Garage doors are something the vast majority of people take for granted except for two reasons.
Reason One – The garage door they have is broken or not operating correctly and they need a garage door repair.
Reason Two – They are looking at purchasing new garage doors for their home and will need to buy and have a garage door installation.
Other than those two reasons, most people never give their doors a second thought.
But just as with any industry, garage doors have been improved in terms of materials, styles, designs and other options. Below are a few things to consider the next time you go shopping for a door.
Materials Available For Doors In
There is a wider variety of materials than ever before. Not only is there a wide variety of materials, but the final product is more refined than ever. The quality has never been better. Common materials you will want to consider for your use include –
Steel – is often a default choice. Steel is economical and versatile and as a result is the most popular material for doors. Steel doors also require little maintenance. Modern steel doors also have a faux wood finishes available and along with and a number of other finishes and designs. Steel doors can also be custom painted. The durability of the of steel doors depends on the gauge of steel used in the door and whether the insulation is bonded to the steel or is loosely fitted to the door. If the insulation is bonded to the door (steel), it is a much stronger door.
Wood Composite – these garage doors are a hybrid of hardboard and wood. They cost a little more than traditional steel doors, but are still much less expensive than wood doors. Visually, they look like wood but require much less maintenance compared to wood. This is a less expensive option compared to real wood. These garage doors are constructed from a variety of materials including plastic, wood and resin and wood fiber. However, they are not as durable as the real thing.
Fiberglass – is a durable option and can generally take a lot of abuse. The drawbacks for fiberglass doors is they are heavy and are the most expensive materials choice. They excel in specific uses so do not rule them out until you talk to a garage door professional.
Custom Wood Doors– is the original material for garage doors. Wood is a good insulator which is a great quality for the climate found in Madison WI. Wood doors require more maintenance compared to other materials. However, they are easily painted or finished as needed. The bad news is if maintenance is neglected, cracks, splits, and expansion or shrinkage can occur. Moisture and sunlight can also severely affect wood doors. If you choose a wood door, be prepared to do the maintenance required to protect the door and keep it functioning well. Wood doors add style and luxury to your home not matched by any other material.
Insulation Options For Doors In Madison WI
Depending on the type door you choose, can have insulation added. In Madison WI, having an insulated door can help keep your energy costs lower because of the extreme temperature variations we experience through the year in Madison WI. Wood has a naturally insulating effect. Steel doors can have insulation built in. Composite doors and fiberglass have limited options. Your best bet is to contact your Northland Door Systems door professional review the best options for your situation.
Checklist For Selecting Doors
Selecting garage doors is more involved now than a few years ago because of the selection of materials, styles and the custom options no available. To help you get the most information in the shortest amount of time, use the garage door checklist below when you talk to your door professional. If you know the following information ahead of time, you can save time and headache when acquiring your door. See Our Gallery
- Type or Style
- Color
- Design
- Windows
- Design in Windows
- Non Insulated
- Light Insulation
- Heavy Insulation
- Preferred Installation Date
Note: delivery time will vary depending on the door you choose. For example, steel doors will have a delivery date of two to three week. However, a wood garage door will probably take 12-16 weeks.
The Widest Selection Of Garage Doors In Madison WI
Northland Door Systems can help review the widest selection of garage doors in the Madison area and find the best option for you needs. We provide professional garage door service in Madison WI and surrounding areas for up to fifty miles.
Call Northland Door Systems at 608-251-3627 or email us for professional assistance with selection, installation and repair of your garage doors in Madison WI.
