What To Look For When Buying A Garage Door

Published on 28 October 2022

Whether your garage is used for storing your car, outdoor accessories, or items that are waiting to go to the tip, without a well fitted and durable door your garage could quickly become a target for burglars and intruders.

We’re sharing some of the things to look for when buying a new garage door – including material, installation methods, and the different types of door available on the market.

Considerations when buying a new garage door

The right garage door can last for years, but in order to do so it needs to be quality both in terms of the material itself and the way it is fitted.

Far too often we see homeowners who have forked out for an expensive garage door, only to find that the operating mechanism is not conducive to the way they want to use the space, or the fitting is not a perfect match – thus affecting the integrity and security of the door.

Some of the areas to consider include the way you use the space, how secure you want your garage to be, your budget, insulation needs, and the size of the door frame that needs to be filled. By answering these questions, you will be able to identify whether you need a bespoke garage door fitting service and how much it is likely to cost. 

What garage door materials to consider

Aesthetic presentation and security are both main factors when it comes to choosing the right garage door material, as the chances are you will want something which is secure and safe, but attractive at the same time.

Here are a few of the most popular materials and their key advantages:

•       Wood – attractive and good for insulating, however wood does tend to require more in the way of upkeep and maintenance.
•       Steel – budget-friendly and available in a variety of styles and colours. Steel is also a low maintenance and highly durable option.
•       Aluminium – a less expensive alternative to steel, though more likely to be dented as it is much lighter in weight. Aluminium is available with a range of finishes.
•       Fibreglass – despite not being a very efficient insulator, fibreglass is strong and resistant to dents.

Homeowners should note that the material they choose will affect the cost of their garage doors as well as their durability and lifespan.

What to consider about garage door installation

If there’s one piece of advice that every homeowner should follow and heed, it’s getting an in-person fitted quote before buying a new garage door. While it may sound cheaper on the surface to purchase a door and fit it yourself, a poor match could lead to a lack of security and an increase in the loss of warm air around the exterior frame of your garage door.

Not only will this help to ensure you get a door that fits the frame or space you need to fill, but it will ensure that you get the best possible finish to suit your home, at a price within your budget.

The most popular types of garage doors

There are four main types of garage doors which should be considered by modern homeowners: up and over doors, sectional doors, roller doors, and automatic garage doors.

The best choice for your garage will depend on how the space is used and how accessible you need it to be. For example, roller garage doors optimise the way you can use the interior space of your garage as they open upwards rather than into the space, while automated garage doors are convenient and have long been considered the best option for enhanced security. A sectional garage door is great for a working garage where insulation is key, and up and over doors are ideal for that stylish aesthetic for a garage which is mainly used for storage with infrequent access required.

The Diamond Garage Doors difference

When you partner with or reach out to Diamond Garage Doors, you will receive a leading service which is supported by great advice and guidance on how to choose the best garage door for you.

With materials and options for all budgets and finishes, our professional installers are here to help – all you need to do is get in touch to discuss.

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