High Tech Garage Doors

Posted on: 18 May 2017

If you have an old garage door that is beyond repair and purchasing a new one, you may be surprised at what you find when you start looking. Today's garage doors are much different in that you can find them made in a variety of materials and colors, as well as being more insulated. Keep reading so you can purchase the right garage door for your home.

Garage Door Panel Styles

The first thing you need to consider is the panel style you would like. You will find a variety of panel designs. For example, there are carriage house panels. When looking at the garage door from a distance it looks like a real carriage house door but it is a traditional door that moves up and down.

Flush panels are also available. These panels are flat and textured, and goes well with surroundings without putting too much focus on the garage door itself. Long raised panels are also available which gives the door distinction and depth to add to your home's exterior appearance. 

Garage Door Materials

You will find most garage doors on the market today have a rigid-foam insulation with a steel backing. Look at the steel gauge number, as the higher the number the stronger the door. For example, 28-gauge steel is stronger when compared to 26-gauge steel. Most steel garage doors have either a smooth finish or wood grain pattern.  If you are worried about rust, look for materials that have a polyester topcoat.

There are also plastic garage doors on the market. Plastic is popular because it is durable, lightweight, and needs no routine maintenance. Plastic is also rot and corrosion free. When opening and closing a plastic door it is very quiet and if standing a few feet away you may not even hear it. You can find plastic garage doors in a variety of colors.

Garage Door Accessories and Automation

You have many options when it comes to the accessories for your garage door. For example, you can use hardware, such as a hinge and handle set or add simulated windows that you can paint to match the garage door. It will look like real windows for people passing by your home.

There are home automation systems available also. With one type, you can put a sensor on the door and tie it in to a security system. This sensor will let you know if your garage door opens or closes. A garage door controller is also available and it allows you to open and close the garage door using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Talk with a garage door contractor who can give you more information to help you purchase your garage door.