Your garage door is one of the largest and most prominent features on the exterior of your home. It can account for up to 30% of your home’s facade, meaning it has a major impact on its overall curb appeal and value. If your current garage door is old, dented, or simply outdated, replacing it is one of the most impactful home improvement projects you can undertake. A new garage door can instantly modernize your home’s look and provide improved security and insulation. With so many styles and materials to choose from, this guide can help you select the perfect new door for your Houston home.
Choosing Your Style
The style of your garage door should complement the architectural style of your home. The three most popular styles are:
- Traditional Raised-Panel Doors: This is the classic, most common style of garage door. It features a series of raised rectangular panels. It’s a timeless look that works well with a wide variety of home styles, from traditional to transitional.
- Carriage House Style Doors: These doors are designed to mimic the look of the old-fashioned swing-out doors found on historic carriage houses. They often feature decorative hardware like large hinges and handles, and can have overlays that create the look of a cross-buck or other classic designs. This style is perfect for craftsman, farmhouse, and other traditional homes.
- Modern and Contemporary Doors: These doors are characterized by their clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. They often feature flush panels, geometric window layouts, or are constructed entirely of glass and aluminum for a sleek, high-tech look. This style is ideal for modern and mid-century modern homes.
Choosing Your Material
The material you choose will impact your door’s appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and cost.
- Steel: This is by far the most popular and practical material for garage doors. Steel doors are durable, relatively affordable, and low-maintenance. They can be insulated to improve your garage’s energy efficiency, and they come in a huge variety of styles and colors, including very realistic wood-grain finishes.
- Wood: Wood garage doors offer a natural beauty and warmth that is unmatched. They can be custom-built to create a truly unique look. However, wood is the most expensive option and requires regular maintenance, including painting or staining every few years, to protect it from the elements, especially in the humid Houston climate.
- Aluminum and Glass: Full-view aluminum and glass doors provide a striking, modern look. The lightweight aluminum frame can be powder-coated in various colors, and you can choose from different types of glass, from clear to frosted or tinted for privacy.
- Composite: Wood-composite doors are a great alternative to real wood. They are made from a mixture of wood fibers and synthetic materials and are often molded with realistic wood-grain textures. They are more resistant to rot and warping than real wood and require less maintenance.
As home design resources like Architectural Digest often showcase, the right garage door can be a stunning architectural feature. It’s important to consider your budget, your home’s style, and your tolerance for maintenance when making your choice.
Your Houston Garage Door Installation Experts
A new garage door is a major investment in your home’s curb appeal, security, and value. A professional installation is key to ensuring it operates safely, reliably, and has a long lifespan. For homeowners in the Houston area, the team at Mister Garage Door Repair Services can help you choose and expertly install the perfect new door for your home. We are your local experts for garage door installation. Contact us today for a free estimate.