Garage doors have decades-long service lives, which makes it important to research your garage door design and material options before committing to its final specifications. In today’s post, the door and siding contractors at PJ Sullivan Exteriors share some of the important things you need to know about garage doors.
Wood Doors Need More Maintenance
Natural wood finishes are unmatched in their beauty. They also need a lot more maintenance than other materials, which is why many homeowners spend a lot of time and effort on wood roofing and siding: scraping, sanding and reapplying stain or paint usually takes hours. All of this is needed to prevent moisture from causing rot and swelling.
The same goes for garage doors. Wood panels will require the same level of care and maintenance to prevent the aforementioned problems. If you prefer low-maintenance options, consider metal and fiberglass garage doors. Like roofing with fiberglass shingles, these garage doors are moisture-resistant and usually have low-maintenance requirements.
Insulation Matters
Garage doors typically have extruded polystyrene cores, which provides moderate levels of insulation, but is usually not enough for use on indoor living areas. If your garage doubles as a workshop or a recreation area, consider investing in garage doors with polyurethane insulation. It’s the same type of insulation used in quality entry doors, and is tested to be twice as efficient as polystyrene.
Good Quality Springs Equals Reliable Performance
Large coiled torsion springs on garage doors let them open easily and stop them from slamming shut. Quality springs will cost a bit more, but considering that garage door operation relies on springs, you shouldn’t skimp on it. Custom garage doors give you the flexibility to choose the right style, color and finish that you want, while enjoying the long-term benefits of quality springs.
Get a New Garage Door Opener
If you’re replacing an old garage door, you might be tempted to keep the old garage door opener. We recommend upgrading it to a more recent model that matches your new garage doors. Newer types are quieter and far less likely to suffer mechanical failure.
PJ Sullivan Exteriors is one of the leading door installation and roofing replacement companies serving the Tri-State area. Give us a call at (201) 857-0600 or (914) 768-3002. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
