A garage door is a long-lasting investment that will serve your home for many years to come. While selecting the right garage door is exciting, we understand that it can also feel a bit overwhelming. At Laramie Garage Doors, serving Laramie, WY, and the surrounding 2-hour radius, we’re here to help you navigate through the process and ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident, informed decision.
In our residential garage door guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider before making your purchase. From the fun aspects like color and design to more practical considerations, such as insulation and security, we’ve got you covered. Let’s find the perfect garage door for your home in the Laramie, WY area!
Is it worth it?
Increase the value of your home
Garage door replacement has an average Return on Investment of 102.7%.
When buying a home, 80% of buyers consider the garage as a decision influencer.
70% of realtors agree that a new garage door helps sell a home faster.
Quality where it counts
On average, you open/close your garage door 1,500 times per year.
Garage doors take up 30% of the average home’s exterior.
Additional cost savings
An insulated garage can help homeowners save up to 20% on annual heating and cooling costs.
Find your style
Select a residential garage door that complements both your personal style and the overall architecture of your home. Since this door is likely to last for over twenty years, choose one that you’ll be happy with for the long term. If you're purchasing a new door to enhance your home's appeal for sale, consider opting for a more neutral style that will attract potential buyers, even if it’s different from your personal preference.
Traditional Garage Door
Carriage Style Door
Full-View Garage Door
Pick a color
When choosing a garage door, look for brands that offer a wide range of color options, like ours, as standard to give you plenty of choices. Some brands even feature artificial wood tones as part of their main collection, providing an alternative to solid colors like our sleek black garage doors. These wood-like finishes mimic popular wood varieties and, when done well, can look incredibly realistic.
If you’re after something truly unique, some brands offer custom color options. Just be sure to ask about the cost, as custom colors are often more expensive.
Need help finding the perfect color? Here are a few questions to guide you:
What is the primary color of my home? Choose a contrasting color unless aiming for a more monochromatic look.
Do I want my garage door to match my front door? We suggest matching it for a cohesive look, but feel free to experiment!
Can I see the color in different lighting? Request samples to ensure the color matches the way you'd like.
Once you're ready, request color samples to ensure the color matches the way you'd like. If you can’t find an exact color, be sure to reach out and ask about our custom color painting options! We want you to express yourself when choosing the correct garage door, and that's why we offer custom paint options!
Glass
When it comes to choosing the right glass for your garage door, the possibilities are endless. You can add glass virtually anywhere on the door, whether it's in any panel or section, allowing for a design that's truly customizable. From full-view sections that offer a modern, open feel to slim-fit windows that provide a more subtle touch, there's an option to match every style. With a wide variety of lengths, materials, and glass types, the choices are practically limitless.
In addition to enhancing the appearance of your garage door, incorporating glass can increase your return on investment (ROI) by boosting curb appeal and functionality. Glass allows natural light to flood into your garage, creating a brighter and more inviting space.
At Laramie Garage Doors, we also offer custom glass designs and colors upon request. If our standard options don’t perfectly meet your needs, we can create something unique just for you.
Materials
Garage doors are generally made from:
Steel
Wood
Aluminum
When selecting the materials for your garage door, you'll primarily choose between steel, wood, and aluminum. Each material comes with its own set of pros and cons, and the best choice often depends on your location and environment. That’s why it's important to consult with a professional to ensure you select the material that will perform best for your specific needs.
Door Construction
When it comes to the construction of your garage door, you have several options to choose from, starting with the thickness of the panel. The most common panel thicknesses are 1-1/2" to 2", though some options offer panels as thick as 3".
Note: For doors longer than 16’, we always recommend using a 2" thick panel or thicker to ensure durability and proper performance.
Wind load
When it comes to wind loading for your garage door, it’s important to consult your local area’s codes and regulations. Every state, county, and city has its own specific requirements for wind load ratings on garage doors, which are designed to ensure safety and durability in extreme weather conditions.
Hardware
When selecting the right hardware, there are a few key factors to consider:
Environment: Consider the climate in your area.
Customizable Operation: Choose hardware that suits your needs, whether you need a quieter system or a heavy-duty one.
Intent with the Garage Door: Make sure the hardware is suitable for your garage's purpose.
At Laramie Garage Doors, we want your garage door to be as unique as you are! That’s why we offer custom-painted hardware to match your style and preferences.
Measure
Accurate measurements are crucial to ensuring that your garage door fits perfectly. Refer to the diagram below for all the measurements you'll need to gather.
If the measurements are off, it can lead to improper fitment, resulting in wasted time, money, and potentially unsatisfactory results. Because of how critical this step is, we always recommend consulting with a professional to ensure accuracy.
Installation
Installing a garage door is not a job for an untrained person. It requires specialized knowledge, tools, and experience. Attempting to install the door yourself can lead to operational issues, potentially causing damage to the door, your property, and even posing safety risks to you and your family.
For these reasons, it’s always best to consult with an expert. Hiring a professional not only ensures that the job is done safely and correctly but also typically comes with additional warranties, giving you peace of mind knowing that the installation is covered.
Opener
Upgrading to a new automatic garage door opener can also improve your home’s security. Whether you want improved features, remote access, or enhanced safety features, it’s always best to consult with an expert to ensure you select the right garage door opener for your needs. Contact Laramie Garage Doors for professional advice and assistance in choosing the perfect opener for your home.
Investing in a garage door is an exciting yet important decision, as it will serve your home for many years to come. At Laramie Garage Doors, serving Laramie, WY, and the surrounding areas, we're here to guide you through the entire process—from selecting the perfect door based on style, material, and color, to considering important factors like insulation, wind load, and hardware. Whether you're looking for a door that boosts curb appeal, increases energy efficiency, or meets specific environmental needs, we offer a wide range of options. Our expertise ensures that you'll choose the right garage door that enhances your home’s value, functionality, and security. Plus, with professional installation and custom options available, we’re here to make sure your garage door is a lasting investment that meets your exact needs.
For your FREE consultation, reach out to Laramie Garage Doors at:
Phone: 307-314-5156
Email: laramiegaragedoors@gmail.com
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