Local NZ garage door brands vs imported options: what you need to know.

Let's explore the real differences between New Zealand-made garage doors and imported options, looking beyond the price tag to factors like durability, after-sales support, and material selection.

Whether you're looking to replace existing garage doors like an old tilt door or old roller door, or installing them where you haven't had them before, there is a huge range of garage door types to choose from. However, which type you choose will depend largely on the space you have to work with at your garage opening and inside the garage. This is why it's best to have a professional measure your space and advise you of the best type of door for your particular situation.

At Windsor Doors we have a large range of garage doors to choose from including sectional garage doors, architectural doors and roller doors.

The key to being satisfied with any purchase is to do some research first. That's probably why you're here, right? As with any large investment, many homeowners consider the initial cost of their purchase and then they consider how long it will last.

1. Garage door cost

The cost of a garage door is influenced by many factors including the material, size, style, features and accessories. The type of garage door will also impact the price, with a sectional door often costing more than a roller door, for example.

Installation costs will also vary from one company to another, so always ensure your quote includes installation. (A door that's not installed correctly can be extremely dangerous. It can also lead to costly damage to your new door like a warped track or broken springs.)

2. Garage door materials

Secondly, buyers consider how durable their garage door will be. Garage doors that are made overseas often use inferior steel. Buying local New Zealand products ensures you will get the best quality product for the best price.

As a local NZ company, Windsor Doors guarantees durability with steel doors made of New Zealand steel. We also use New Zealand-owned and operated Mammoth Insulation to make your garage space useable all year round due to its superior thermal performance.

Some other factors you should consider when weighing up purchasing an imported garage door over one that's locally made include:

Garage door range

Local NZ garage door brands typically offer a larger range of options, specifically suited to our climate and architectural styles. The Windsor Doors range seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics, with a focus on modern NZ architectural trends.

Garage door accessories

When you buy an electric garage door opener from Windsor Doors, you can guarantee it has been engineered to the highest standards for optimum performance and that it won't fail you in a time of need.

Customer service

When you buy an imported garage door, you'll likely be on your own if something should happen. Windsor Doors provides outstanding product support with our dealer network covering NZ.

Insulated garage doors are a smart investment as they can improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. A garage door is a large metal object that easily allows for heat transfer into your home but by insulating it, you create a thermal break that stops this energy transfer. With New Zealanders seeing a significant rise in power prices this year, lower heating and cooling costs are particularly important.

Insulated doors also help reduce noise transfer from outside, which is especially helpful if you live near a busy road.

If you don't already have garage door insulation, consider adding after-market insulation from Windsor Doors to feel the cooling effects of your newly insulated door immediately.

It's important to consider the entire cost of new garage doors, including their expected lifespan and what will happen if something stops working properly or requires adjusting.

• Imported garage doors can be cheaper if you are on a budget. However, the quality of these products is lower. Therefore, they are not likely to last as long and may require more maintenance and repairs over time.
• Imported doors don't generally come with comprehensive warranty options, leaving customers in the lurch should something go wrong. If doors need parts like new springs, these may be difficult to source.
• Imported products may come with insulated garage door panels but this inferior insulation can fail to protect your home from heat transfer that drives up power bills.

From materials to maintenance tips, NZ-made garage doors come with a wide range of benefits.

• Windsor Doors are made in New Zealand at our Auckland manufacturing facility using predominately NZ steel. This ensures they are durable, available quickly and at a reasonable price.
• When you choose a locally made garage door, you'll receive better after-market service including advice like garage door maintenance instructions that help keep your door in optimal condition for longer. We also offer a comprehensive warranty should anything happen to your new door.
• Windsor Doors provides a free, no-obligation assessment of your garage space and gives you a quote for a garage door that will fit your space perfectly. Having your door measured and installed by a professional ensures it will operate correctly for many years to come and be as energy efficient as possible because it fits snugly into the garage opening.
• Local brands provide tailored solutions for NZ homeowners and by supporting local businesses, you're helping your community and the wider economy. For example, we use NZ-owned and operated Mammoth Insulation on our doors because we know it's a superior product that will keep our customers happy.

With 25 years of experience providing garage doors for New Zealand families and businesses, you can rely on Windsor Doors to deliver a garage door of the highest quality. Contact us for a free measure and quote today.