installing a new, efficient garage door

If your home's current garage door was damaged or is in serious need of being updated, you may have decided that it is time to replace it. While looking at your options, you may be on the fence about what type of material the door should be made from. Below are a couple of things that you should consider when choosing the material for your home's new garage door.

1. Think about How Much Time You Realistically Have to Spend on Maintaining the Garage Door

One thing to consider when choosing the material for your garage door is the time you realistically have to spend on maintaining it. If you do not mind spending time on the door to paint and seal it and want to have a classic look for your garage, wood would be a good choice.

However, if you are looking for a door that you can have installed and not have to worry about its condition, an aluminum door may be a better option. Since the aluminum does not rust and does not need to be painted, it provides a low-maintenance alternative while still being aesthetically pleasing.

2. Make Sure the Horsepower Rating of the Opener Matches the Material Weight of the Garage Door

Once you have selected the material you want for your garage door, you need to make sure your current door opener can handle its weight, and if not, you may need to replace it as well. To do this, look at the horsepower rating.

For wooden doors, you will need more horsepower to pull the weight of the material or the garage door opener will burn up trying to open it. However, if you choose an aluminum door, too much horsepower could move the door too quickly and damage it, so it would require an opener with less power.

When choosing the material for the garage door, consider how much time and desire you have to put toward maintaining it. While wood has a classic aesthetic, an aluminum door resists weather better and does not require a lot of extra maintenance. Once you choose the material, you should look carefully at the garage door opener's rating to make sure it is enough to handle a heavy door or not too much for a lighter one. If you are having difficulty making a decision or are ready to make a purchase, contact a business that offers garage doors to speak with someone who can assist you.