Whether you’re in the market for a traditional steel door or want to add a row of tinted windows, garage doors come in various styles. And as long as your homeowner’s association doesn’t impose restrictions, you can customize the design.
Maintain your garage door by regularly lubricating the hinges, rollers, and springs. Also, test the emergency release handle—that red cord hanging inside—to ensure it can be used in an emergency. Contact Patriot Garage Door now!
At its most basic, a garage is a place to store your car, whether it’s in the driveway or behind the house. But, as it turns out, the humble garage has quite a long history, going all the way back to the 1700s when horse-drawn carriages were at their most popular. Back then, owning a carriage was a symbol of wealth and affluence. It made sense, then, that people who owned these expensive vehicles would need to find a safe place to store them when they weren’t using them. This is where the first garages came from. These were often large, fee-based garages that allowed people to park their carriages when they weren’t driving them. But, as cars became more commonplace in America and people started to notice that the smell of horse manure was not ideal for their brand-new Model Ts, these garages began to run out of space and weren’t always convenient for car owners.
Fortunately, in 1921, C.G. Johnson came up with the idea for what we now call an overhead sectional garage door. This new design used horizontal panels that were connected by hinges, allowing them to move up and down along tracks on a garage ceiling. It was a game-changer, making garage doors more efficient and convenient for car owners.
The new design also made it easier for homeowners to keep their cars protected from the weather and other hazards. This allowed them to get to work or school in the morning and go shopping, all without having to deal with muddy or snowy driveways. The popularity of these new garage doors helped boost the growth of the building industry, too.
Today, most garages use an overhead garage door to protect their cars from the elements. They are also more affordable than ever and can be customized to match a home’s aesthetic. The newest styles of these doors offer a number of different insulation options as well, which is great for the environment and your wallet. So, if you’re interested in upgrading your garage to an up-to-date version of its historic roots, don’t hesitate to contact us and see what we have in stock.
Design Trends
Garage doors are a big part of the overall look of your home, so they should reflect your personality and match your architectural style. If you’re planning a makeover or a replacement, there are many design trends to choose from. From the latest door colors to innovative window designs, these design ideas will help you elevate your garage space and turn heads in your neighborhood.
Minimalist garage doors are gaining popularity, offering sleek designs that complement modern architectural styles. Full-view glass doors are especially popular, allowing natural light to flood the garage space and brighten up your home’s interior. These contemporary designs are also more energy efficient, reducing your utility bills and carbon footprint.
Low maintenance is another major trend in garage door design. As homeowners look for ways to simplify their lives, they are choosing doors that are easy to maintain and require less time-consuming cleaning. Durable materials and designs that repel dirt and grime are also in high demand. These options ensure that your garage door remains a functional and aesthetically pleasing component of your home for years to come.
Traditional and classically inspired garage doors are also enjoying renewed appeal. Many homeowners are pairing these traditional styles with modern materials and hardware to create a unique look that blends modern functionality with timeless design elements.
For a bold statement, you can’t go wrong with a dramatic door color. Red garage doors are especially popular, but you can also choose blue or green to compliment your home’s exterior. Many manufacturers now offer custom paint finishes and powder-coating options, so you can find the perfect shade to match your aesthetic preferences and meet any homeowner’s association requirements.
If you want to add a more subtle pop of color, consider choosing a door with frosted glass panels or windows. These design features allow natural light to flow into your garage space while still maintaining privacy and keeping your property safe from prying eyes. These doors are also available in a wide range of sizes, so you can customize your look to meet your specific needs.
Materials
As with other types of home components, garage doors come in a wide range of materials. Depending on your climate, maintenance preferences and energy efficiency needs, some options are more suitable than others.
For example, natural wood doors can provide stunning visual appeal and are a popular choice for many homeowners. However, they are susceptible to rot and require regular painting and staining. If you want to enjoy the beauty of natural wood but do not have the time for this type of maintenance, consider a faux wood door. These are available in various pattern options, overlays, and base colors to create one-of-a-kind aesthetics.
Steel is another popular material for garage doors. It is sturdy and durable, with moderate resistance to dents. However, it can rust in salty environments. The good news is that steel doors can also be insulated, making them ideal for all weather conditions. The insulated design helps to reduce noise and regulates the temperature inside the garage, which can help cut down on energy costs.
A popular alternative to steel is aluminum. It is a long-lasting and corrosion-resistant material that has a raw industrial look. It is also lighter than steel and can support window designs for a more modern look. The downside of aluminum is that it is not as strong or abrasion-resistant as steel, so it can be vulnerable to scratches and other forms of wear.
Fiberglass is another option for garage doors. This material is a great alternative to real wood and offers the same customization options with less of a financial investment. Unlike wood, fiberglass is resistant to warping and shrinking due to moisture exposure. Additionally, this material is easy to maintain and can withstand moisture, making it an excellent choice for coastal properties.
For a more contemporary aesthetic, you can opt for glass garage doors. These are constructed with panels that sit on top of each other and roll up on horizontal tracks when fully open. This type of door is a popular choice for many homeowners because it offers the ability to allow natural light into the garage space, creating an airy, welcoming atmosphere.
Personalization
As part of your home’s overall architecture, the garage door provides a unique opportunity for personalization. Adding an accent or a design feature to the door can create a striking visual statement that elevates the overall look of your home. Whether it’s matching the color of your garage door to your windows or using a custom-made pattern to reflect your house’s architecture, the possibilities are endless. Personalized doors can also increase the value of your property. Potential buyers appreciate these added touches, and often pay a premium for them.
When you choose a customized door, you have complete control over the materials, size, and color of your new door. You can also choose from a variety of window designs, hardware details and decorative features. Custom doors are a perfect fit for your garage opening, eliminating gaps and improving insulation capabilities.
Material Matters
Metal doors are durable and low-maintenance, while wood doors offer natural beauty and warmth. A wide selection of colors and finishes is available for each material type to complement your home’s design. For those looking for a modern style, steel or aluminum doors provide an array of paint and finish options to suit your aesthetic. For a more traditional aesthetic, wood doors can be stained or painted in various shades and hues to complement your home’s color palette.
Window Designs
Lites, or windows, are a great way to add light and character to your garage door. You can select from two different options – simulated or true lites. A simulated lite has grilles that divide the window to appear as multiple panes, while true lites have individual windows. You can also choose from a variety of window shapes and patterns, as well as tints and colors to complement your home’s style.
Hardware Details
Choosing the right handles, hinges, and other hardware can make a huge difference in the finished look of your garage door. Many Clopay doors come with a range of knobs, handles and pulls to match your home’s style. For an even more unique touch, you can choose from a selection of hardware accents, such as decorative straps and clavos, to add subtle accents.
