioned ones—reflecting the same design on your garage door can create harmony in design. Garage doors with windows also let in natural light, which is a bonus if you use your garage space for more than just parking cars.

Architectural Consistency

Pay attention to the architectural elements of your home. Is it modern, traditional, colonial, or rustic? Your garage door should echo these elements. For instance, homes with a Spanish or Mediterranean flair might pair well with arched garage doors, while modern homes may benefit from a simplistic, flush panel design.

Hardware and Details

Often, it’s the small details that make a huge difference. Elegant handles, decorative straps, and ornamental hinges can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your garage door. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic charm with wrought iron handles or a contemporary sleekness with stainless steel fixtures, ensure these small elements resonate with your home’s character.

Think Beyond Just the Door

The surroundings of your garage door also play a role in its aesthetics. Consider planters with flowers that echo your home’s color palette, lighting fixtures that complement those on the main house, or even pathways that lead to the garage, reflecting the style of your home’s walkways.

Final Thoughts

The garage door isn’t merely a utility element; it’s an extension of your home and speaks volumes about its design sensibility. At Spectrum Overhead Door in Houston, we believe that every part of your home, including the garage door, should be a harmonious blend of style and function. With the right approach, you can turn your garage door from a mundane necessity to a statement piece, enhancing the visual appeal of your entire property.

Whether you’re contemplating a new garage door installation or pondering a renovation, remember: your garage door is a blank canvas waiting to reflect the beauty and character of your home. If you are in the Houston area, Spectrum Overhead Door has been installing garage doors in Houston since 2006, and you can get a free design consult. 713-913-1721

Top Garage Door Styles for 2023-2024

by spectrumohd | Jul 3, 2023 | Buying Garage Doors

Your garage door is not just a functional aspect of your home; it’s an essential part of its curb appeal. The right garage door style can enhance your home’s overall aesthetic and make a lasting impression. If you are building a home, or your garage door is over 10-15 years old, that means you either or or soon will be in the market for a new garage door. There is lots of choices nowadays for garage doors so we are going to go through some top garage door styles for 2023-2024. 

Top Garage Door Styles

Carriage House Style

The Carriage House style has timeless appeal and mimics the charming look of old-fashioned carriage house doors. These doors typically feature decorative handles, hinges, and intricate panel designs, providing a classic and elegant aesthetic. Whether you have a traditional or modern home, Carriage House doors can add character and sophistication to your property.

Wood Overlay Style

For those who appreciate the natural beauty of wood, the Wood Overlay style is an excellent choice. These doors are constructed with a durable steel base and feature wood overlays, creating an authentic wood appearance. With various wood species and finishes available, you can customize the door to match your home’s architectural style and personal taste while enjoying the benefits of low maintenance.

Shaker Style

The Shaker-style garage door is characterized by clean lines and a minimalistic design. It offers a sleek and contemporary look, making it a popular choice for modern homes. The simplicity of the Shaker style allows it to seamlessly blend in with various architectural designs, and it provides a timeless appeal that is both functional and visually appealing.

Vertical Window (Skyline Flush) Style

If you desire a garage door that brings in natural light while maintaining privacy, the Vertical Window style is an excellent option. These doors feature vertical window panels, known as the Skyline Flush design. This contemporary style offers a modern and sleek appearance, allowing ample light to enter your garage while keeping unwanted attention at bay.

Flush with Single Horizontal Window (Sterling) Style

The Sterling style strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. With a sleek, flush panel design and a single horizontal window positioned strategically, this style offers a contemporary and refined look. It allows natural light to enter your garage while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Planks Style

The Planks style garage doors provide a rustic and authentic look, perfect for homes with a farmhouse or cottage-inspired architecture. These doors feature horizontal planks that mimic the charm of wooden barn doors. While they offer the appearance of wood, they are typically constructed with durable materials like steel or fiberglass, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance.

Full-ViewGlass Style

For a bold and modern statement, the Contemporary Glass style is gaining popularity among homeowners. These doors combine sleek aluminum frames with large glass panels, creating a stunning visual impact. The abundant natural light that floods through the glass panels helps to create an open and airy atmosphere, perfect for showcasing the interior of your garage.

Conclusion:

When it comes to choosing the right garage door style, Spectrum Overhead Door in Houston offers a wide range of garage door options to suit every homeowner’s preferences. Whether you prefer the classic charm of Carriage House doors or the contemporary elegance of glass panels, our team is here to help you find and install the perfect garage door style that complements your home’s architecture and enhances its curb appeal. Invest in a garage door that not only protects your belongings but also elevates the overall aesthetics of your home. For a free design consultation and quote, call 713-913-1721. 

Common Mistakes When Shopping for Garage Doors

by spectrumohd | Jun 12, 2023 | Buying Garage Doors

When it comes to shopping for a new garage door, we have seen a lot of homeowners focus on the design, style, and price, sometimes overlooking crucial factors that can significantly impact the door’s performance and longevity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss common mistakes people make when shopping for garage doors to be installed. By understanding these key aspects, homeowners in the Houston area can make informed decisions that enhance both the functionality and energy efficiency of their garage doors.

Neglecting to Consider Door Material Thickness

Aluminum garage doors are some of the cheapest garage doors, but also the thinnest. One of the most critical factors to consider when shopping for a garage door is the material thickness. The thickness of the door panels directly affects their durability, resistance to impact and insulation capabilities. Unfortunately, this is an aspect that often goes unnoticed or is overshadowed by other considerations.

Garage doors like 25 gauge steel doors offer thicker door panels providing superior strength and are less prone to denting or damage caused by accidental impacts or extreme weather conditions. Additionally, they offer better insulation properties by minimizing heat transfer between the exterior and interior of the garage. By choosing a garage door with proper material thickness, homeowners can ensure a longer lifespan for their investment and enjoy enhanced security and energy efficiency.

Overlooking the Importance of Insulation

Insulation is another crucial aspect that homeowners often overlook when shopping for garage doors. While insulation might not seem like a top priority, it can have a significant impact on various aspects of your garage and home. Insulated garage doors help regulate the temperature within the garage, preventing extreme heat or cold from affecting the space. This is especially important if your garage is attached to your home, as it can prevent unwanted heat transfer to adjacent rooms and help maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Moreover, insulation can contribute to noise reduction, making your garage quieter and more peaceful.

Energy efficiency is another key benefit of insulated garage doors. By minimizing heat transfer, insulated doors can reduce the workload on your heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower energy bills throughout the year. Furthermore, if you use your garage as a workspace or have valuable belongings stored inside, insulation can help protect them from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Overlooking Humidity

Houston’s climate is characterized by high humidity, hot summers, and occasional severe weather conditions such as hurricanes and tropical storms. Unfortunately, some homeowners fail to consider these climatic factors when selecting a garage door, which can lead to suboptimal performance and potential damage in the long run.

In regions with high humidity, it’s crucial to choose a garage door material that is resistant to moisture and doesn’t warp or rot easily. Steel and aluminum doors are popular options as they offer excellent durability and resistance to the elements. You can get a wooden garage door as they are beautiful and bring warmth to the look of your home, but you will need to remember to seal it every couple of years. Otherwise, the wood can swell making it harder to close and heavier. 

Failing to Consider a Wind-Rated Door

For areas prone to severe weather conditions, investing in a hurricane-resistant garage door is highly recommended. These doors are specifically designed and tested to withstand high winds, flying debris, and extreme weather events, providing homeowners with peace of mind and added protection for their property.

Not Considering the Use of Your Garage

Many homeowners use their garage for more than storing their vehicles in. Some use the garage as a workspace or place to work out. There are many different uses for a garage. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t consider this when choosing a garage door. For example, if you are going to use the garage as a work or hobby space, you might want to consider a full-view garage door or one that has windows so natural light can come in.

Focusing Solely on Price

While it’s understandable that homeowners want to stay within their budget when shopping for a garage door, solely focusing on price can be a big mistake. Opting for the cheapest option available might save money upfront but can lead to higher long-term costs and dissatisfaction with the door’s performance. Choosing a garage door based solely on price often means compromising on quality, durability, and functionality. Cheaper doors may have thinner material, lack insulation, or come with subpar hardware, leading to frequent repairs and premature replacement. It’s essential to strike a balance between affordability and quality when selecting a garage door. Consider factors such as material thickness, insulation, design, and brand reputation to ensure you’re investing in a door that meets your needs and provides long-term value.

Ignoring Professional Installation 

Even the highest-quality garage doors can underperform or experience premature issues if not properly installed correctly. Unfortunately, many homeowners underestimate the importance of professional installation, which can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards down the line.

Improper installation can result in poor functionality, compromised security, and potential safety risks. By relying on experienced garage door installation professionals, homeowners can ensure that their doors are correctly installed, adjusted, and aligned, allowing for smooth and reliable operation.

Conclusion

Shopping for a new garage door requires careful consideration of various factors beyond just aesthetics and price. Homeowners often make common mistakes by overlooking the importance of door material thickness and insulation. Neglecting these aspects can lead to durability issues, compromised energy efficiency, and higher maintenance costs. If you are in the Houston area, Spectrum Overhead Door is here to assist you in choosing the right garage door. We have been helping Houston homeowners choose the right garage door since 2006. Contact us at 281-748-9542 for a free consultation.

How Long Will a Typical Garage Door Will Last

by spectrumohd | Apr 17, 2023 | Buying Garage Doors

Buying a home that includes a garage is a big investment. A garage door can take up to 40% of one side of your home. If and when you do buy the home, do your best to find out how old the garage door is. Once you have that information, it will help you know how long you have left with that garage door and garage door system before you have to replace your garage door.

How Long the Typical Garage Door Will Last

The short answer, most doors will last 15 to 30 years by most manufacturers’ standards. Yet when you look at that number, that is a pretty big gap, by double of years to be precise. Why such a big gap? This is because there is a lot of determining factors in determining the lifespan of the garage door.

What Determines How Long Your Garage Door Will Last

One of the biggest factors in how long your garage door will last is the type of material used in its construction. The most common materials used for garage doors are steel, wood, and aluminum.

• Steel doors tend to last the longest, with an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years. They are durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and require minimal maintenance.
• Wooden doors, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. They are susceptible to rot, warping, and cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity. However, they provide a natural and warm aesthetic appeal that many homeowners prefer.
• Aluminum doors have the shortest lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. They are lightweight, rust-resistant, and require minimal maintenance. However, they are not as durable as steel doors and can dent easily.

Another factor in the lifespan of a garage door also depends on how well it is maintained. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts, tightening loose screws and bolts, and keeping the door clean, can significantly extend its lifespan. Neglecting maintenance can cause parts to wear out quickly and lead to costly repairs or replacement.

Frequency also plays a part, The more frequently it is opened and closed, the more wear and tear it will experience. Therefore, a garage door that is used several times a day will have a shorter lifespan than one that is used only a few times a week.

You also have to take into account of your environment also affects the lifespan of a garage door.  Here in Houston, the weather can be extreme. Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight, and exposure to saltwater or other corrosive substances can cause the door to deteriorate quickly. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it is essential to choose a garage door material that can withstand those conditions.

Replacing Your Garage Door

Now, how do you know when it’s time to replace your garage door? Here are some signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement:

• Age: If your garage door is approaching its expected lifespan, it’s time to start considering a replacement. Waiting until it breaks down can be more costly in the long run.
• Damage: If your garage door has significant damage, such as a dent, crack, or broken panel, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to repair it.
• Noise: If your garage door makes loud, unusual noises when opening or closing, it could be a sign that some parts are worn out and need replacement.
• Safety: If your garage door does not have safety features such as sensors or fails to close properly, it’s time for a replacement to ensure the safety of your family and property.
• Aesthetics: If your garage door looks outdated, faded, or does not match the style of your home, it may be time for a replacement to improve your home’s curb appeal.

Garage Door Springs

Another part of your garage door system you should keep track of is your garage door springs. Your torsion springs are what keep your garage door from just slamming down as they help the door defy gravity to open and close. The lifespan of a garage door spring is measured in garage door cycles, with the garage door going up and down one time considered a cycle. Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles.

The life expectancy of a 10,000-cycle spring translates these estimates based on daily usage.

• Two times daily should last about 13-14 years
• Four times daily should last about 6-7 years
• Six times daily should last about 4-5 years
• Eight times daily should last about 3 years

Once your garage door spring does break, do not try to fix them yourself. It can cause you more damage and issues than you started off with. Call a professional to replace your garage door spring. It will save you time and money in the long run.

Garage Door Openers

The garage door opener is another piece that you really should know the age on. The lifespan of a garage door opener will depend on various factors, such as usage, maintenance, and quality of the device. Generally speaking, a well-maintained garage door opener from a reputable brand like LiftMaster can last for up to 10 to 15 years, while a cheaper and poorly made model may only last for 5 to 10 years.

Factors That Wear Down a Garage Door Opener

Usage

• The more you use your garage door opener, the shorter its lifespan will be. Every time you open or close your garage door, you’re putting stress on the motor and other components of the opener. This wear and tear will accumulate over time and eventually lead to failure.
• If you use your garage door opener multiple times a day, such as if you have a large family or run a home-based business, you can expect the device to wear out sooner. On the other hand, if you only use your garage door opener a few times a week, it may last longer.

Maintenance

• Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your garage door opener. Like any mechanical device, a garage door opener needs to be lubricated, adjusted, and inspected on a regular basis to keep it functioning properly. One of the most important maintenance tasks is lubrication. The moving parts of a garage door opener, such as the chain or belt, need to be lubricated periodically to prevent friction and wear. Other maintenance tasks include adjusting the tension of the chain or belt, tightening screws and bolts, and inspecting the safety sensors.

Quality

• The quality of the garage door opener is another factor that affects its lifespan. A well-made opener from a reputable brand will generally last longer than a cheaper and poorly made model.

Now, why do we mention parts other than the garage door? Because in order to get the most out of your garage door and extend its lifespan your garage door parts need to be regularly maintained as well. If you want to know more about getting the most out of your garage door, read our post, Extend the Life Of Your Garage Door

Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been serving Houston area garages for over 16 years with award-winning garage door repair service. Call either 281-748-9542 or if you are closer to East Houston 713-557-3407 for a free quote today with no trip charge!

Fiberglass Full View VS Wooden Garage Doors

by spectrumohd | Feb 20, 2023 | Buying Garage Doors

Fiberglass Full View VS Wooden Garage Doors: Factors to Consider

Here in Houston, we provide Fiberglass Full View and Wooden Garage Doors to meet the unique needs of each home. Deciding between Fiberglass Full View and Wooden Garage Doors can be difficult, but with our expert help, we can make sure you get the perfect door for your home.

Fiberglass Full

Fiberglass Full View garage doors come in a variety of styles and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect door for your home. Fiberglass is one of the most durable materials available and comes with a 25-year warranty. Fiberglass is also low-maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about painting or staining your Fiberglass Full View door. Fiberglass is also a great insulator, helping to keep the temperature controlled inside your garage and reducing energy costs.

Advantages of Fiberglass Full View:

• Durable construction– Fiberglass is one of the most durable materials available, making it an ideal choice for garage doors.
• Low maintenance– Fiberglass does not require painting or staining, saving you time and energy in the long run.
• Energy efficiency– Fiberglass is a great insulator, helping to keep the temperature controlled inside your garage and reducing energy costs.
• Variety of styles– Fiberglass Full View Garage Doors come in a variety of styles and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect door for your home.
• 25-year warranty– Fiberglass is covered by a 25-year warranty, ensuring that your garage door will stay looking great for years to come.

Disadvantages of Fiberglass Full View:

• Limited colors and styles– Fiberglass is available in a variety of colors, but the style options are limited.
• Transparency– Fiberglass can be slightly transparent, which may not be ideal for some homeowners who want a completely private garage space.
• Price– Fiberglass garage doors are typically more expensive than other materials.
• Installation Difficulty– Fiberglass is a heavier material so it may be more difficult to install than other materials.

Wooden Garage Doors

Wooden Garage Doors offer a classic look that adds beauty and value to any home. Wooden Garage doors come in many styles, from traditional panel doors to custom carriage house designs. Wooden Garage Doors are made of durable, high-quality wood and come with a 20-year warranty. They require regular maintenance, however, and must be painted or stained regularly to keep them looking their best. Wooden Garage Doors provide great insulation and are often considered the most stylish option available.

Advantages of Wooden Garage Doors:

• Timeless look-Wooden Garage Doors offer a classic and timeless look that adds beauty and value to any home.
• Variety of styles– Wooden Garage Doors come in many styles, from traditional panel doors to custom carriage house designs.
• Durability– Wooden Garage Doors are made of durable, high-quality wood and come with a 20-year warranty.
• Insulation– Wooden Garage Doors provide great insulation, keeping your garage temperature regulated and helping to reduce energy costs.
• Stylish look– Wooden Garage Doors are often considered the most stylish option available.

Disadvantages of Wooden Garage Doors:

• Expensive– Wooden Garage Doors are typically more expensive than other materials.
• High maintenance– Wooden Garage Doors require regular maintenance, including painting and staining to keep them looking their best.
• Susceptibility to weather damage – Due to the material, wooden garage doors can be susceptible to warping or cracking from extreme temperatures.
• Installation difficulty– As a heavier material, wooden garage doors can be more difficult to install than other materials.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Fiberglass Full View or Wooden Garage Doors:

• Cost – Fiberglass Full View doors are typically more expensive than wooden garage doors.
• Maintenance and durability – Fiberglass is low maintenance and highly durable, while wooden garage doors require regular painting and staining to stay looking their best.
• Insulation – Fiberglass is a great insulator, while wooden garage doors also provide great insulation.
• Style – Fiberglass full-view garage doors come in a variety of styles and sizes, while wooden garage doors offer a more classic look.
• Installation difficulty – Fiberglass is heavier than other materials and may be more difficult to install, while wooden garage doors can also be difficult to install.

Ultimately, the decision between Fiberglass Full View and Wooden Garage Doors comes down to cost, maintenance requirements, insulation needs, and style preferences. Both Fiberglass Full View and Wooden Garage Doors offer great durability, insulation, and style options, so it’s important to consider all of your needs before making a purchasing decision.

Your Solution to Fiberglass Full View and Wooden Garage Doors

If you are considering Fiberglass Full View or Wooden Garage Doors, our Garage door installation services are available to help you make the best decision. We offer a range of services including installation and maintenance, as well as advice on the best materials for your home. Our experts have years of experience and can answer any questions you may have about Fiberglass Full View and Wooden Garage Doors. We are committed to helping you make the best decision for your home and budget. Contact Spectrum Overhead Door today to learn more about Fiberglass Full View or Wooden Garage Doors and how we can help you make the best choice.

Should You Care About Garage Door Trends?

by spectrumohd | Nov 22, 2022 | Buying Garage Doors

If you are a new homeowner or a homeowner with an older garage door, you might be shopping around for a new garage door. When looking for new garage doors, it can be tempting to start wanting to look at garage door trends (mostly involved with home exterior trends). However, should you care about garage door trends? Is it worth it to chase the newest and latest in garage doors?

The answer is usually going to be, no, not really. Here is why. When you build a new home, the garage door you chose should fit your needs and the style of the home. The same is likewise on existing homes. That does not mean don’t see what styles are out there. You may find you like the look and natural lighting of a full view glass garage door, or the vintage look of a carriage house garage door. However, you don’t want to fall into the trap of buying a carriage house door does because the vintage look is in that year. Match your garage door to the style of the home and your needs.

The Exceptions

There are a few notable exceptions to the advice above. Like mentioned before, you will want to see what styles are available and just as importantly, what materials are available. For example, year ago if you wanted a garage door that looked like wood, you got a wooden garage door. Now they have wooden overlay garage doors available, with wood pieces overlaying a steel backing. These types of garage doors give the warmth of wood, and the lightness and durability of steel. If you can get the look you want in a lighter more durable material, that is a garage door to consider.

Garage Door Openers

It would be wrong of us not to mention garage door openers. That has been where a lot of focus as been over the last few years. For example, we are now installing garage door openers with built-in backup battery, lights, and even video cameras. This is where you don’t necessarily want to chase “trends” for garage door openers, but you do want to know what tech is available to you to meet your needs. For example, if you order a lot of packages from Amazon, you probably would like to know that all newer Liftmaster and Chamberlain garage door openers work with the MyQ app from Chamberlain, where Amazon drivers can leave your packages safely in your garage.

In summation, our best advice is to review what garage doors fit your needs and the look of the home. If you are in the Houston area and are shopping for a garage door to fit a new or existing home, consider Spectrum Overhead Door LLC. We have been installing garage doors for Houston since 2006. We can come out and give you a free design consultation and installation quote. Contact us at 281-748-9542 to schedule your appointment today!