Need a Custom-Sized Garage Door?

As homes, garages and the cars we drive have all become larger, so have the need for custom-sized garage doors. The garage doors that previously came standard with newer homes is no longer sufficient for either the size of the actual doors or the items needed to fit into our garages. Many of today’s homeowners are looking at these type of problems and decisions in purchasing custom garage doors

Standard sizes for garage doors today typically range from 8 to 20 feet wide, in heights of 7 or 8 feet. Today’s builders will usually suggest a new garage door width of 9 ft. However, if happen to drive a large truck with mirrors protruding on both sides, or a snowplow on the front during winter months, you will find it difficult squeezing into a 9 ft. wide opening.

In this scenario, you may wish to opt for a 10 ft. wide door with a height of 8 ft. Of course, deciding the size of your garage door is much easier to accommodate when you are building a new garage. However, increasing the size of your existing garage door opening is another matter. In fact, to do so may be nearly impossible without extensive remodeling, increasing the size of the entire garage, which may even necessitate raising the roof. In this case, your best option may be to build an entirely new garage. 

Consult with your local garage door professional about these options when considering what course of action may be best for your individual needs. Whether it is a new bigger garage door or a newly constructed garage, you can be assured of adding value and functionality to your home.

Garage Door Construction

If you are shopping for a new garage door, you should understand the basic types of garage door construction.  Except for custom built high end garage doors, the days of wooden garage doors are pretty much gone.  Most garage doors on the market today are steel garage doors. 

Modern steel garage doors are a big improvement over older wooden garage doors.  Steel garage doors are far more durable than wood doors.  Steel doors don’t rot, warp, crack, or split.  Steel doors are galvanized for corrosion resistance and can be ordered factory painted or you can paint them yourself. 

In addition, steel garage doors are more secure than wood garage doors.  A basic steel garage door consists of a single layer of durable steel without any insulation.  These are the least expensive option and provide good protection and security for unheated garages.  However, they are noisier than insulated doors so even if you don’t need insulation, consider an insulated door for quiet operation.

A two layer door has a layer of steel covered with a layer of polystyrene insulation.  These doors are a good choice where you would like to retain some heat in the garage for example if there is a room over the garage.  The insulation also acts to absorb noise so they are quieter to operate than non-insulated doors.  A quieter door may be an important feature for an attached garage.

A triple layer door has inner and outer layers of steel with a layer of insulation sandwiched in between.  These are the quietest, most secure doors and are an excellent choice when installed on finished or heated areas.