How to Select the Correct Garage Door
- 1). Measure the width and height garage door opening with a tape measure. Take a measurement from the top of the door opening to the ceiling. Most standard installations require a minimum of 14 inches of headroom between the ceiling and the top of the door opening. If it is less than 14 inches, you must purchase a garage door with low-headroom tracks.
- 2). Choose a door material that appeals to you. Garage doors commonly are made from wood and steel, although there are fiberglass models available. Wood doors are paintable and come with either solid wood panels or Masonite panels. They are usually less expensive than steel. Wood doors require painting and are susceptible to the weather, requiring maintenance on a regular basis. Steel doors are comparatively lighter than wood and require less frequent maintenance.
- 3). Take into consideration whether you heat your garage during the fall and winter. Insulated steel doors are more expensive, but they help keep the cold air outside and the warm air inside. Wood doors have some insulating properties but not nearly as much as an insulated steel door. If you are not controlling the climate in the garage, most any door will suffice.
- 4). Pick a door design that complements your home. Garage doors are available in raised panels or flush panels. Although steel doors come in several different colors, wood doors are paintable. All garage doors have optional glass sections with or without decorative inserts.
- 5). Decide whether you want an automatic door opener. If you decide you want to add a door opener, you must have enough headroom. Again the headroom measurement is essential. Measure from the front of the garage to the closest overhead obstruction as well. Openers extend farther than the door height. If you do add an opener, order a door with a brace for the top section. The brace helps the opener lift the door across the width of the top panel rather than just at the center.
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