Whether your home’s architectural style is contemporary or traditional, you can customize the look of your garage door with several upgrades. Frosted glass panels, for instance, allow natural light into an area that was previously dark, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Also, check out the safety and security features of the Norman Garage Door.
Other popular options include wrought iron hinges and handles and decorative half-timbering. Energy efficiency is also a selling point, as many models are designed with Thermacore insulation technology.
A garage door is a large, often overlooked exterior home architecture piece. This means there are plenty of opportunities to make it a statement piece that elevates your property’s curb appeal. Custom doors offer a variety of design features to suit any taste and compliment any home style.
The first step is to decide what type of panel you want. There are many different choices, from traditional raised panels to modern and contemporary options with aluminum frames or frosted glass. Other options include whether you want square or arched panels, and the type of material you’d like to use (wood, steel, composite, fiberglass, etc.).
From there, you’ll choose a style. Some options are more subtle than others, but each has the potential to accentuate your home’s personality and complement its architecture. For example, if you’re looking for a traditional look, Craftsman-style doors with simple molding and windows create a sleek silhouette and complement homes with a more neutral color scheme. If you’re looking for a more modern, geometric option, try a garage door with a contemporary window pattern or horizontal or V-ribbed banded design.
Once you’ve settled on a panel style and style, it’s time to start thinking about trim and window options. There are several different trim styles, including cross bucks, V-bucks, X-bucks, herringbone, cross rails and sprung bucks. It’s important to consult with professionals that have extensive knowledge of these features so you can choose the best ones for your specific needs.
Adding window glass to your garage doors is another great way to add style and enhance the curb appeal of your home. There are a variety of window shapes and patterns, as well as a wide range of hardware accents to complement your chosen trim. Depending on your home, you may also have the option of choosing a colored trim to match other parts of the house or a complementary color that stands out and makes a statement.
Once you’ve chosen your panels, trim and hardware accents, the finishing touches are what really make your custom garage door design a true work of art. Finishes are available in a variety of colors, from natural wood looks to bold Sherwin-Williams paints.
Security
The garage door is the most vulnerable entry point to your home, and it’s crucial to take effective security measures. First, make sure your existing locks are in good working order. Replace or repair any that are broken, worn out, or compromised. Then examine the condition of your door frame and surrounding areas for gaps, cracks, or weak points that could be exploited by thieves. Finally, consider installing a smart security system to provide additional monitoring and control of your home’s entrance.
Many modern security systems allow you to monitor your home from a smartphone app. You can check whether you locked your garage, turn off the lights if you forget, or even speak to anyone who’s outside through your camera’s built-in microphone and speakers. They can also help you deter burglars by providing visual deterrents and alerting you to their presence.
Burglars love to target bikes because they’re easy to steal and sell on, especially if they’re well-made and expensive. One of the best ways to prevent a burglar from stealing your bike is to secure it inside your garage. You can do this by tying it to a fixed object or using a lock that is hard to break. In addition, you can use a motion sensor to detect movement near your door and set off the lights so that potential intruders will be deterred.
You can also strengthen your garage door’s entry security by adding extra layers of protection. For example, you can install a heavy-duty strike plate with long screws to reinforce the connection between the door frame and the wall, making it harder for a thief to kick in the garage door. Alternatively, you can add steel rods or security bars to the door’s frame to make it more difficult to open the garage door from the ground.
Another important security measure is to change your garage door’s code on a regular basis. Just like changing the password on your bank account, this will reduce the chances of someone else guessing or learning your entry code and entering your home.
Energy efficiency
Using an energy efficient garage door is one of the most significant ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Non-insulated or poorly insulated doors allow heat to escape in the winter and enter in the summer, forcing HVAC systems to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures in living spaces. This increased energy consumption drives up utility bills and contributes to climate change. Energy efficiency measures can dramatically cut your utility costs and help you be a greener homeowner.
Insulated garage doors offer a number of advantages over uninsulated models, including reduced heating and cooling costs, reduced noise pollution and improved durability. Many manufacturers offer a variety of insulation options, with polystyrene and polyurethane foam providing the best performance for your home.
Energy-efficient doors also typically use thicker, heavier-gauge steel than their non-insulated counterparts to add strength and improve structural integrity. This makes them less prone to damage and more resistant to warping, further reducing energy costs and maintenance costs over time.
Proper installation is an important factor in ensuring your garage door offers the greatest level of energy efficiency. Gaps and air leaks are major contributors to poor insulation, allowing cold or hot air to enter and force your HVAC system to work harder to keep the space at a stable temperature. Professionals can install weatherstripping and draft stoppers to create a tight seal around the edges of your garage door.
Choosing the right insulated garage door depends on a variety of factors, such as your location and construction materials. A garage door with a high R-value or low U-factor can significantly reduce energy loss and lower your utility bills. R-value measures resistance to heat flow, while U-factor is the inverse of R-value, and a lower value indicates better energy efficiency.
A well-insulated garage door can also reduce the amount of heat lost through your exterior windows, further lowering your energy costs and helping you live a more sustainable lifestyle. The COACHMAN(r) collection is a great example of an insulated door that combines visual appeal and energy efficiency, featuring composite wood overlay patterns, factory-finish colors, hardware, and optional windows.
Design
The right garage door is a design feature that elevates your home’s curb appeal. From sleek modern styles to charming carriage house doors, there are plenty of options for homeowners to consider. The first thing to think about is the style that best complements your home’s architecture. For example, a traditional-style house would look out of place with a carriage house door, while a contemporary house would clash with a rustic carriage door. Once you have decided on a style, it’s important to choose the right material. Steel offers durability and strength, while aluminum is lightweight and low-maintenance. Wood adds warmth and character, but requires more frequent upkeep. Finally, fiberglass mimics the beauty of wood without the drawbacks.
Once you have chosen a style and material, you can customize your garage door further with paint or hardware. Many manufacturers offer factory-applied custom colors that are durable and easy to clean. Choosing a bold color can instantly add contrast and visual interest to your home’s exterior.
Other customizations include window options and insulation. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s energy efficiency or just reduce its environmental footprint, these features are an excellent investment. For instance, a well-insulated garage door can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and can reduce your energy costs.
For a modern aesthetic, consider a glass garage door. These doors offer a unique blend of functionality and style, with tempered glass and metal frames. They are available in a variety of tints and patterns to suit any design scheme. Additionally, they are available with modern hardware to maintain a sleek and streamlined appearance.
If you have a Mediterranean-style house, consider a garage door with decorative half-timbering and arches. This style is a nod to the past and complements homes with stucco exteriors and leaded glass windows.
A traditional-style house needs a garage door that mirrors its classic design. Look for doors with symmetrical panels to maintain the elegant and timeless look of your home. This type of garage door also works well with Cape Cod-style homes, which are characterized by their understated aesthetic.