Introduction
How to Choose a Garage Door
Whether you're a new homeowner, selling your home or refreshing the look of your existing home, buying a garage door is a great opportunity for you to enhance not only the ascetics of your home but also increase the value!
Why Replace Your Garage Door?
Return on investment at resale
Looking to sell? Garage doors are among the top home improvement projects in terms of recouping your money.
95% + Returns are what you can expect to see when you sell a home with an updated garage door according to: Home Advisor, Home Serve and other relator sites.
Home sells faster.
Studies in relator forms suggest that 70% of Realtors agree that a new garage door sells a home faster and increases the value. Don't believe it? Ask your relator.
Increase Curb Appeal
Upgrading your garage door will enhance your curb appeal of your home.
On average the garage door accounts for 40% of your homes curb appeal making it a statement piece for your home.
Choosing the Right Garage Door
Step 1: Style
What Garage Door Style Should I Choose?
When selecting a garage door style, your personal taste and home's architectural design should take precedence above all else. While certain architectural styles naturally complement particular garage door designs—such as modern architecture with full-view doors, or Victorian homes with carriage-house doors—the decision rests entirely in your hands.
View our options of traditional, carriage-house, and contemporary garage doors.
Step 2: Finish
Choose Your Garage Door Finish
Ready for some excitement? Selecting a finish is your opportunity to customize your garage door to suit your preferences, whether you aim for a unique look or a more conventional style. From capturing the perfect natural wood aesthetic that harmonizes with your home's design to opting for a vibrant shade from our Color Blast® program, boasting a selection of 1,500 Sherwin-Williams® colors or a customized tint, the choices are practically limitless.
Remember, your garage door significantly contributes to your home's exterior appeal, so opt for a finish that enhances both curb appeal and property value. Additionally, consider the local climate as it impacts the durability of different finishes.
Step 3: Windows
Should I get Windows on my Garage Door?
Adding windows to your garage door makes it look nicer and more welcoming. It also lets in natural light, so you won't have to grope in the dark for a light switch. You can choose different designs for the windows to match your home's style. And if you live in a windy area, there's special strong glass you can get. Whether your home is modern or old-fashioned, having windows on your garage door can make it look better and work better too.
Step 4: Insulation
Should I Have a Insulated Garage Door?
Benefits of an Insulated Garage Door:
Comfort in All Climates
The higher the R-Value the more control you'll have over the climate inside your garage.
Quieter Operation
The more layers you have to the construction of your garage door will determine the noise level. With certain construction/insulation types you can reduce the noise by 300%
Strength and Durability
It goes without saying but the more layers you have to your door will also help protect your garage door.
Compounding Cost Savings
Not only will insulation save you money by being more energy efficient, you'll help the integrity of your door by adding layers to the construction making your door more durable lowering the cost-per-use.
Step 5: Materials
What Materials Should I Choose For My Garage Door?
Choosing the material for your garage door depends on what you like, how much upkeep you want to do, and how long you want it to last. Steel doors are tough and need less maintenance. Our Ultra-Grain finish makes them look like wood but without the hassle of real wood.
If you want a natural look, wooden doors are timeless. Laramie Garage Doors offers different types of wood like Redwood or Luan, with designs from classic to modern. For a unique style, you can get a custom-made wooden door that shows off your personality.
If you prefer simple and bright, aluminum and glass doors are great. Our full-view doors let in lots of light, making your home feel more open. You can choose how much privacy you want with different glass options.
Step 6: Size
What Size Garage Door Do I Need?
When it comes to purchasing a garage door, you'll need to determine the size of your door. Improper measurements can be a costly mistake leaving you with the wrong size garage door, that you wont be able to return, and needing to buy another one. Want the job done right the first time? Call Laramie Garage Doors @ (307) 314-5156 to have a trained professional come out and give you a free quote. Want to take on the challenge of measuring your garage door yourself? Use the diagram below to help.
Step 7: Wind
Having your door wind rated is very important and has little to no room for error. Garage Doors alone do not come wind rated, especially for states like Wyoming. Calculating your wind code relies on multiple factors.
Environment
What direction the door will face.
Max wind speeds for area.
Size of door.
Wind Code for city/county/state
Getting your wind code wrong will result in costly repairs; damaging your garage door and potentially causing damage to the building and anything in/around it.
Wind code alone is a good enough reason to hire a professional for the job. Laramie Garage Doors offers free consultations for anyone interested in getting a new garage door and we stand by our wind codes with warranty. Call (307) 314-5156 to speak to professional and schedule your free consultation.
Step 8: Tracks
Choose The Right Track Option
When you're getting a new garage door, don't forget about the track it runs on. The track guides the rollers, which help the door move smoothly. You need to pick tracks that fit your garage, leaving enough space above and on the sides for the door to move properly.
There are different track options available to suit various garage layouts and needs. These include standard radius tracks (the most common), vertical lift, and high lift tracks. There are also tracks that follow the slope of your roof if needed, or ones that avoid obstacles like handles or windows. Before you get a new garage door, take some time to figure out which track options will work best for your garage.
Step 9: Installation
Should I Install My Garage Door or Hire A Professional?
When it comes to upgrading your home, installing a new garage door is often high on the list. After all, it not only enhances the aesthetics of your property but also contributes significantly to its functionality and security. However, before you roll up your sleeves and embark on a DIY installation project, it's crucial to recognize that picking out the perfect garage door is merely the beginning of the journey.
Indeed, installing a garage door yourself might seem like a cost-effective solution at first glance. But let's face it: installing a garage door is only half the battle. The other half lies in ensuring that it's done correctly. An improperly installed garage door can lead to a myriad of issues, ranging from annoying operational noises to serious safety hazards.
Imagine a scenario where your garage door isn't balanced properly. This seemingly minor flaw can result in excessive wear and tear on the door mechanism, ultimately leading to costly repairs much sooner than expected. Moreover, an off-balance door poses a significant safety risk, not just to your vehicle and belongings but also to you and your family.
It's essential to understand that garage doors are not something you want to cut corners on. While it might be tempting to rely on your DIY skills or the help of a well-meaning handyman, the truth is that installing a garage door requires a level of expertise and precision that goes beyond typical home improvement tasks. It's a job that demands attention to detail, knowledge of complex mechanisms, and a commitment to safety protocols.
This is where the value of professional installation truly shines. By entrusting the task to experienced professionals, you can rest assured that your garage door will be installed correctly the first time around. Not only will this save you from the headaches of dealing with repairs down the line, but it will also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your home and loved ones are protected by a properly functioning garage door.
Learn More About Installation: Laramie Garage Door Installation
Learn More About Residential Garage Doors:
Contact Laramie Garage Doors:
Phone: (307) 314-5156
Email: laramiegaragedoors@gmail.com
See if we service your area: https://www.laramiegaragedoors.com/locations
Read More Blogs: https://www.laramiegaragedoors.com/blog