Garage doors don’t often make news headlines

Garage doors don’t often make news headlines. But they did recently, as a woman in Holland, Ohio had a mural painted on her house depicting Oprah Winfrey. The mural was to commemorate the 25 years of her talk show, which ended recently. This shows one extreme example of garage door customization. There are other more practical options to upgrade your home’s exterior using garage doors.

Customized garage doors are an easy way to personalize your home as well as add curb appeal and value. They can make a home look more attractive and inviting, and they are generally affordable.

When deciding on new garage doors, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of material you want to use. The two most popular garage door materials are wood and metal. Wooden doors come in a great variety of colors and textures, from natural wood that can give your home a rustic feel, to popular wood paneling used to make your garage look like a carriage house. Metal doors also come in a great amount of varieties, and can be made to look similar to wooden doors.

A newly popular trend with metal garage doors is to paint them a shade lighter than the rest of the house – this way, there is a clear distinction between the house and garage, but it does not stand out as much as stark white doors would. Another newly popular material to use in garage doors is glass. Glass garage-doors can offer a unique aesthetic appeal as well as maximum light transmission into your garage, and can feature special coatings so that while you can see out, others cannot see in. Combinations of these materials can also be used – whether it be glass and steel or wood and metal, they can offer a sleek look for any contemporary architecture.

If you want to go a more creative route similar to the Ohio woman’s mural, some companies do offer photo tarpaulins which can be used to cover garage doors. Whether you choose a famous work of art, a photo of your own, or one of their 3-D designs (featuring everything from racecars to the illusion that there is an alligator living in your garage), these pieces can become a piece of conversation in your neighborhood.

What Type of Garage Door is Best for You?

Modern-day garage doors are not limited to the wood of centuries past or steel of decades past.  You can also get garage doors made of other materials like aluminum and wood composites. But which of these many materials is most cost-effective and durable? Which looks best? We’ll examine the pros and cons of each material.

Steel is by far the most often picked material for garage doors. They aren’t terribly expensive, they’re quite durable and require very little maintenance, and they can come in pretty much any style you might demand. Steel’s appearance is flexible, as it can be painted or formed into panels, and can be treated with a gel stain that makes it look similar to wood.

When you’re actually doing your shopping there is a few things to keep in mind about steel: it’s a pretty ineffective insulator, and probably requires an outside source of insulation to keep your garage habitable and save you energy. Also, steel panels tend to vary in their thickness, usually varying with the price, and if you want a steel door that will withstand basketball games, you’ll have to pay for it. Aluminum doors are similar to steel in many ways, especially in that they have faux wood texture options, and various finishes and paints to change their appearance. They are on the whole much less heavy than steel, and usually cheaper, but they’re even more likely to dent. Again- if you’re not hosting basketball games in front of your garage door, or have kids that like to play handball, you’ll probably be fine going for the cheaper, thin aluminum garage doors.

Wood garage doors are the original. They’re traditional, very classy-looking, and highly variable in style, model, colors, and finish. They can include windows, and can be raised panel or flat. No matter how good the wood-grain mimicry is, nothing can beat the warmth and character of real wood on the curb appeal of your home.

Wood is a slightly better insulator than steel or aluminum, but requires more maintenance. They can warp or rot under weather pressure, and are flammable. You have to be more careful with wood doors. They also tend to be more expensive than steel or aluminum, but of course that depends on the style you want to get.

Wood composite garage doors, on the other hand, are made from recycled wood, so they’re better for the environment, and also still hold that traditional-looking appeal. They can come in almost as many styles as the classic wood doors, and are almost as strong as steel, but less likely to dent. They can also easily be painted or stained, and so are very flexible in that way. Plus, they don’t rot, split, or warp.

All the types have their pluses and minuses, and depending on the weather where you live, how much you’re willing to spend, what activities you do near your garage door, and how you want your house to look, any of the five options may be your best. Consult with a garage door installation specialist to decide.

How to Choose the Perfect Steel Garage Door

A lot of people look into installing garage doors over other types into their houses. If you are one of those individuals, it would be good to first ponder and understand the merits of steel doors before making your buying decision.

Many people in the garage door market look at the array of door options available to them and base their decision on the quality of the material and what they perceive is the best. To a lot of people, steel comes out on top in the strength category compared to wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. With the technology available today, you can actually design a steel door to look like a beautiful classic wooden door.

Although real wooden doors inarguably have a very distinctive and striking appeal, they require regular maintenance which can put a dent in your budget. Though hardwood is known for their strength and durability the extra maintenance required can actually be a real inconvenience and may put off some people.

Steel doors normally does not crack or warp due to weathering. Today’s models and stylish and beautiful and be a good compliment to your home. The rule of thumb for steel doors is the thicker the door is, the better it can withstand normal ladies formal wear and tear. Most steel doors have foam inside them which improves insulation and provide added protection.

If you really have your sights set on getting a steel door the next step is deciding what style to match your house. There are models with additional designs, accents and innovative safety features. Do not hesitate to seek assistance from technicians and specialists to aid you in your decision making. They can also be helpful in providing you with competitive pricing. It is ideal to ask several technicians and then select the one that offers the best value for your money.

Majority of steel doors come with a warranty but nevertheless make sure that the one you’re buying is covered with one. Some even go as far as offering lifetime warranties which is not the case with wooden doors, making steel doors a far more attractive option.

It pays to weigh in the costs and benefits too. Make sure that the price is really worth it and shop around for bargains. Choose one that will last you a long time and that would enhance the aesthetics of your home and garage at the same time. Take time to go over your options since this is a long term investment on your part.

Visit manufacturer’s websites, read brochures and ask people knowledgeable in garage doors. As much as possible, do not base your buying decision on one factor alone but also take into consideration other qualities.  

Choose a technician that is credible, trustworthy, offers reasonable rates, and that you are comfortable working with.

For ease of use, a garage door opener is a perfect complement to your steel door. Today more than ever, finding the garage door opener that suits one’s needs and preference is relatively easy since there are a lot of models to choose from.

Garage Doors – Worth the Investment

Garage doors can be a benefit to your home and they have the ability to enhance the style of your Residence.

With marketplace conditions in their present state, with people losing their properties, it is extremely hard to possess a clear vision of what we should look forward to in the future. In real estate, however, there is a saying, ‘what goes down should come back up’, and for this kind of business, those who are ready for the turn will capitalize substantially.

When remodeling entry doorways and or kitchen counter tops, people don’t seem to have a problem searching for the best, for this, as they know, will only add to their property value. Imagine, for example, a $400-$8,000 investment that has a custom made garage door covering more than 30% of the front of your residence.

In case you would like to go the extra mile and decide to invest $1000 or even $3000 more for a custom, handcrafted garage door, what comes to mind is the added worth that this modest investment will bring to your gorgeous household.

From an investor’s perspective, it appears a little juvenile – not to look at the first item individuals see when they drive up to your residence when they are considering a purchase. Just research what the professionals are saying about the relationship between home values and their curb appeal.

Some authorities say the garage door may not be the very first item you imagine dressing up when you’re putting your home up for sale, but it is certainly worth giving it some prerogative. If you genuinely think about it, the garage door could be the single largest moving object in a residence and if it faces the street, you know it plays a huge part in the overall look of your house. It is incredibly important to understand that curb appeal can be a critical factor in marketing a home. If a prospective buyer does not like the view of your house from your street, chances are, he or she won’t waste time coming inside, and that may be one thing you, as a seller, shouldn’t ask for.

In a new study field, realtors nationwide were asked to figure out if garage door visual appeal made a difference in the selling price they would assign to a house, nearly all of the agents interviewed agreed that a brand new garage door enhances curb attractiveness and 75 percent believes it adds importance to a residence. In reality, most have recommended that a homeowner replace their garage door when listing their home for sale, especially if the present look of the garage door was broken, in bad condition or rotted. Just about half stated visual appeal was a big reason, mainly because the age or design garage door detracted from the home’s curb appeal.

The regular selling price for a brand new garage door is based on the size of the garage door as well as the material it is made from. The most favorite look in garage doors is the ‘carriage-house’ model door. The doors look like old-fashioned swing-out doors but act like modern roll-up doors with an electric garage door opener. The selections for style, color and materials are virtually endless.

The Biggest Impact on a Home

For something that has been so prominent in the design of new homes over recent years, the garage door has generally been seen as a Plain Jane.

But who cared, really? It was just a two-, three- or four-car structure to house the occupants’ vehicles. No one expected anything so utilitarian in nature to be a thing of beauty. But that has been steadily changed due to an amazing trend that started to gain traction in the garage door industry. That trend? Curb appeal.

It’s a phrase the garage-door industry has been using for a while. In the door industry, people like to refer to the garage door as the largest moving object in the home. In today’s home, it’s become the focal point. As the home shrinks, the garage door becomes more prevalent, particularly when it faces the street. The garage door makes up from 50 percent to 80 percent of a home’s front elevation. Viewed from the street, that’s a big part of the home.

Homeowners haven’t traditionally spent much money on the garage door, despite its prominence or its 25- to 30-year lifespan. Homeowners are realizing that a handsome garage door has a huge impact on a home’s salability thereby increasing home values and beautify neighborhoods.

That means builders also face a choice: Either install a garage door that meets neighborhood standards, move the garage to a side entry, or put it in the back, where it won’t be readily visible from the street. Like great front-yard landscaping, a good garage door design, like a carriage house style door, enriches the appearance of the home and generates tremendous value. If all homes on the block have them, the entire street and neighborhood become more valuable.

Garage Doors: Improving the Appearance Of Your Home

With the warm weather months here, it’s the perfect time for the annual ritual of performing a spruce up around your home. Planting gardens, improving the look of your lawn and maybe applying a fresh coat of paint to the window trims are on your to-do list. An appealing exterior offers an invaluable first impression to neighbors, friends, and – if you’re trying to sell, which many do prior to the beginning of school in the fall – perspective buyers.

One exterior feature that greatly contributes to this first impression is the garage door, and updating it can drastically improve your home’s front exterior or “curb appeal.” If you’ve looked into replacing a garage door, you know that it can be an overwhelming task with so many styles and materials from which to choose. It’s important that your choice complements the architecture of your home as well as your lifestyle. In other words, you don’t want a door that sticks out like a sore thumb or one that requires more maintenance than you’d prefer.

So how do you make sure that you pick the right garage door? Follow these simple steps: pick a material, choose a style and find a good dealer.

When selecting a material, decide what material best fits your home and lifestyle, whether it be the natural beauty of wood, the durability and low maintenance of steel or the environmental friendliness of wood composite. Wood doors offer a classic, handcrafted look that won’t go out of style but will require more frequent upkeep. Steel doors need the least amount of maintenance and come in many affordable designs.

Once you’ve selected the material, it’s time to choose a style. Doors are available to match any architectural style to match the style of your home.

Once you’ve chosen a design, you’ll need to select a color and any decorative hardware desired to enhance the door’s beauty. Steel doors often come in pre-painted colors, but they also can be customized with exterior latex paint. Wood doors generally come in their natural finish and can be easily stained or painted. Wood composite doors are sold painted or primed and ready to stain or paint. Depending on the style you choose, you may also have the option to add decorative hardware or decorative windows.

Finally, it’s important to find a reputable dealer who can provide pricing for the correct door size needed and installation and removal of the old door if you’re purchasing a replacement door. Garage doors are sold sized to specifically fit your garage door opening. An important, but often neglected step, is enlisting a professional dealer to measure your door to ensure that it will be correctly sized. Make sure that your local dealer is authorized, fully insured and has a good local reputation. Never try to repair or install a garage door yourself – it can be extremely dangerous.

Investing in a new garage door is a sure way to improve the look of your home’s exterior, as well as improve energy efficiency and protection. You can also take comfort in knowing that this purchase will add value to your home and will be an important asset should you decide to sell.

Your Garage Door: An Invaluable First Impression

With warm weather months here, it’s the perfect season for the annual ritual of performing a spruce up around your home.

Planting gardens, improving the look of your lawn and maybe applying a fresh coat of paint to the window trims are on your to-do list. An appealing exterior offers an invaluable first impression to neighbors, friends, and – if you’re trying to sell, which many do prior to the beginning of school in the fall – perspective buyers.

In fact, small-scale exterior projects are the most profitable during resale, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). One exterior feature that greatly contributes to this first impression is the garage door, and updating it can drastically improve your home’s “curb appeal.” If you’ve looked into replacing a garage door, you know that it can be an overwhelming task with so many styles and materials from which to choose. It’s important that your choice complements the architecture of your home as well as your lifestyle. In other words, you don’t want a door that sticks out like a sore thumb or one that requires more maintenance than you’d prefer.

So how do you make sure that you pick the right garage door? Follow these simple steps: pick a material, choose a style and find a good dealer.

When selecting a material, decide what material best fits your home and lifestyle, whether it be the natural beauty of wood or the durability and low maintenance of steel. Wood doors offer a classic, handcrafted look that won’t go out of style but will require more frequent upkeep. Steel doors need the least amount of maintenance.

Once you’ve selected the material, it’s time to choose a style. Doors are available to match any architectural style and there are plenty of easy-to-use online tools to assist in picking a style to help find the perfect door to match the style of your home.

Once you’ve chosen a design, you’ll need to select a color and any decorative hardware desired to enhance the door’s beauty. Steel doors often come in pre-painted colors, but they also can be customized with exterior latex paint. Wood doors generally come in their natural finish and can be easily stained or painted. Wood composite doors are sold painted or primed and ready to stain or paint. Depending on the style you choose, you may also have the option to add decorative hardware or decorative windows.

Finally, it’s important to find a reputable dealer who can provide pricing for the correct door size needed and installation and removal of the old door if you’re purchasing a replacement door. Garage doors are sold sized to specifically fit your garage door opening. An important, but often neglected step, is enlisting a professional dealer to measure your door to ensure that it will be correctly sized. Make sure that your local dealer is authorized, fully insured and has a good local reputation. Never try to repair or install a garage door yourself – it can be extremely dangerous.

Investing in a new garage door is a sure way to improve the look of your home’s exterior, as well as improve energy efficiency and protection. You can also take comfort in knowing that this purchase will add value to your home and will be an important asset should you decide to sell.

Garage Door Gorgeous

Faux Painting and Gel Staining to the Rescue!

Most garages are readily visible from the street. A garage door has great potential either to add or detract from a property’s beauty. Many garage doors share an architectural partnership with their houses. The garage door should harmonize with its house. Garage doors express the structure’s function more than any other element. It should incorporate or compliment decorative features that will enhance the front elevation of the home. 

Then why settle for a Plain Jane, white on white, garage door every time you pull up to the house? Want the rich look and feel of a thick wooden door, but don’t have the spare $10,000-$12,000 it would cost for the real thing. The idea is simple, take a boring, static garage door, and create something appealing and interesting that will make your garage, and home a statement of your own.

Taking garage doors and either faux painting or using a gel staining process, can give them the dramatic effect of a rich, beautifully hued wood door. The most common types of garage doors today, have a wood grain texture imprinted on them that runs across the entire door inviting the look of a real wood door. Faux painting or gel staining achieves a deep rich look and insures durability and protection against elements, not fading as regular painted garage doors do.

Transform your steel garage door into a luxurious “wooden” door that will make the garage dominate the curb appeal of the home.

Garage Door Buyer’s Guide Features Garage Doors

The new Spring 2010 issue of Garage Style Magazine features one of 1^st United Door Technologies’ most popular products, the Steelhouse™ Carriage Door. 

The issue introduces their Garage Door Buyer’s Guide.  In compiling the guide, Garage Style Magazine editors selected only the best products to help readers select the best in products from architectural garage doors to security technology.

Steel can change the way you look at old style Carriage House garage doors. Steelhouse™ Carriage Doors allow one to copy the past without the worry of repeating past mistakes. At half the cost, and half the weight of wood, steel will eliminate the annual chore of re-sealing the door every year. Coupled with a limited lifetime warranty and seven unique designs, it’s no wonder builders, remodelers, architects, designers and garage enthusiasts have been inspired by the extraordinary value that exists.

The door featured in the magazine reveals a façade process by which you can dramatically change the appearance of a steel garage door.  A multi-step finishing process using the MinWax™ Gel Stain product ensures a uniform wood-grained appearance and long-term durability that adds natural colors and accentuates the beauty of a steel garage door. A gel stained steel garage door combines the look of a beautiful wood door combined with the ease of a maintenance-free finish in a natural-looking wood grain design. In achieving the look of a real wood door, major labor savings is realized.

The issue is on stands now and can be purchased at Borders and Barnes & Noble Bookstores.  You may also order the magazine online at http://www.garagestylemagazine.com/home

About Garage Style Magazine

Whether you enjoy the do-it-yourself lifestyle, museum style, eclectic collector style, or something in between, Garage Style Magazine is all about your style!  Garage Style Magazine is on its eighth issue.

Garage Doors In Modern Times

The garage is the shelter for your car. That is its main function. Hence, most people then think about their garage doors as strictly functional. They protect the contents of the garage. Now, more and more people care about how they look. The garage doors have to look good and welcoming. Garage doors after all make a huge personal statement about one’s taste and style.

The garage is considered the threshold of a home. First thing that we come faced up with when we enter a house is usually the garage door. Garage doors are becoming a major design element as they say. Most homeowners use the garage as the primary entrance to the house and are subject to much wear and tear. It is only fitting that the garages must be impressive and attractive, as it is durable and secured. The style and the condition of the garage door is influential on the appearance and impression that the house projects.

Today, several manufacturers have created different styles of garage doors with various exceptional features to choose from. The appearances of garage doors have improved dramatically over the past few years adding to the aesthetic value of your home. The erstwhile wooden doors are being replaced in favor of modern day materials like steel, which can be customized to suit your preferred look and color.

Garage doors are built to be durable and long-lasting. The average life of a garage door can be extended if you take care of it. Thus, it is imperative to pay extra attention to its specifications and features. Rain, snow, wind and other assaults by the nature can be kept at bay with the use of the tongue and groove feature. It is also important to settle always for low-maintenance garage doors. It will save considerable amount of money and time.

Garage doors also have many options such as decorative windows that allow the natural light to trickle in and can often match the window package on your home. You may also want to consider adding decorative hardware, handles and hinges, to your door selection. Whatever you do decide on, make sure you enlist the expertise of a professional to install or service garage doors.