Garage Door Buying Guide

When to Consider Garage Door Windows

A garage door with windows adds character and a sense of welcome to any house. Windows can make the garage door look unique and increase the home’s curb appeal. And just think, you’ll no longer have to inch your hand along the wall in the dark looking for a light switch thanks to the influx of natural light.

Garage door windows are customizable and available in designs that will match almost any home style. There’s even impact resistant glass for those who reside in high-wind areas. So, whether you live in a brand new contemporary or 100-year-old farmhouse, see how investing in a garage door with windows can benefit your home.

What is My Budget to Replace My Garage Door?

Budget is important for many homeowners considering a new garage door.  The cost of a garage door depends on a variety of factors, including material, insulation, style, hardware, number of doors and sizes, and more.  When choosing a budget, most homeowners primarily consider the importance of the door’s aesthetic appeal, whether the door needs to be insulated, and how durable the door should be.

Homeowners who seek the least expensive garage door available may be able to find a single-car non-insulated garage door for their home in the range of $300 without installation.  These doors are a nice choice when style or quiet operation are not a critical factor, the average temperature is moderate, and the door will be lightly used.

For homeowners who want to increase their curb appeal, attractive carriage house, modern, or classic raised-panel garage doors are a popular choice.  These garage doors can range in price from under $1,000 for a single-car garage door to $4,000 and beyond for fully custom double-car garage doors.  These doors typically have better energy efficiency, durable and quieter operation, and increased curb appeal that can increase the resale value of your home.

Wind-Resistant Garage Doors

If you live in a region prone to hurricanes or high winds, your local building codes most likely require you to have a garage door that’s wind resistant. The garage door is the largest entryway into your home and if strong winds breach the garage door it causes internal air pressure to build and there’s an increased chance the walls and roof will collapse.

Clopay’s WindCode® garage doors are rated for different wind speeds, so you’ll be able to select from what’s required in your area. The doors are also Storm Ready® and contain built-in reinforcement. If you need to secure the door against high winds, you simply close and lock it. There’s no extra posts, pins or setup required.

Choose From Garage Door Track Options

One of the most often overlooked aspects of buying a new garage door is choosing the appropriate track. The tracks house and guide the rollers, which enable smooth travel of the garage door. It’s important to select tracks that fit the garage, allowing for the proper amount of headroom and sideroom so the door can operate.

Clopay offers various track options to accommodate different garage layouts and needs. Some of the options include a standard radius (most common), vertical lift and high lift, but also a track that follows the pitch of your roof if necessary or one that avoids interfering with handles or windows. Before you buy a new garage door, be sure to do some research on what track options would work best in your garage.