What Size Garage Door Do I Need?

What Size Garage Door Do I Need?

When it’s time for a garage door retrofit, you may spend a lot of time choosing the style, material and hardware. It’s also important to select a door that fits the opening. You may need a custom garage door to ensure you get the right size for your home. 

What Is the Standard Garage Door Size?

The typical height of a garage door is 7 feet, although the requirement could reach 14 feet if you need to park a large recreational vehicle or motorhome. The industry uses the following sizes when determining the standard width for single- and double-door structures:

• One-door: If you have a single-door garage, you’ll likely need a door width between 8 and 10 feet.
• Double-door: The average width for a two-door garage is 16-18 feet.

Another way to view the standard garage door width is by determining the number of vehicles the structure can accommodate. A one-car garage is generally 8 to 10 feet wide, a two-car garage is 16 to 18 feet and a three-car version can be up to 32 feet wide. The extra space for three-car doors ensures room on either side of the vehicle parked in the middle.

How to Take a Garage Door Measurement

While a standard door will fit most openings, garage doors aren’t one-size-fits-all. Measuring your garage is the only way to ensure accuracy when determining the right door size for your home. Follow these steps:

1. Use a tape measure to gauge the width of the opening from left to right. Make several measurements at various heights to assess whether the opening is uniform or if any irregularities or variations exist. 
2. Determine the appropriate height by starting at the top of the opening and moving the tape measure toward the floor. 
3. Take additional measurements, including the width between the opening and sides, the ceiling to the top of the space and the top of the opening to the back of the garage. 
4. Bring all these measurements to a professional garage door services provider. 

The Doorman Can Help You Select the Right Garage Door Size

If you live in Broward or Palm Beach County, The Doorman of Southeast Florida can ensure you choose the size that provides the perfect fit for your home, even if you require a custom garage door. Contact us to learn more today, and check out our blog for more helpful tips.

Tips for Choosing the Right Garage Door

Are you in the market for a new garage door for your southeast Florida home? If it’s been a few years since you made this essential purchase, you may be surprised at all the options available. You’ll need to decide on the best materials, styles and features that meet your preferences and fit your budget. 

What to Consider When Picking a Garage Door

Evaluating these factors can guide you during your garage door search. 

Budget

If you’re like most homeowners, the cost is a primary consideration when purchasing a new door. Wood products are the most expensive, while aluminum doors typically feature the lowest costs. Your preferences for hardware, windows and style will also impact the price. 

Material

The four primary garage door material options are wood, aluminum with glass, steel and composite, which consists of recycled wood and plastic fibers. Each type has advantages and disadvantages you’ll need to evaluate. For example, wood doors provide a natural, authentic look but are more expensive and harder to maintain. Steel doors are more durable but may rust over time. 

Style

Garage doors are available in many styles, like carriage house, contemporary and flush. The best option will provide the ideal complement to your home’s exterior. The user-friendly Clopay® Door Imagination System is a helpful online tool that enables you to test and compare multiple styles. 

Insulation

Choosing a door with insulation might be necessary to create and maintain a cool environment if you intend to use your garage as a living, working or recreational space. The various available options will meet your comfort and energy efficiency requirements. 

Windows

A door with windows allows natural light to infiltrate your garage and create a brighter, more inviting environment. You’ll find windows in multiple glass styles and designs. 

Hardware

The right hardware, like hinges, knockers, latches and handles, can provide a decorative touch that dramatically improves your garage door’s curb appeal.

Replacement Value

A garage door retrofit can increase your home’s value, enabling you to sell it at a higher price. You’ll have the best door available for your home instead of an outdated model. 

Get More Tips From the Doorman of Southeast Florida

The Doorman can help you choose the best garage door for your home if you live in Broward or Palm Beach County, Florida. Contact us today for more information.

What to Look for When Buying a Garage Door

A garage door is an infrequent but essential purchase for a homeowner. When it’s time for a retrofit, you’ll need to assess several factors to make an informed decision and get the best value for your money.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Garage Door?

Several areas require your attention when selecting a new garage door for your home.

Security

While the front door, first-floor windows and back door are the primary entry spots for burglars and intruders, approximately 9% of criminals target the garage door. Protect your family and property by selecting a product with advanced security features, like smartphone compatibility, which allows you to monitor and control the door remotely.

Safety

A falling garage door can cause severe injuries to people or pets. Ensure that your chosen model includes the mandatory auto-reverse feature that causes the door to raise automatically if it encounters an obstacle during closing.

Function

A garage can be more than a storage space for vehicles, tools and household goods. How you intend to use the space can influence your garage door choice. For example, if your garage is a home office, art studio or entertainment area, consider choosing an insulated garage door to provide climate control.

Maintenance Level

Some garage door materials require more preventive maintenance to keep them in peak condition and maximize their lifespan. While you may prefer wood, these doors require regular upkeep to prevent rotting or warping. In contrast, a steel model is easier and more cost-effective to maintain. 

Insulation

If you choose a garage door with insulation to keep the cool air inside, you’ll need to determine the appropriate R-value for your needs. The R-value measures how much resistance the insulation provides against the heat flow. A higher level means more protection. 

Hurricane Protection

All garage doors in Florida must be wind-resistant to ensure sufficient protection against damage from the state’s frequent hurricanes and severe storms. 

Contact The Doorman of Southeast Florida to Learn More

As the best source for high-quality garage doors in Broward and Palm Beach County, Florida, The Doorman can assist you when choosing a garage door for your home. Check out our blog for more information today, or call us at 561-600-9606 for Palm Beach or 954-908-2226 for Broward to speak to a representative. 

When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Garage Door in Florida?

Choosing the right garage door is one of the most important decisions you will make for the safety, curb appeal, security and energy efficiency of your home. However, the timing of this major purchase is also critical. Buying at the right time of year will help you save on your electric bill and keep your family safe during harsh hurricanes or winter weather, depending on your climate.

The professionals at The Doorman of Southeast Florida have created this guide to walk you through the best time to purchase a new garage door for your home.

Purchasing Your Garage Door at an Optimal Time

Purchasing a new garage door is often a seasonal activity. For example, if you live in a tropical climate, it’s wise to replace your garage door before the upcoming hurricane season so you have time to prep for tropical storms. The hurricane season in Southeast Florida runs from June 1 to November 30. This timespan means that it’s often best to purchase and install a new garage door in the springtime.

If you experience a mild winter season, it’s possible to change your garage door during this season. However, families that live in a colder climate should consider installing a new garage door after winter ends. The harsher the winter weather, the stronger the possibility of significant wear and tear on old garage doors. Installing the door in spring or early summer will prevent your new garage door from taking the brunt of the weather after it’s first installed.

Garage doors also offer improved energy efficiency by trapping warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer. That’s why it’s typically advisable for homeowners in a colder climate to keep their older garage doors closed during winter to prevent raised heating bills. Residents living in hotter climates should do the same in summer. 

Find Your Garage Door Solution From The Doorman of Southeast Florida Today

The Doorman of Southeast Florida is a family-run business with a passion for serving our community for over two decades. As an Authorized Clopay® Dealer, we offer the best selection of garage door options available along with the highest level of customer service.

Ready to browse your options for a new garage door solution? Check out our garage door installation and repair services or reach out to our team online for a free quote!

Benefits of Replacing Your Garage Door

The garage door is one of the main gateways to your home. Since the right door provides a secure place to park your car, impacts energy efficiency and keeps your family safe, it’s important to consider replacing your old model when it becomes outdated or has a severe malfunction.

The experts at The Doorman are here to walk you through why replacing your old garage door will benefit your home. 

The Main Advantages of Replacing Your Garage Door 

Most garage doors last between 15 and 30 years with proper maintenance. When you choose to replace an outdated garage door with one of the latest models, you’ll receive access to the best new features and raise the value of your property for years to come. 

The main advantages of choosing a new garage door include:

• Return on investment: A high-quality garage door can significantly boost the resale value of your home, providing a high return on investment (ROI) when you’re ready to sell your home. 
• Home security: Cutting-edge garage doors provide security features, such as garage door openers with scrambled keycodes and opening your garage door with your smartphone. Additionally, the sturdy material of the door will deter physical break-ins. 
• Safety features: The newest garage door models come with photoelectric detectors to sense if a person or object is in the door’s path and automatically stop and reverse motion. Many garage doors also automatically turn on lights for maximum visibility at night.
• Energy efficiency: The latest door models provide insulation to keep warm or cool air in your home, depending on the season. This feature boosts energy efficiency and can help lower your electric bill.
• Curb appeal: Your garage door makes a striking impression on anyone driving past your house. The right garage door style should complement the design of your home and provide flair to significantly boost the curb appeal of your home.

Choose The Doorman for Your New Five-Star Garage Door Today

The Doorman of Southeast Florida is a family-operated business with a legacy of excellence for more than 20 years. We value our community with genuine customer service and expertise in every garage door installation.

Want to explore your options for a new garage door? We’re an Authorized Clopay® Dealer with a hand-curated selection of the finest garage door options for your home. Explore our garage door installation and repair services now or contact us online for a free quote!

Garage Door Buying Guide

Your garage door is one of the most noticeable parts of your home’s exterior. Thus, it significantly impacts your home’s curb appeal and security. Purchasing or replacing a garage door requires careful thinking and planning. If you are looking for garage door buying guidance, read this guide for our expert tips.

Why Replace Your Garage Door

Installing a high-quality and modern garage door offers many benefits for your home. A new garage door adds value to your property and improves home security, energy efficiency and curb appeal. Most newer garage doors come with added features that allow you to access, monitor and control your home with your smart devices.

Instead of relying on a few remote controls, you can conveniently open and close your garage with a mobile phone, tablet or laptop anywhere in the world — all you need is an internet connection. If your children left their keys inside, you can let them in without driving home to grant them access. Similarly, you can open the door for couriers to safely place packages in your garage and close it when they leave while monitoring the activity on your smartphone.

Altogether, replacing your garage door with a new model when it no longer works can help you increase your home’s security and create a more convenient experience for you and your family.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Garage Doors?

In some ways, the best time to buy garage doors depends on where you live. If you live in a tropical region like Florida, replacing your garage door before hurricane season prepares your home for tropical storms. As hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, spring is optimal for installing a new garage door. If it is a mild winter, you can replace your garage door during those months.

What to Look for When Buying a New Garage Door

Here are the vital factors to consider when buying a new garage door:

1. Security

As the largest entrance to your home, a secure garage door protects your loved ones and belongings from danger or theft. New garage doors have advanced security options through smartphone compatibility. You can open and close the door using an app connecting to your garage door or check its status anywhere.

2. Function

Although the traditional purpose for garages is vehicle storage, many homeowners have alternative intentions for their garage space. Some of these uses include:

• Children’s play area
• Art studio
• Laundry room
• Workshop
• Entertainment area

Determining your garage space function will influence what kind of garage door might suit your needs best. For example, vehicle storage spaces or laundry rooms may require less insulation. In contrast, insulation is necessary for art studios, entertainment areas or any purpose involving extended time spent in the garage. Likewise, a children’s play area will need advanced safety features.

3. Insulation

Insulation has emerged as a crucial addition to garage doors. Insulation can increase energy efficiency in both harsh and moderate climates. The insulation traps heat inside the garage in harsher climates and keeps cool air inside during tropical climates. This helps you decrease your air conditioning reliance.

There are generally three options for garage door insulation — single-layer, double-layer and triple-layer.

4. Hurricane Protection

If you live in a South Atlantic state, hurricane protection is necessary. Wind-resistant garage doors are pressure-rated to withstand high winds and flying debris during hurricanes, tornadoes and other storms. Find your area’s recommended garage door pressure rating and install a door that meets that standard.

How to Choose the Right Garage Door

Besides noting what to look for when buying of garage door, you may also wonder what type of garage door you should buy. Here are six garage door buying tips to consider when purchasing a new garage door for your home.

1. Budget

Garage door costs vary according to several factors, including:

• Material
• Insulation rating
• Style
• Hardware
• Number of doors
• Size

As you try to find a garage door within your budget, consider which variables are most important. Weigh the aesthetic against practical considerations, like insulation and durability. 

2. Material 

The material you choose for your garage door influences aesthetic, maintenance and durability. The primary materials for garage doors include:

• Aluminum and glass: Aluminum and glass doors have simple architectural lines, providing a modern aesthetic with plenty of natural light. They are also lightweight, durable, energy-efficient, resistant to corrosion, require less maintenance and have strong insulators.
• Steel: Steel is cost-effective, durable and easy to maintain. Steel garage doors can withstand any climate and resist warping or cracking from moisture. They also provide a modern aesthetic with many customization options. 
• Wood: Wooden garage doors provide a natural aesthetic and endless customization options. They are durable against impact, have high inherent R-values for insulation and are eco-friendly. With proper preventive measures, a wooden garage door can last decades.
• Composite: Composite garage door material consists of recycled wood and plastic fibers. This material is more affordable and lightweight than wooden garage doors. Composite garage doors mimic wooden garage doors’ natural aesthetic and have higher resistance to mold and rots.

3. Style

When choosing a garage door style, ensure the garage door complements the rest of your home’s exterior. The main style categories for garage doors include:

• Carriage house
• Contemporary
• Flush
• Long-raised
• Short-raised

4. Finish or Color

The garage door finish and color can add a personal touch to your door and increases curb appeal. You can apply a wood-grain finish to a steel door, opt for a neutral shade or choose a solid hue rich in color, like burgundy or dark green. The finish you choose could also depend on the door’s material. For example, if you select a wooden door, you may need a weather-resistant finish to protect the wood against excess moisture. 

There are other essential things to consider with finish or color:

1. The color and finish should blend well with the rest of your home’s color and exterior style. 
2. Neutral colors like black, gray, tan, brown or white blend well with almost any exterior style, so they are often safe.
3. Darker shades tend to fade faster in direct sunlight. You may opt for a lighter shade if your garage door receives plenty of sunlight.

5. Windows

Windows allow natural light into your garage and add character making them an excellent choice. There are many options to choose from, including:

• A row of square windows
• Arched or cathedral-style windows
• Glass grid windows
• Rectangular columns

You can also find impact-resistant glass if you live in high-wind areas or obstructive glaze to maintain privacy while letting in natural light.

6. Size

To determine the garage door size you need, make a few measurements on your existing garage door. These measurements include the rough opening, left and right side room, headroom and backroom. Once you have these measurements, take them to your garage door dealer and they will help you find the right garage door size. 

Where to Buy a New Garage Door

Choosing a garage door is crucial, so it helps if you partner with a trusted vendor. The Doorman of Southeast Florida has a wide range of residential garage doors to choose from, including doors impact-rated to withstand the annual hurricane season. 

We only provide top-quality garage door installation and repair services at The Doorman of Southeast Florida. Contact us today for a free quote or schedule your $39.95 garage door tune-up!

How to Keep a Garage Cool in Florida

The weather in the Sunshine State lives up to its nickname. The high temperatures Florida residents experience year-round have benefits and downsides. You can enjoy the numerous outdoor attractions the state has to offer and never have to shovel any snow, but the heat can affect your home’s comfort.

Is your home ready for the intense Florida heat? It’s crucial to keep your garage cool when the temperatures rise. When it’s hot enough outside, being inside your garage can feel like a sauna. Finding ways to maintain a comfortable temperature is a necessity when you live in Florida.

Learn the best ways to keep a garage cool in Florida by following this helpful guide. 

Call Us For Garage Door Installation 

Why Do Garages Get So Hot?

If your garage isn’t open to the elements, why does it get so hot? Before you start testing different garage cooling hacks and hoping something works, it’s helpful to learn what makes a garage hot and how the heat gets into the room.

Heat gets into your garage for two primary reasons — inadequate or nonexistent ventilation and insulation. Other factors can also impact your garage’s temperature levels, including its location and color. 

Your garage location impacts the temperature because of its level of sun exposure. If your garage has a lot of sunlight beating down on it during the hottest parts of the day or is in direct sunlight all day long, the temperature will rise, especially if you live in a hot climate like Florida.

A dark exterior color like black, dark blue or gray can also increase the heat levels inside your garage. A dark exterior, combined with the direct Florida sunlight, creates the ideal conditions for a sweltering garage.

Other essential factors to consider are cars or appliances that will increase the garage’s temperature. Parking your recently driven car in your garage during the summer can raise the heat levels. Try parking your car outside while it cools down before moving it inside. Using a washer and dryer inside your garage during the hot months can also impact the temperature.

While you should consider these other factors, the two primary components you should focus on are the insulation and ventilation in your enclosed garage.

Do you need an insulated garage in Florida? A well-insulated garage keeps the hot air from making its way into your garage and the cooler air inside from escaping. Your garage may have a gap under the garage door, under entryway doors or windows or miscellaneous cracks in the structure that can allow hot air inside. Fixing gaps and adding quality insulation can protect your enclosed garage from unwanted heat and make your garage more comfortable.

Insufficient ventilation is a typical problem for many garages, especially ones that lack windows. When you have little to no air circulation in a hot garage, the air can feel heavy and thick, which is not pleasant during a hot Florida day. Having adequate garage air circulation in your garage during the summer or any time of the year in Florida can make a significant difference in your garage’s temperature.

Why Cool Your Garage Door?

An enclosed garage is more than a place to park your car or store personal belongings. A garage can be a spot for people who need a room in their home to work or enjoy their hobbies. Regardless of why you spend time in your garage, it’s crucial to ensure it is comfortable enough to work in the Florida heat.

Here are some common reasons to keep your garage cool in Florida.

• Workshops: If you consider yourself a mechanic or like to tinker with various projects, your garage will act as your workshop and host all your tools, workbenches and other resources. Cooling a garage workshop is essential during hot months so you can enjoy your work instead of sweating and feeling uncomfortable.
• Exercise gym: Some homeowners decide to turn the space into an at-home gym. A garage is an excellent location for gym equipment, but avoiding dangerous heatstroke symptoms is essential to completing a successful workout. Learning how to cool a garage gym can help keep you healthy and ensure your workout routine is consistently enjoyable. 
• Other hobbies: Your garage might be a space to accomplish one of your favorite hobbies, such as painting, developing photos, drawing, sewing or any other activity you like to do in your spare time. You’ll want your hobby space to be comfortable and relaxing, not hot and unbearable. 
• Laundry: You may have your washer and dryer in your garage to save space in the rest of your home. Folding laundry while it’s cool and pleasant in your garage makes this chore more convenient. 
• Home office: Many people who have shifted to a work-from-home lifestyle in the past year or so end up trying to accomplish their daily tasks in a spot that isn’t conducive to focusing and getting their best work done. If your house lacks a dedicated office area, consider converting your garage into the ultimate home office space. 

Even if you have an energy-efficient home, your garage door may need some attention. Keeping your garage cool while living in Florida is essential to make your enclosed garage space tolerable for any hobby or activity you use the space for. 

How to Keep Your Garage Cool in the Summer

Floridians expect heat and humidity, but you want your home to be a haven where you can escape the weather. If you spend a lot of time in your garage for work, exercise, leisure or any activity, finding garage cooling hacks that work are vital to keeping your garage at a comfortable temperature.

Enjoy time in your garage by understanding how to make your garage cooler and escape the hot Florida climate. Try one of these 10 helpful garage cooling ideas to combat the rising temperature in your garage.

1. Install a Light-Colored Garage Door

Darker home exteriors will absorb more heat from the Florida sun, so deciding on a lighter home exterior and garage door color can help bring the garage temperature down.

If your home is well-shaded by trees or other structures, the color may help a little. The color of your garage door and home exterior comes into play when your home stands in the path of direct sunlight all day or all afternoon when the sun is the strongest.

Choosing a light-colored garage door can be beneficial to your home. Another feature to consider before purchasing a new residential garage door is windows. Windows on your garage door will allow more sun and heat into your garage. Choosing a solid door when your home is in the path of the sun’s rays is a smart option to keep it cooler in your garage.

If you’re in the home buying process and plan to use your garage for more than storage, look for homes with ample shade and a light exterior.

2. Open the Windows in Your Garage

If you have windows in your garage, open them to allow for air circulation. Without a breeze or fresh air circulating in your garage, your enclosed space may feel stuffy or intolerable due to the heat.

If your garage doesn’t have a window, consider adding one. A window can make this space feel more like a room and ultimately more pleasant when you’re working or hanging out.

3. Park Your Recently Used Car Outside the Garage

A simple, effective cooling hack for your garage is to park your car outside after you use your vehicle. Your car radiates a significant amount of heat when it’s running and after you use it, and the extra heat in your garage will raise the inside temperature. Your garage floors can absorb the heat and continue to warm the space long after the car is off. This heat source can bump your inside garage temperature up a few degrees, so this is a straightforward habit to adopt during a hot day or throughout the summer in Florida.

Once your car has been off for a while, it’s OK to park it inside your garage. After all, your garage should be a place where you can safely store your car.

4. Use Your Garage in the Morning

Another easy method to enjoy your garage on a hot day is to choose a sensible time of the day to use your garage space.

The best time to use your garage on a hot day is in the coolest part of the day, from when the sun first starts to rise until around 11 a.m. Planning your garage activities during this period will help you stay cool and enjoy yourself more inside your enclosed garage.

Before you start working on your next project or fitness routine, open your garage door to let some of the warm air escape from your garage. Your garage will feel blessedly cool for any activity you set out to accomplish.

5. Place Fans Inside Your Garage

Before you spend money on your ventilation, insulation or installing a new air conditioning unit in your garage, try a more budget-friendly solution like a box fan, oscillating fan or shop fan to encourage air movement in your garage. You can also place a fan in the window to blow the hot air outside.

While the temperature of your garage may remain high, you’ll at least feel better with moving air than stagnant, hot air.

6. Upgrade Your Garage Ventilation System

Having hot air trapped in your garage is not ideal for any home in Florida. Insufficient ventilation can make the outside temperature feel better than being in your garage. Enhancing your garage’s ventilation system is one of the best ways to keep your garage cool in the summer heat.

A simple way to air out your garage is to open any windows or outside doors to promote airflow. However, if you’re ready to invest in a quality ventilation system for your garage, you can install one to cool your garage.

You can choose from two different systems — passive system or active. A passive system doesn’t require power, while an active system runs on electricity. Both options are beneficial for Florida homeowners who want to spend time in their enclosed garages.

7. Add More Insulation

If neighboring rooms or the outside significantly impact your garage’s temperature, you might need to invest in better garage insulation.

Many people don’t insulate their garages, but it makes a significant difference when you’re trying to maintain more comfortable temperatures inside your garage.

Besides installing insulation, seal all cracks and gaps in the garage to prevent cool air from escaping. Caulk and weatherstrips will help with this task.

8. Install Air Conditioning in the Garage

If you want your garage’s temperature to feel consistent with the rest of your home and you’re willing to spend some extra money, investing in air conditioning is an option to keep your garage cool. Depending on your budget, you can choose a small window-mounted air conditioner unit or a ductless AC system for your enclosed garage.

9. Organize Your Garage

It’s easier to promote airflow in your garage when you organize your belongings and keep your garage clean. Any clutter or mess in your garage can disrupt the air circulation and prevent your garage from cooling down.

Adding storage solutions to your garage can help keep it clean and organized. 

10. Add a Dehumidifier

Florida weather can be humid, and your garage may benefit from a dehumidifier to keep the temperature down.

You’ll notice a temperature difference when you take the moisture out of the air. A dehumidifier is an excellent year-round tool to fight against the Florida humidity. 

How to Cool a Garage With No Windows or Ventilation

Windows and other ventilation systems are helpful when you want to keep the temperature down in your garage. However, you can make your garage cooler without these ventilation options.

Try these methods to promote airflow in your windowless garage:

• Shut the garage door when it’s sunny outside.
• Install a garage ceiling fan.
• Open an outside door to let a breeze inside.

Need a Garage Door, Replacement Door or Door Installation?

An excellent way to keep your garage cool in Florida is to install a high-quality garage door. If you’re looking to replace your garage door or install a new residential garage door, contact our experts at The Doorman of Southeast Florida.

Request an estimate today and see how our family-run business can help with all your garage door needs.

When Should You Replace Your Garage Door?

Most homeowners who are concerned about maintaining the highest possible property value recognize the importance of having an attractive, functional garage door. When you consider that the garage door can comprise up to 30 percent of the front exterior of a home, it’s easy to see how an old, dilapidated door can significantly reduce the residence’s curb appeal to prospective buyers.

Additionally, if the door is malfunctioning not only can it can be an inconvenience but it can also pose a severe safety hazard to you and your family.

Learn More About Garage Door Replacement

When Does It Make Sense to Repair a Garage Door?

In some situations, it may be possible to rectify garage door issues by making repairs. Some examples include:

• Panel damage – If you have a sectional garage door consisting of a series of individual panels, they can experience damage when struck by a heavy object. If it is limited to only one or two panels, a simple panel replacement can restore the door to like-new condition. However, it is essential to conduct the repairs before the damage causes additional damage to other parts of the door.
• The door won’t open or close – If you press the button on the garage door remote and nothing happens, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a serious issue. In many cases, replacing the remote’s batteries will allow the door to function properly again.
• Heaviness – Does your door feel “heavy” when you attempt to open it manually? This is often an indication that the springs are weakening and will most likely require adjustment or replacement.

When Is It Finally Time to Replace a Garage Door?

The following can indicate that full garage door replacement is in order:

• Age – How long does a garage door last? It depends on a variety of factors such as material, exposure to harsh climatic conditions and whether the door has received timely preventive maintenance. The life expectancy can range from 15 to 30 years, although performance — and safety — will likely decline with age.
• Severe damage – It might not be possible to repair a door that has incurred significant damage to multiple panels or has experienced a “traumatic” event such as a vehicle strike or a major storm. In some instances, it may be more cost-effective to replace a garage door than repair it.
• Outdated technology – Garage door technology continues to evolve. If it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your garage door or electric opener, it might not be as safe as it could or should be, especially if you have younger children in your household. 
• Sagging –If your door sags in the middle while in the open position, it’s typically a sign that the entire door itself has become structurally unsound and is in imminent danger of collapsing and falling. If your door is sagging stop using it immediately and call a licensed garage door professional.

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The Doorman Can Help You Make the Right Decision

If you’re not sure whether you need to repair or replace a garage door, contact The Doorman of Southeast Florida today. We’ll come to your home at a convenient time to conduct a comprehensive inspection and make an informed recommendation.

Request A Garage Door Estimate

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What to Look for When Replacing Your Garage Door

Your garage door does much more than protect your vehicles and other contents of your garage. It also plays a prominent role in your home’s visual presentation. A deteriorating or poorly maintained door can decrease your home’s resale value and make it less attractive to prospective buyers. If the time has come for a garage door replacement, consideration of the following factors can help you make an intelligent buying decision.

Material Selection

If it’s been a few years since you’ve purchased or replaced a garage door, you might be surprised at the wide variety of materials available these days. Advancements in technology have made it possible to construct high-quality, attractive doors made from:

• Steel – As one might expect, steel doors offer exceptional strength and durability — steel won’t crack or warp, and it will hold up well against the sometimes severe Southeast Florida climate. You can also choose steel doors with embossed wood grain patterns, faux finishes and other enhancements to maximize their aesthetic appeal. Options include garaged doors made from 24-gauge and thinner 28-gauge single-layer steel, as well as double-layer and triple-layer versions insulated with polystyrene or polyurethane foam.
• Wood – Wood garage doors offer a warm, natural look and feel that many homeowners prefer. However, wood can rot or warp over time and require more frequent maintenance. Cladwood composites are a faux-wood option that offers the appearance of natural wood, but will last longer. 
• Aluminum and fiberglass – You can also retrofit a garage door with materials such as aluminum and fiberglass that offer a lightweight alternative to steel or wood. These products can serve homeowners well in certain circumstances. For example, fiberglass doors can provide excellent resistance corrosion caused by the salt-air climate in the coastal regions of Southeast Florida. On the downside, these doors are not wind rated for Florida’s Hurricane Zone impact requirements of the building code but there are manufacturers that are currently developing these for Hurricane prone areas.

Style

There are multiple styles to choose from when you’re ready to replace your garage door as well — you can find everything from carriage house and contemporary to raised-panel and traditional. 

If you opt for impact windows in your new garage door, you can select from various shapes and sizes as well as frosted, smoked or clear glass. With some assistance from a professional garage door sales company, you should have no problem finding the garage door style that best complements your home’s exterior decor.

View Residential Garage Door Styles

Cost

The cost of a garage door replacement can vary widely. Here is a general idea of the price range for a 16-foot by 7-foot double door based on the type of material:

• Steel – $1199-$3,000
• Wood – $1,200-$4,000
• Wood composite – $1,200-$2,200
• Aluminum – $1,500-$2,000

One important note: While a garage door replacement does create an additional expense for a homeowner, it is regarded as one of the best home improvement projects regarding return on investment. You can expect to recoup approximately 85 percent of the cost when you sell your home.

Contact The Doorman If You’re Looking to Retrofit a Garage Door in Southeast Florida

As a Clopay® Authorized Dealer, The Doorman is your source for the best garage doors in Palm Beach County and surrounding areas including Parkland, Coral Springs, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Contact us to learn more about your garage door replacement options, and don’t forget to ask about our $39.95 garage door tune-up special.

Request A Garage Door Estimate

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