Garage Doors: Making Style Matter

by Victor Daily
(Australia)

A home’s exterior makes an important first impression. While many homeowners take great pride in their landscape and flawless trim, they often overlook the garage door as a potential style element. Garage doors are hard to miss. In fact, they usually take up about one-third of the frontal view.

Most homes come equipped with a basic garage door, and homeowners may not replace these unless they malfunction. This is unfortunate. Updating a home with a premium garage door can offer additional security, better insulation and even lessened operating noise. Adding a door with windows can make gloomy, dark garages pleasant. An attractive, stylish garage door can also increase both the curb appeal and value of a home.

Basic Types

Choosing the right material and construction type is important and involves several factors: the style of the home, the owner’s budget, available space, the level of security and convenience desired and the appearance. Garage doors can be made from aluminum, steel, wood, fiberglass or composite materials.

There are several common operational styles. Space-saving roll-up doors are usually made with lightweight metal. They retract upwards, parallel to the garage ceiling. Tilt-up or overhead doors use metal-hinged arms to tilt the door outwards. There are also wooden swing-out doors for those interested in vintage looks. Various sub-categories of these types exist.

Styling Options

Raised panel garage doors are classic; they are now available in a great variety of colors and styles. Sunset, colonial or cathedral style window features are elegant options. If desired, a wood panel door can be custom-stained to match a home’s trim work. Metal and fiberglass doors can easily be repainted if necessary.

Carriage house garage doors are very popular. These give a vintage charm to homes that feature a more traditional style. Unlike the carriage house doors of yesteryear, today’s sectional doors lift vertically and use modern garage door openers.

Unusual and unique contemporary styles are also available. These may incorporate materials like glass, copper or even ornamental wrought iron. Clean, sleek lines and frosted privacy glass often highlight these modern styles.

How to Choose

Taking a look at the home’s architectural style can help determine which type of door is the best choice. The geometry of the house dictates which style of door will blend in seamlessly with the overall look. If the home displays mostly straight lines, arches or any other predominant shaping, a match should be sought in a new garage door. The complementary trim details, window features, texture and color of a garage door can give further continuity to the home’s exterior.

A Beautiful Addition

A garage door chosen with aesthetics in mind can transform a bland exterior area into an impressive focal point. With so many available options, the once plain, ignored garage entrance can become one of the homeowner’s favorite investments.

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