Are you getting ready to purchase a new garage door? Not sure what you need to know to make the best choice for your needs? At Door Power, our garage door company has been in business for over 50 years, which means we’ve developed a level of expertise virtually unmatched in the Twin Cities. Below, we’ve outlined a few of our top frequently asked questions about new garage doors to help simplify your selection process. If your question didn’t make our list, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us!
Should I Choose an Insulated Garage Door?
Adding insulation to your garage door can be a valuable choice, but whether or not it’s necessary depends on how you routinely use your garage and where it’s located. If you have an attached garage, an insulated door is a smart choice because it will help maintain a consistent temperature within the space.
Because the ambient temperature inside your garage affects the temperature of any adjoining indoor spaces, insulation is a great way to keep your energy costs manageable. If you have a detached garage that you don’t use for anything other than storage or parking, insulation may not be necessary.
Which Is Better? Two Single Doors or One Double Door?
For practical reasons, two single garage doors may be the better option, simply because if one opener malfunctions, you can still enter and exit the garage. When it comes to aesthetics, though, the choice is ultimately up to you. Does your home feature a particular architectural style that is better suited to a double door? Or would two single doors offer a more balanced aesthetic?
If you can’t decide, don’t hesitate to consult with your garage door company. Experienced door specialists can offer design tips along with an outside opinion, which can help steer you in the right direction for your needs.
Do I Need Windows In My Garage Door?
Ultimately, the decision to include windows in your garage door is up to your aesthetic preferences. That said, they do offer a couple of added benefits, namely security and additional natural light. If your garage does not feature any other windows, including windows in the garage door can help bring some much-needed daylight into the space. As well, a few strategically placed windows can help you better identify visitors or passersby should you need to do so from the garage.
What Type of Spring System Is Best?
When it comes to garage door hardware installation, you have two spring options: torsion and extension. If your garage has at least 12 inches of headroom above the garage door frame, a torsion spring is usually the better option. Because torsion springs concentrate the weight of the door in the center of the frame, they usually deliver smoother operation.
If you don’t have enough space above the door for torsion hardware, you’ll have to opt for extension springs. Extension hardware has two independently operating coil springs that sit above the horizontal tracks of the garage door. Though they don’t offer quite as efficient operation, extension springs are typically a bit more affordable than torsion hardware.
What’s the Life Expectancy of the Typical Garage Door?
On average, garage doors last approximately 20 years, though that lifespan depends heavily on the quality of the parts and ongoing maintenance. Routine cleaning, lubrication, and component replacement will ensure your garage door lasts as long as possible.
As for the garage door springs, torsion springs are typically rated for 20,000 cycles, while extension springs are normally rated for half that amount. Depending on how often you use your garage door, you’ll likely need to replace the springs before the door itself.
Door Power: Your Twin Cities Source for Comprehensive Garage Door Service & Sales
At Door Power, we’ve been providing garage door repair, sales, and service for Twin Cities homeowners since 1967. Whether you’re looking for new garage door installation or garage door repair, we pride ourselves on our commitment to fair pricing, fast response times, and superior customer service. To learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment, give our team a call at 952-467-3199. You can also feel free to connect with us online to request more information, and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly!