Text: Robert C. Martin
Few features of a home’s exteriors pack as much visual punch as do garage doors—particularly if they’re on the front, facing the street. Since these car portals require considerable surface area, it’s crucial that they not only complement the overall style of a residence but also sufficiently protect the spaces within.
And among leading manufacturers, the Clopay company has raised the bar to new heights during its run of more than 50 years as North America’s most trusted garage door brand. In response, Mischel Schonberg, Clopay’s public relations manager, offers some useful insights as to what’s what in this ever-evolving field. “Finding the right door for you comes down to your priorities and preferences,” Schonberg states. “Since a typical garage door occupies nearly 40 percent of a facade, it’s important to choose the right one not only for aesthetics but also to meet regional building codes and to ensure bankable resale value.”
For starters, few can argue with the natural beauty and resilience of wood. Whether it be cedar, redwood, fir, or another variety, a species’ inherent wood grain lends a custom, handcrafted texture that’s indicative of fine home building. Just know beforehand that you’re selecting from the most expensive lines; ongoing maintenance is also a given with any wood that’s exposed over time to moisture and the elements.
To nail down both looks and longevity at a more affordable price, Schonberg recommends a wood composite or faux wood garage door as an alternative. “While such products may look like real wood, they’re constructed with a steel core and topped with composite overlays molded from actual wood,” she explains. “As a result, a faux-wood garage door bridges the gap between authentic materials and those requiring less upkeep.” They’re also moisture-resistant and won’t warp, rot, or crack. Moreover, this category ranges from traditional to contemporary styles, and it can be painted or stained to match other exterior doors, windows, and trim.
Still more options include steel garage doors that offer easy cleanup, along with a wide range of colors and insulation levels. “Clopay even provides an Ultra-Grain finish, where a wood grain pattern is imprinted on the steel,” Schonberg points out. Aluminum is rust-resistant and lightweight, and it can hold broad expanses of glass for a contemporary, streamlined effect. One important drawback to the latter is that they’re even more vulnerable to dents and defacing than steel.
While most garages house only cars or yard equipment, others may serve as actual living space, such as a fitness room, home office, or means of access to a bonus room or guest quarters above. Whatever the purpose, insulated doors ensure a comfortable transition. “Insulation adds a thermal buffer to maintain a garage’s comfort level, and the extra padding also helps keep the door quieter during operation,” Schonberg affirms. “Also, if your garage is attached to your house, an insulated garage door with a higher R-value is an ideal choice, even if you live in a mild climate.” Insulated glass is also available when incorporated into such doors, which must comply with factory ratings and warranties.
Along with glazing inserts, other accents, like decorative hardware and applied paneling, can bestow a distinctive flair to an otherwise subpar garage. “And to reduce any guesswork, our online Door Imagination System allows you to design your own door,” Schonberg concludes, “which you can then ‘test drive’ by placing it on an uploaded photo of your home.”
Putting Your Best Door Forward
