Things to consider when buying a garage door
If you are looking for a new or replacement garage door in the Monument and greater Southern Colorado area, you have come to the right place! There are various options you can choose from, depending on your requirements. Let’s start with the top five things to consider when buying a garage door:
Considerations When Buying a Garage Door
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Choose based on durability, insulation, and how the material handles Colorado's climate. Technology now offers materials like wood composite and other sustainable options, while classic wood and steel remain available. |
| Insulation | Insulated doors regulate temperature, reduce noise, and protect stored items. A well-insulated door may cost more upfront but helps keep your garage comfortable and lowers energy bills over time. |
| Style | Pick a style that complements your home’s architecture and enhances curb appeal. Traditional homes often suit wood or steel, while modern homes pair well with sleek glass and aluminum designs. |
| Design | Design includes both how your door looks and how it operates. Think about what suits your space best—hinged, rolling, swivel, or custom options—especially if you're planning a one-of-a-kind build. |
| Budget | Work with a provider who can recommend a garage door that fits both your style and your price range. Even with budget limits, you can still get a door that’s functional, attractive, and tailored to your home. |
Garage Door Material Options
Having clarified what your needs are, you can set about choosing what material fulfills your needs best:
1. Steel and Wood Composite
Steel and wood composite doors are very popular because they combine the function and durability of metal with the aesthetic appeal of wood. The skeleton of the door is made of steel, while the outer, most visible layer is made of composite wood. It is also known as faux wood and is made of recycled wood and plastic fibers, making it more affordable and lightweight than classic wood. It is also resistant to mold and rot, which are problems to look out for with solid wood doors.
2. Wood
Wooden garage doors are manufactured using solid wood panels. Homeowners tend to love these because natural wood is beautiful. But when choosing, you must be aware of the maintenance that wood requires. Rot and mold can affect some types of wood so although Monument, Colorado has lower than the US average rainfall, the snow can affect your wooden garage door and increase the need for maintenance. Wooden garage doors are vulnerable to pest and insect damage, and are also heavier than other materials so they require stronger motors and mechanisms. The cost is also a factor to consider; solid wood is more expensive than other materials.
All things considered, the appeal of wood is timeless. Its natural beauty makes it worth considering. Wood is also energy efficient as it has the highest inherent R-value of
garage door materials. Its insulation naturally regulates your home’s temperature and can act as a sound barrier against outdoor noise.
3. Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors are made of glass and aluminum and are the ideal complement to a clean, modern-looking home. In addition to the large glass panels, which enhance the look of your home or business, aluminum is a rugged and strong metal, so you’re getting the best of both strength and beauty, while the anodized aluminum construction makes them almost maintenance-free.
4. Fiberglass
The first thing people ask about fiberglass garage doors is “Are they strong enough?” and they most certainly are. The name tends to make people think they will shatter as glass does, but they are actually steel doors sealed with a fiberglass coating. The door, therefore, is as durable as steel with the finish of wood. Fiberglass garage doors are ideal for harsh environments. They are non-corrosive, so they can last a long time with little exterior maintenance.
5. Vinyl
Durability is the biggest benefit of vinyl doors. Because the color is part of the actual material, it is not painted on, and therefore, the door is barely affected by minor scratches like a painted surface would be. The downside of this is that the color can’t be changed when you are renovating your exteriors. Vinyl is rust-resistant, adding to the cost-saving. Internal insulation can be incorporated into the manufacture of vinyl garage doors, and it’s a useful feature to consider if you want to improve the energy efficiency of your garage and home. Without the insulation layer, vinyl doors are not very energy efficient. These days, some customization is available for vinyl doors, so you can achieve the look you want.
Popular Garage Door Styles
Finally, you get to decide what style of garage door complements your style and aesthetic:
1. Traditional
Traditional style means a look that has been around for a long time and blends in with most styles of residential architecture. It is probably a more conservative choice, but you should always keep in mind the overall appearance of your home, as you don’t want a clash of styles.
2. Contemporary
A contemporary look is achieved by using modern materials such as glass and aluminum, and these doors work well with modern, clean, and minimalist architecture styles. The aluminum and glass doors also provide a great opportunity to show off your auto collection!
3. Wood Look
A wood-look can be achieved by using a number of modern materials other than natural wood. There are several options, such as wood composite or steel, which will give you the aesthetic of wood without the cost or the maintenance effort. This is also our most popular look!
4. Carriage-House Style
The carriage house style evokes images of a grander time in history when people were driven in horse-drawn carriages. Today, they’re available in an array of stained and painted finishes using modern and traditional materials.
5. Mediterranean Revival
If your home has that Italian or Spanish style, then Mediterranean revival garage doors will certainly add the finishing touch to that luxurious villa feel at first sight.
6. Mid Century Modern
This style was created by German architects who migrated to the USA post-war and has had a massive revival of late. The style is characterized by functionality and simplicity. If this is your home’s style, we have garage doors to complement it.
7. Spanish Colonial
This architectural style is characterized by the use of plastered walls with terracotta roof tiles, custom-forged iron balustrades on balconies with clay pots. The perfect custom garage door to enhance this style would typically include elements like decorative iron clavos and rustic woods such as distressed Alder, Rough Cedar, and other wood species. These doors create the perfect finishing touch to the style.
8. Tuscan Renaissance
Let our custom Tuscan Renaissance-style garage doors transport you to the beautiful province of Tuscany, Italy, every time you arrive home. This popular style looks magnificent with some of today’s architecture trends that borrow elements from Tuscan villas.
The Benefits of a Custom Garage Door
1. Complementing Your Home’s Exterior
A custom garage door can dramatically change the appearance of your home. It becomes part of the façade, not just a functional element. When carefully chosen, a garage door for your home can tie together your siding, windows, and front entry, helping your property stand out, or blend in, depending on your goals. Whether you're looking for a bold design or something subtle, custom options allow your door to reflect your personal style.
2. Complementing Your Garage’s Unique Build
Every garage is different. From ceiling height to wall width to how the door opens, pre-made models don’t always fit perfectly. That’s where custom design excels. You can account for unique framing, non-standard dimensions, or even incorporate a garage door opener that suits your daily usage. This is especially useful if you’re replacing an old garage door or adding onto an existing structure.
3. Finding Perfect Windows
Many homeowners don’t realize how much difference the right windows can make. Garage door windows bring in natural light, improve visibility, and even increase the feeling of safety inside the space. In some homes, they add balance to the overall design, especially when coordinated with the home’s other windows. Window shapes, sizes, placements, and tints can all be customized based on your privacy, aesthetic, and lighting needs.
4. Choosing From Plenty of Colors and Finishes
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all white panels. Today’s garage doors offer a wide variety of colors, stains, and finishes, from wood grain looks to smooth matte steel. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of the look of wood or the clean lines of modern garage doors, a custom garage door lets you tailor the finish to suit your home’s design language. And with high-quality coatings and fade-resistant materials, your door stays looking good for years.
5. Customizing Your Hardware Selection
Hardware is the finishing touch that can set your door apart. Whether it’s decorative handles, smart locks, or enhanced hinges for a heavy insulated door, custom hardware choices let you personalize the functionality and appearance of your door. If you're adding an automatic garage door opener or want to upgrade to a smart garage door opener, customization allows you to integrate the latest technology without compromising style.
6. Customizing Insulation and Energy Performance
Insulation isn’t just about keeping things warm or cool; it also reduces noise, protects stored items, and can lower your energy bills. Custom garage doors allow you to select the right level of garage door insulation for your climate and usage. An insulated garage door is especially useful if your garage is attached to your living space or used as a workshop, home gym, or storage area.
7. Planning for Long-Term Value
Custom doesn’t always mean expensive; it means intentional. When you work with a trusted garage door dealer or installer, you can weigh the garage door costs upfront against the long-term benefits like durability, energy savings, and visual impact. Many homeowners find that installing a new garage door is one of the best-value upgrades they can make, especially in terms of ROI on resale.
What Is the Best Garage Door for the Money?
Many people state that “affordable price” is their number one priority when looking for a new garage door, but once we present all the choices, they generally realize that there are many other important factors. This is why it is best to contact the experts at Tri-Lakes Garage Doors so that we can tailor-make the best custom-designed garage door for YOU. Whether you’re looking for residential garage doors or something for your commercial property, we can advise you through the process.
What Upgrades Are Worth It in a New Home?
According to realtors, seven upgrades will give you a high return on investment in a new house: Additional electrical and plumbing, wood floors, underfloor heating in bathrooms, quality tiling in the master bathroom, higher basement ceilings, and quality garage doors.
What Should I Look for When Buying a New Garage Door?
Look for an experienced supplier, one who will guide you through the options, taking all your needs and limitations into account. It is better to use a supplier who will come and see you. Ordering online or over the phone can be tricky. Don’t be tempted to buy a wooden garage door unless you are committed to its upkeep. Consider customizing your new garage door; it will certainly add value and appeal to your home and may be more affordable than you think.
Buying a garage door in Colorado isn’t just about looks; it’s about choosing the right garage door that fits your space, style, and budget. With so many garage door options and door types available, our team will help you find the best type of garage door for your home in Colorado.
Trust Tri-Lakes Garage Doors for expert advice and reliable service. Contact us and get started with a team that understands what matters.