Garage Doors: What to Consider Before You Buy

Choosing a door for your garage that is different from what everyone else has is a good way to allow your home to stand out from others. Before you do this, though, there are a few details to consider. Prior to perusing unique garage doors, follow these steps to make sure that yours works well for you.

Many neighborhoods have a homeowner's association that governs what the homes can look like. If all your neighbors have the same garage doors, there may be a reason for it since the HOA could require a certain look. Most of the time, only a few options are possible, and the door may have to match the color of the house. Before you get a metal door to stand apart from the wooden ones that all your neighbors have, or opt for a very colorful look as opposed to a boring one, check with your HOA to ensure this is okay.

You should also take into consideration the weather in your area. Metal doors typically do well in most climates, but if you ever have tornadoes or hurricanes in your state, you need to make sure that your door is reinforced so that heavy wind cannot destroy it easily. Wooden garage doors are another option for many. However, if your area has high humidity in the summer, lots of snow in the winter, or a lot of rain year round, you will find that the wood can easily warp and rot over time once it gets wet. You will need to add a coat of sealant to make it waterproof if you expect it to hold up for years.

Another detail to think about is whether the garage doors you are considering reflect your style. If you are modern and like a contemporary, simple look, a steel covering could be perfect for you. Even a wooden one that is painted a subdued color that matches your house could be good. However, if you like to stand out or show your creative side, consider getting a door that is custom painted or has various windows that are in different shapes.

Clearly, there is a lot to think about before you buy a new covering for this area. You will need to make sure that it not only matches your home well, but represents what you like. You should also ensure that it will fit well in your neighborhood, and not be easily destroyed by your state's weather.