Garage Doors - Don't Overlook Them.

When building a custom home from the ground up, there are many selections that need to be made. Even the smallest details can require a little research to make sound and solid decisions. Recently, we were installing a set of garage doors on a home in St. Michaels, MD and I was lucky enough to get a little bit of information from the company owner which I thought I’d share with you.

Larry Bauer, the owner of FIXD Garage Door Services, explained to me that your homes garage door represents up to 40% of your home’s curb appeal. Garage door manufacturers realize this and have started to offer many different styles for homeowner to choose from. They have also made it easier for the buyer, creating a selection process that is often guided by an easy online experience which allows you to virtually view a door on your own home prior to purchase. This is a little more difficult when the home is under construction, but a similar looking home can be used to give you the same visual assistance.

Most homeowners are looking for a door that is being installed to enclose a garage attached to their home. In this instance, you should be looking for an insulated door rather than a single layer door. The insulated door will assist in regulating temperature and help to prevent moisture issues in the garage and in your home. These doors cost a little bit more on the front end but are built with energy efficiency in mind which will be reflected in your monthly bills. Single layer steel doors are also available, but would only be recommended for use on external sheds or workshops where energy performance is not in question.

Today, most garage doors are built to be sturdy, reliable, and pretty much maintenance free. The moving parts which include the ball bearing nylon rollers, heavy duty hinges and torsion springs are designed to withstand everyday use, but similar to your car, it is recommended that you perform regular maintenance to keep your door operating at its peak performance. Regular inspection, light cleaning, and lubrication can help your door last much longer. Spring work, cable issues and other larger door problems should be left to a professional garage door technician, as they can be dangerous if you don’t know proper procedures.

FIXD Garage Door Services provided a few images that illustrate the huge difference a great door can make on your home.