Garage doors are an item that many of us take for granted until it breaks or needs replacing. If you suddenly find yourself in the market for a new door there are many things you need to keep in mind. The prices, features, and quality of garage doors can vary greatly. There is also the choice between automatic doors and the old fashioned manually opened type. Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to look at before purchasing a new garage door.

The first thing you need to decide is if you are going to select automatic or manual garage doors. Manual doors are generally less expensive and require less maintenance. The convenience of an automatic door may outweigh this though. It is nice to know that on a freezing day all you have to do to get into your garage is push a button.

You also need to consider the material your garage doors are made of. The most common choices are steel, aluminum, wood and fiberglass. Steel is the longest lasting, most durable type of door, particularly if you purchase a steel door that is at least 27 gauge steel. You will also want to ensure your steel door is insulated. Aluminum is cheap but dents easily. Wood and Wood composite are sturdy insulated choices. Plain wood will require refinishing regularly. Fiberglass doors are a less popular choice, but they hold up nicely in places with the possibility of saltwater exposure.

As far as aesthetics go, any of the previously listed materials can be painted or stained just about any color you would like, although wood and steel are the most versatile. Other aesthetic considerations when purchasing a door are whether you would like windows, the type of panels and in some cases even the option of custom designed garage doors. All these things can significantly impact garage doors prices.

You will want to consider the cost of parts and repair services for your new garage doosr. Garage doors by nature undergo a lot of wear and tear due to the frequency of usage and weather conditions. You will want to be sure new door requires parts that are accessible and available. You will also need to know the basics of garage door repair, or at least have access to someone that can help you should your door break. There are many companies both online, and off, that offer garage doors parts and garage door repair services.

Purchasing new garage doors can be a big decision. Make sure to look at all the factors involved before deciding which door best fits your budget and needs. If you do your homework first, you will be sure to be happy with your new garage door for many years to come.