Tips for Choosing the Right Style Garage Door for Your Home

Not only is a garage door often the largest part of a home, it is also usually a very prominent feature. As such, it can have a significant effect on the value of your home. According to a 2014 Remodeling Magazine study, homeowners who replaced their garage door recovered over 83 percent of the cost when they sold their home. The right garage door can greatly improve your home's curb appeal. 

Choosing the right style of garage door involves considering certain factors such as:

• Your Home's Style. 
Your home’s architectural style will be best complemented by a garage door with a similar style. For example, if your home is built in the Victorian style, you may want to look for a door with a more detailed design. A classic carriage-house door may provide the right kind of elegance and charm to complement your home's exterior. Homes with a more contemporary style may require a garage door with cleaner lines. Look for ones with a minimalist design and straight lines. For a Craftsman bungalow, you may want a swing-out garage door as these were common on the earlier homes built in this style. A garage door style that matches your home's design will improve curb appeal and thus provide greater returns on your investment.


• The Ideal Material for Your Climate
. This is a factor that is often overlooked when choosing garage doors. Many homeowners may think of their garage door as simply a way to provide protection for their vehicles; however, it is also a part of the home. For example, if you live in an area with salt in the air, you will have to choose a corrosion-resistant material. If your location sees extremes in temperature, you may want to consider fiberglass as it provides exceptional insulation. Better insulation means that it can lower your heating and cooling bills.


• The Safety of Your Garage Door
. Choose the style of garage door that is safest for your home. Your garage door is a point of entry into your home and therefore it could be a means of access for an intruder. You will need to ask a garage door professional about the different styles of opening mechanisms; they can also help you to decide whether a roller door or a canopy or sectional style garage door is best for your needs. Note also that the garage door will be the largest moving object in your home and can present dangers as a result. Your garage door should be pinch-resistant so that there is little danger of it closing on someone's fingers or other body parts.

The craftsmanship and design of garage doors has evolved significantly in recent years. These days, homeowners have multiple options from which they may choose. There are garage doors that can stand up to almost any environment without you having to compromise on appearance. By choosing the right garage door, you can make an addition to your home that will function properly and look good for many years to come.