What To Consider When Purchasing A New Garage Door

Determining the size of the garage door is usually pretty straight forward. To measure the opening, you’ll need to measure the width and height of the garage door opening in feet and inches. Be sure to measure at the widest point to ensure the door fits properly. Standard garage door sizes typically range from 8 to 18 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall, but custom sizes are also available. It’s essential to choose the right size door to ensure that it functions properly and provides adequate clearance for vehicles and other equipment. A professional garage door installer can help you determine the right size for your specific needs.

Luke at A1 Garage Doors did a great job of showing all the measurements to consider for a standard garage door in this video. If you have any questions regarding fitment contact your local garage door company. You should be able to find a reputable company that offers free estimates.

Consider the size of your garage and the number of vehicles you have when deciding how many garage doors to install. This ensures you have adequate access and security. Consulting with a professional garage door installer can also help you determine the optimal number of doors for your specific needs.

The color options for your garage door are plentiful and depend on the type of door you select. Steel doors are a popular choice due to their low maintenance and affordability. 

Standard color choices for steel garage doors typically include white, almond, desert tan, sandstone, brown, black, and bronze. These colors provide a wide range of design flexibility to match various home exteriors.

For a unique and custom look, you can opt for a powder coating on your new steel garage door. This option, allows you to choose from hundreds of colors. This way, you can customize your garage door to perfectly match your home’s aesthetic.

Would You Prefer The Traditional Wood Look Without The Added Maintenance?

Painted Woodtones are an economical choice offering a basic wood appearance. These steel doors feature a repeating artificial wood pattern. They come in finishes such as Classic Woodgrain and Modern Woodgrain and require no maintenance. 

Accents Woodtones are designed to mimic authentic woodgrains. Crafted with advanced digital imaging, these steel doors are available in finishes including Walnut, Driftwood, Mahogany, Cedar, Dark Oak, and Natural Oak. They are also maintenance-free.

Wood Overlays are for those who prefer genuine wood. These doors merge an insulated steel base with a wood exterior. Available in unfinished Cedar or Mahogany, they do require periodic finishing and maintenance.

Whether you’re looking for an economical standard color option, a door that emulates authentic wood, or a door with genuine wood overlays, there’s a garage door to meet your aesthetic desires and budget.

Adding windows to your garage door is a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your garage. Windows provide natural light, which can make your garage feel brighter and more welcoming.

Garage doors can greatly contribute to a home’s overall aesthetic.

Various glass options are available, offering a balance between style and privacy.

Window inserts are another consideration, allowing for natural light penetration while ensuring privacy.

Designer glass options exist for those looking for unique aesthetics, offering both natural light and distinctive style.

Ultimately, the decision to add windows is up to you and your preferences, and we’re here to help guide you towards the best option for your needs.

We offer four standard insulation options for our most common steel garage doors, each with its own benefits and price point:

• No Insulation (budget-friendly) $

• 2in Vinyl Back Insulation (best value) $$

• Sandwich Door with Polystyrene Insulation (Better) $$$

• Sandwich Door with Polyurethane Insulation (Best) $$

  If your garage is attached to your home, we strongly recommend opting for at least the 2in Vinyl Back Insulation option. This will provide moderate insulation and noise reduction without breaking the bank. For those looking for even greater insulation and noise reduction, our Sandwich Door options with Polystyrene and Polyurethane Insulation are both excellent choices.

Having an electric operator can significantly enhance your experience with your new garage door. If convenience, security, and modern features are important to you, an electric garage door opener is a must-consider. Here are some factors to ponder upon:

Battery Backup: Some electric operators come with a battery backup feature, which ensures that your garage door will still function in the event of a power outage. This feature can be essential, particularly if your area frequently experiences power cuts.

Drive Type: The type of drive the operator uses can impact both the noise and durability of your system. Belt drives, for example, operate more quietly due to their rubber belt mechanism, whereas chain drives, using a metal chain, are known for their strength, especially for larger doors.

Power Source: The power source of your electric operator can also affect its performance. DC power operators are quieter and smoother compared to AC counterparts. They often feature a slow start/stop, extending the life of your door by reducing the stress on the system during operation.

Brand & Warranty: We offer reputable brands like Chamberlain/Liftmaster openers with extended warranties. One popular option is the Liftmaster 81600, ensuring not just high-quality performance but also peace of mind knowing that repair or replacement costs are covered.

Smart Features: All of our residential Liftmaster openers come equipped with MyQ WiFi technology, allowing you to monitor and control your garage door from your smartphone. This can significantly improve the security, convenience, and control you have over your garage door.

Before deciding on an electric operator, consider these points, and feel free to discuss them with us at Tier1 Garage Doors. We can guide you in selecting the best operator that fits your needs and budget.

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• Some doors are available for next-day installation, however, most are not. We suggest ordering your door at least 2-3 weeks in advance if possible. Expect 6-8 weeks for custom colors and odd sizes.

When it comes to purchasing a new garage door, we understand that budget is an important consideration. At Tier1 Garage Doors, we offer a wide range of options at various price points to accommodate different budgets. Our team can work with you to find a garage door solution that fits your needs and budget, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a higher-end, premium product. Let us know your budget, and we’ll work with you to find the best garage door solution for your home.

• Custom track (low headroom or high lift for overhead clearance)
• High-cycle torsion springs with extended warranties – standard torsion springs are rated for 10k cycles. 20k, 50k, and 100k cycle springs are available for most doors
• Quiet safety package to allow for smoother operation – Nylon bearing rollers, wider drums, and DC-powered operator make a big difference in volume
• Garage Door Rodent Guard – prevents squirrels, mice, and other rodents from chewing under the garage door