Many people rarely think much about the door that allows them to park their vehicle in a protected area.  This door is the largest moving part of the home and the widest feature to add curb appeal to the home.  Before making a selection, consumers should consider their budget, home style, preferences and needs.

Since the door must both present a face as well as open and close, consumers must consider materials, style and function before making their final selection.  Most doors available are rolling sectional doors.  They travel up and down the tracks using rollers that bend at each section when opened and stored overhead.  The single section door pivots out before counterweights draw it to a place above the parking area.  Since the space in front of the door must remain clear for the door to function the latter type of doors are not practical in areas where snow often accumulates.  In addition, it is important that vehicles, kid’s toys people and pets not be too close to the door when attempting to open.

The average single garage door is approximately 9-feet x 7-feet.  The double car garage door is from 16-20 feet in width and 7-8 feet in height.  If the garage also serves as a workshop, an insulated door helps to keep the room more comfortable.  Insulation can also help to protect items stored in the garage.  The insulation is also an excellent way to provide soundproofing the neighbors will appreciate if your son begins his rock band practice sessions in the garage.

Styles of doors typically available include the flush, raised panel, recessed panel, or ranch design.  In addition, the consumer might choose grooved or smooth panels, decorative inserts, standard glass inserts or other designs.  Adding these custom options to the doors will cause the price to increase.  However, a great door can distinguish your home from all the others in the neighborhood, so the cost may be worthwhile.  Wood doors offer the greatest amount of customization and allow owners to match style, details and woods of the home.  Both wood and steel doors will accept paint as well as stain.

Consumers will find several types of insulation available.  Metal doors are sold with the option of polystyrene or injected foam insulation.  These doors generally are finished with a second metal or fiberglass inner face.  The injected foam bonds to the metal and eliminates any voids, providing a higher insulation or R-value.  Polystyrene sheets are cut and fitted to the back of the door and may leave gaps in the insulation.  A second interior face for the blocks maximizes the value of the block insulation.  Wood is a much better insulator than metal, but the R-value may be increased by creating a sandwich between the door and the facing material.

Metal doors are generally more resistant to damage from the weather than wood doors are, however any door will begin to show signs of wear unless they are properly maintained.  Watch for scratches, dings and dents when you are taking care of the door.  These should be repaired before they lead to rust.  With wood doors, it is important to seal the door upon installation and reseal every two years.  Protect the doors from water, including the runoff and splash back caused by the roof.  Use gutters to direct water away from the garage door.  Be sure there is adequate drainage away from the house in front of the garage door.

The Tampa garage door homeowners select is important for many reasons.  The door covers a large surface of the face of the home.  It also offers protection to vehicles and equipment stored inside the garage.  If insulated, the door can help to keep the area warmer in the winter and cooler for the summer.