How to choose the right garage door for your home

When selecting a style of garage door, you need to consider the architectural style of your home.

For both modern and traditional-style homes, Sectional Doors are very popular because they are available in a wide variety of materials and finishes. This means they can complement just about any style of architecture, from a traditional-look Hamptons-style home to contemporary, vertically layered homes.

Flush Mount Doors, where the door face sits in line with the frame, are most often found in contemporary homes, while the traditional style Roller Doors remain popular with homeowners due to their ease of use and durability.

<s>Tilt doors </s><s>are less popular these days because they swing outwards and are not suitable for short driveways. However, they remain the ideal solution in homes with small garage door openings, particularly older homes. </s>We do not offer the tilt range<s> </s>

Each style of door has different maintenance requirements, so also keep this in mind when making your selection.

The material that's best for your garage door will depend on where in New Zealand you live and the weather conditions the garage door will be exposed to.

Steel garage doors are the most popular material, but buyer beware, not all steel doors are made equal. Some garage doors are made using cheap, inferior steel imported from overseas. At Windsor Doors, we use predominately New Zealand Steel to make our doors because it's a premium material that meets our country's strict building standards.

Sectional Aluminium Composite Doors are becoming an increasingly popular choice in residential homes due to their lightweight nature and suitability to cope with NZ's harsh weather conditions.

Timber and wood-look doors suit both ultra-modern, box-form homes and traditional-style homes, whether applied as Cedar Sectional or Steel Sectional Doors or Flush Mount Doors.

We've mentioned different styles and materials for your garage door but there are other factors to consider. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help with your decision.

What's your budget?

An Architectural Design range is usually the most expensive, followed by Sectional Doors and then Roller Doors. Different materials and finishes will also affect the price of the garage door.

What is your garage space used for?

Is your garage just somewhere to store your car or is it multifunctional? For example, many homeowners use their garage as a home gym or music area. As it's easier to fit windows in some door styles than others, thinking about how the space will be used will help you determine how much natural light you require.

What are the weather conditions in your area?

An aluminium or fiberglass door is often best for those in coastal areas who are subject to high winds and salt air.

Will the door require regular maintenance?

All garage doors need some upkeep but it's best to stick with low-maintenance materials like Colorsteel® if you have a busy lifestyle. This range represents great value and has a huge range of colour options.

What size is your existing garage door opening?

The size of your opening can sometimes limit what door type you can install.

Can you afford garage door insulation?

Or rather, can you afford not to have insulation? Investing in an Insulated Garage Door can significantly reduce heat transfer, improve energy efficiency, and lower heating and cooling costs over time. Ensure the R-value of the insulation meets your needs.

Will you incorporate smart technology into your garage door?

Technology like smart garage door openers offer a greater level of convenience and adds value to your home.

At Windsor Doors, we're here to help you make the very best decision when it comes to your new garage door—a huge part of your home's exterior. We use the very best local materials to ensure your new door looks great and is functional for years to come.

If you're ready to boost your home's curb appeal today, contact the team here at Windsor Doors for all your design, installation and maintenance needs.