If you’re in the market for new garage door installation, it’s important to know which features you should look for. Without that information, selecting the best garage door to meet your functionality, safety, and design needs can prove quite the challenge. To get you started, the experts at Door Power have outlined four essential garage door features no homeowner should be without.
Safety Features
Garage doors are notoriously heavy, which means they can cause serious bodily injury without adequate safety features. If you have children or pets or frequently operate your garage door, look for the following safety features:
● Auto-reverse functionality
● Motion detection sensors
● Force sensors
● Manual override for the garage door opener
The above-listed features are designed to protect you and anyone who uses your garage. In the event that the garage door opener fails to operate the door, manual override allows you to open and close the door by hand. Safety sensors, on the other hand, are designed to prevent the door from closing fully if an object or person is within its path.
Security Features
In today’s ever crazier world, garage door security features are a must-have. What kind of security features should you look for? For superior home protection, it’s smart to opt for a door equipped with one or more of the following features:
● Remote garage door openers
● Rolling garage door access codes
● Window placement for increased outdoor visibility
● Remote lockout
Durable Materials & Construction
How long do you want your new garage door to last? Do you want it to stand up to inclement weather and the rigors of continuous use? Of course you do. And to get the most life out of your new garage door, you need to select the appropriate materials. What are your options?
● Steel. Of all garage door materials, steel is the most durable and long lasting.
● Aluminum. Aluminum is considered a lightweight metal, which means it’s more prone to denting. On the other hand, it’s also rust resistant, which is an important consideration in notoriously wet or high-humidity environments.
● Vinyl. Want a kid-proof garage door? Vinyl is for you. Because vinyl is highly dent resistant and tough to break, it’s a great choice for homeowners who are worried about incurring door damage.
● Fiberglass. Rust-resistant fiberglass garage doors are less likely to dent or crack; however, they can break upon impact.
● Wood. Modern wood garage doors are typically constructed to prevent warping; however, they’re more prone to environmental damage, such as splitting, cracking, and rotting.
● Wood composite. These doors feature a wood frame surrounded by layers of fiberboard. Unlike natural wood, wood composite doors resist moisture, so they won’t split, crack, separate, shrink, or rot.
Motor Horsepower
When selecting your door setup, pay close attention to the horsepower rating on the motor and make your selection according to the weight of your chosen door. If you’re planning to go with a heavy-duty, highly durable door, you’ll need a garage door opener with plenty of power. For lightweight garage doors, such as those constructed of aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass, a high-horsepower motor may be a bit too much.
Ready for a New Garage Door? Contact Door Power Today
If you’re in the market for new garage door installation, it's time to get in contact with our team at Door Power. Since 1967, we’ve proudly served Twin Cities homeowners, and our commitment to excellence has set us apart for over 50 years. To learn more about your garage door options or request a free estimate, call our team today at 952-467-3199 or send us a message via our contact form, and a member of our team will get back to your promptly.