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.