Your garage door is a critical part of your home. It provides security, protection, and insulation. In addition to that, it allows you access to your house. A Chamberlain Group study found that 55% of homeowners use the garage door as their main entry. Therefore, it must be in good working order. Consider these tips when buying a new garage door.

Compliment Your Home

When purchasing a new garage door, you do not have to get precisely what you had before. Consider selecting one that complements your home. For example, if you have a farmhouse, mission, or craftsman-style home, you might want to consider carriage house garage doors. If you have a modern-looking house, consider a more contemporary garage door. Traditional style garage doors are classic and fit just about any home style.

Choose Material for Your Needs

When selecting your new garage door, consider all the material options available. Steel is the most popular because of its durability, affordability, strength, and longevity. It has superior insulation for severe weather and remains lightweight. Wood is beautiful and brings a sense of history to your garage door. However, it does require painting and sealing as part of regular maintenance. Aluminum is ideal for coastal areas because it will not rust in the sea air.

Insulation

A new garage door that is well insulated keeps the garage cool in summer and warmer in winter. Proper insulation can reduce drafts and thermal energy transfer. The higher the R-value on a garage door, the better it performs to increase energy efficiency.

Curb Appeal

You want your new garage door to look nice and add to the look of your house. You'll want to select a timeless color and not a bold color that will quickly go out of style. White and neutrals are popular colors for garage doors. YYour new garage door should not compete with your front door but should instead complement it.

Custom Finishes

If you are looking for something unique for your new garage door, consider hardware and windows for a customized look. You can use the hardware on your garage door to connect to the other finishes on the exterior of your house.

These tips will help you select the best new garage door for your house to fit your style and budget.