4 Reasons to Add Windows to Your Next Garage Door

Are you considering updating your garage door or doors? As one of the first features people see on your home, garage doors can help enhance the beauty of your home and are a vital component for convenience, safety and security. One feature that may be missing on your garage doors is windows. Here are four reasons why you should consider opting for windows on your next garage door upgrade.

  1. Aesthetics. Garage door windows can enhance the design and style, giving you a chance to improve your curb appeal. There are many options to choose from that can create a beautiful appearance for your home and garage.
  2. Safety. Garages without windows can be dark and dangerous. Windows let in light, so even when a bulb goes out or there is a power outage, you can still safely navigate through your garage.
  3. Natural light. Using only electric lights can make your garage feel like a dungeon. Natural light from garage door windows creates a more enticing atmosphere in your garage. You can reduce the need to keep a light on in the garage all the time, saving money on your electricity bills.
  4. View. With windows, you can see whether there is anything or anybody outside your garage doors without opening them. This can prevent accidents and help with security for your home.

If you are concerned that windows on your garage door will let people peek inside your garage, talk to your dealer about options for glass that lets in light, but obstructs the view. There are options to fit all your needs, while still gaining the benefits of adding windows to your new garage doors.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Choosing the Right Size Garage Door

If you are building a new garage, you have many options when it comes to the size door or doors you install. Not only do you need to decide between single and double doors, the sizes of the doors need to be determined as well. Here are some of the options available in standard garage doors to help you choose the right size for your needs.

Standard Garage Door Sizes

If you are on budget, your best bet is to stick with a standard size garage door. These are made in large quantities and are readily available through garage door installation services.  Even with standard doors, you have many choices in sizes and types. You have the option of single, double, and even standard doors for recreational vehicles.

  • Single garage door size. For one door per vehicle, the single door is used.  The standard sizes for single garage doors are: 8×7, 9×7, 10×7, 8×8, 9×8, and 10×8. There are other options, but these are the most common. Standard garage doors are usually 7 or 8 feet high, with the width as a variable.
  • Double garage door sizes. Double garage door can accommodate two vehicles or larger trucks.  It is common for a garage to have one large double door versus two single doors. Standard sizes for double garage doors are also 7 or 8 feet in height, with varying widths: 12×7, 14×7, 16×7, 12×8, 14×8, and 16×8.
  • RV garage door sizes. A typical RV garage door will be tall, with a similar width as a double garage door. Fifth wheels, travel trailers and smaller motor homes can use RV garage doors that are 12’W x 12’H.  Class A motor homes require at least 13’ clearance, with normal size at 14’ W x 12’H.

To determine the best size door for your garage, discuss the options with your garage door installer. There are custom size options available, but they tend to cost more. Make sure to measure your larger vehicles and consider future purchases when choosing your garage door sizes.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro
The Garage Door Specialists
Dacula, GA 30019
(770) 985-3355

4 Reasons to Replace That Old Garage Door

Do you have a garage door that has seen better days? Even if it is still functional, you may want to consider the benefits of replacing it before it finally dies of natural causes. Garage doors with damaged panels, boarded up windows and other issues should be replaced before they become a hazard. Here are four excellent reasons to replace that old garage door.

  1. Safety. First and foremost, you should consider how safe it is to continuing using your old garage door. Once panels or windows are damaged, the entire structure of the door may be compromised. The last thing you want is for your garage door to get unbalanced and fall, especially on a person.
  2. Security. Broken areas on your garage door invite intruders to use them for entrance into your domain. Keep your garage and home safe from intruders and pests by replacing it with a new, secure door.
  3. Aesthetics. An old, beat up garage door detracts from your home’s curb appeal. It is one of the first things visitors see when coming to your home. Replacing a dilapidated old door can make a huge difference in the aesthetic appearance of your home.
  4. Energy conservation. Investing in a new insulated garage door can help cut down on energy costs for attached or temperature controlled garages.

Don’t wait any longer to replace an old garage door that is on its last leg. Call your local garage door service company and begin determining what style, features and options will best meet your needs. Your home and garage will look better while improving the safety, security and energy efficiency of your property.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA
770-985-3355

Give Your Garage a Facelift

When it comes to home improvements, often the garage is the last place homeowners spend money. After all, they live in the house, not the garage. However, when it comes to making a home more attractive from a visitor’s point of view, the garage is often the first thing they see. A new garage door can go a long way in sprucing up the exterior of your garage, while offering many other benefits as well. Here are a few excellent reasons to consider giving your garage a facelift with a new garage door.

  • Improved curb appeal. What your home looks like from the curb is important; it actually can improve the value of your home. A new, stylish garage door can up your home’s curb appeal and increase its value.
  • Energy efficiency. If you have an attached garage, investing in a new insulated garage door can help improve your energy efficiency and lower monthly utility costs. Plus, insulated doors can help reduce noise traveling in or out of the house.
  • Safety. If you have an old garage door that is starting to wear out, consider replacing it for safety concerns. Old hardware and warped fittings can lead to garage door failure and cause injuries. Also, worn doors are more likely to fail during severe wind storms, putting your home at risk for damage.

If your garage door is over a decade old or is in need of repair, consider replacing versus repairing or painting. Upgrading to a higher quality garage door that is insulated and stylish is a wise investment into your home that will look great while adding value to your property.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Update Your Garage Door with a Classic Carriage Style Door

In the last few years, more and more homes are adding the beautiful nostalgic style of carriage garage doors. Although these doors went out of fashion for many decades due to the functionality and convenience of overhead modern doors, they have been transformed to work with the new technology. You can have the classic, elegant style of the carriage garage door outfitted with a state-of-the-art garage door opener with all the bells and whistles.

The modern carriage garage door does not necessary have doors that swing open like the ones in the past. Most garage entrances are not equipped to have the space for swinging doors and they are inconvenient to use. Instead, most carriage-style garage doors are actually overhead doors that only are designed to look like they are swing doors. This way you are able to keep the all the modern technology and security that you are accustomed to, but have the classy style of those carriage doors of days gone by.

If you are ready to upgrade your boring old garage door to the magnificent style of carriage doors, you have many options to choose from. These doors come in classic wood or steel, with many customized features like decorative hinges and handles to make your door look authentic. To ensure you get the exact look, style and functionality you expect, talk to your local garage door installation company that offers customized carriage garage doors. They can help you pick out the perfect new door or doors for your garage and expertly install them with the latest options in garage door openers. You will soon be the envy of your neighborhood!

Posted on behalf of Habpro
Dacula, GA 30019
(770) 985-3355

Save On Energy Bills with a New Garage Door

Are you losing heat in the winter due to a poorly insulated garage door? The largest entrance to many homes is the door in the attached garage. If you have a garage door with limited or no insulation, you may be losing heat and wasting energy through your garage. If your garage door is several years old, it may be worth the investment to replace your old door with a new insulated garage door.

Choosing a New Insulated Garage Door

Garage doors have insulation ratings to help you decide what door is best for your needs. Those who live in regions with severe winters, a higher rating will help insulate the garage during those frigid temperatures. However, the same can be true of hot summers. You may be losing cooled air through your garage in those sweltering summers, also costing you more in energy bills.

The rating to look for on garage doors to determine their insulation level is the R-value. The higher the value, the better insulation the door provides. You also want a door that has excellent sealing to ensure that air is not seeping in or out around the edges of the door. Professional installation by a quality garage door is important to ensure that the door is properly balanced and installed to get the best results from your new insulated door.

If your garage feels too cold during the winter or too hot during the summer, it is time to upgrade to a professionally installed insulated door. Call your local garage door service to discuss insulated garage door options and begin saving money off your energy bills.

Posted on behalf of Habpro
Dacula, GA 30019
(770) 985-3355

Tips for Choosing a New Garage Door

Is it finally time to replace your garage door? Although garage doors can last for many years, once they become worn they can detract from the beauty of your home. The good news is that new garage doors have some great features that may benefit your home. Before you begin shopping for a new door, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Insulation. Many newer garage doors are well insulated to increase the energy efficiency of your home. If you heat or cool your garage, or just have an attached garage, an insulated door can save you money off you energy bills. An insulated door can also muffle sound, giving your family more privacy.
  • Wind resistance. If you live in a region known for high wind storms or hurricanes, wind resistance is an important factor when buying a garage door. Some states have minimum requirements for wind resistance on garage doors.
  • Style. Your garage door is most likely one of the first things people see when they come to your home. Carriage style, wooden garage doors and window designs can all help improve the curb appeal of your home.
  • Warranties. A garage door is a large purchase for your home. Choose a new door that comes with an excellent warranty and guarantee.
  • Installation. You want a professional garage door company to install your new garage door that is known for their quality workmanship. Choose a company that offers 5-star service to all their customers and stands behind their work.

A new garage door can improve the way your home looks and even save you money on energy bills. Take the time to find the right door for your home that will add both value and efficiency.

Posted on behalf of Habpro
Dacula, GA 30019
(770) 985-3355

Is it Time to Replace Your Garage Door?

Buying a new garage door is probably not the first item on your wish list. However, considering your garage door is most likely the largest entrance to your home, it is worth the investment. Once they begin to wear, an old garage door can detract from the beauty of your home, as well as become a safety and security problem. Here are a few signs that it is time to replace your garage door in 2015:

  • Operation issues. If you notice that your old garage door hesitates or makes excessive noise as it’s opening or closing, it may be time to replace your door and hardware. Over the years, the hardware and door can become dented, weak and rusted, making it difficult for the door to function. This puts extra stress on your opening system, reducing the life-span.
  • Energy costs. For homes with attached garages, a poorly insulated garage door can affect the energy costs for the whole home. Worn weather stripping and inferior insulation in the door can let in outside air, costing you plenty in energy bills.
  • Curb appeal. Your garage door is one of the first things people see when they come to your home. If the door is dented, has peeling paint or cracks, it can become an eyesore that detracts from the curb appeal of your home. A new garage door can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home.

If your garage door is 15-20 years old, there is a good chance that it’s time to consider replacing it with a newer model. Talk to your local garage door service company about the many beautiful and efficient garage door models that are available.

Posted on behalf of Habpro
Dacula, GA 30019
(770) 985-3355

Today’s Garage Doors

Homeowners today have a wide variety of options available when considering a replacement garage door.  Available in a wide variety of architectural styles, including contemporary, traditional and carriage styles, the doors are available in a wide variety of widths and heights.  The materials being used today include wood, fiberglass, aluminum, steel and vinyl.  In addition, they are available with a variety of window and hardware options, making the doors highly customized to the architectural style of the home, as well as the tastes and budget of the homeowner. 

Wood doors are available in a variety of wood species including kiln dried Hemlock, Cedar and Mahogany, as well as more exotic wood species such as African Mahogany, Spanish Red Cedar and Birch.  They are also available in a variety of laminated wood products as well, including rough sawn plywood and T-111 siding.  Wood doors typically have a polystyrene insulated core, which reduces energy waste in conditioned garages.  While these doors will require periodic staining or painting, these doors are very attractive and will provide years of service.  

Fiberglass, aluminum, steel and vinyl doors have the advantage of being very low maintenance due to the inherent stability of the products being used in the doors, as well as wide variety of pre-finished colors available, eliminating the need to paint the doors. 

Modern wood, fiberglass, aluminum, steel and vinyl garage doors are engineered to be low maintenance and provide years of service, while enhancing the architecture of the home at an affordable cost!

Posted on behalf of Find Local Garage Door Service

Cost Vs Value-Garage Door Replacement Ranked In Top Five

One of the considerations when investing in home improvements is the cost versus value of the project. While some home improvements need to be completed regardless of the value, those looking to get the most bang for their buck may want to consider replacing the garage door. According to Remodeling.com, an online home improvement site, garage door replacements are one of the top home improvement projects that give you the highest value versus cost. 

2014 Cost Vs Value Report

Each year Remodeling releases a Cost Versus Value report, which provides a breakdown of the top home remodeling projects for the previous year and their effect on home value. This report lists the average cost for these projects, how much value they add to the home and the recouped cost on the project. The report is broken into two categories for the national averages, mid-range and upscale projects. In both categories, garage door replacement was in the top five. 

  • Mid Range. In the mid range projects, garage door replacement ranked fourth on the list, with an average investment of $1,534. The cost recouped percentage was 83.7%.
     
  • Upscale. In the higher end projects, garage door replacements ranked second, with an average project cost of $2,791 and a recouped cost of 82.9%. 

What these numbers and ranking reflect is which home improvement projects will be the best investment, adding the most value for the money spent. This is extremely important for homeowners who plan on selling their home in the next few years. Replacing an old garage door can increase the curb appeal of the home and is a wise use of home improvement funds.

Posted on behalf of Legacy Garage Doors