Many homeowners wait until their garage door has completely broken down before deciding it’s time for a new door. Many homes have garage doors that are over 10 years old and poorly cared for, which makes them look even more outdated than they actually are.

Garage doors take up a lot of front-facing space on many homes and they have a significant impact on curb appeal.

What is the garage door curb appeal?

The curb appeal of a home refers to its overall attractiveness and how it looks from a distance. Many homes have front-facing garages, and the garage door takes up about a third of a home’s facade.

Before a person has even stepped into a home they have already formed an opinion on the house based on its exterior appearance.

Many homeowners overlook the curb appeal and value that a new garage door brings to their home. An ugly garage door can make your home’s perceived value suffer.

How different garage doors can improve curb appeal

There are different factors to consider when deciding on a new garage door for your home. Important factors to consider for a new garage door include the type and material of the door, as well as exterior features and styles to match the rest of your home.

There are also other reasons beyond just curb appeal, such as new garage doors being great investments and helping to reduce energy consumption.

Garage door types

The first factor to consider is the type of garage door you’ll be purchasing for your home. Many people don’t realize just how much of a difference a new garage door can have on their home until they see a before and after picture. A garage door can make a home look more modern, or it can give it a more rustic, traditional look.

The type and material of the garage door you choose comes down to factors such as where you live (weather), the style of your home, and the feeling you’re trying to capture. Here are a few types to consider:

Wood garage doors

The most expensive and durable of the garage doors, wood garage doors give a home a rustic, traditional look not easily replicated with a steel door. Wood garage doors are versatile and come in many different colors and looks based on the wood they’re made out of. Wood garage doors will last you for many years when cared for correctly, and will help your home stand out compared to others in your neighborhood.

While incredibly durable and great natural insulators, wood doors are susceptible to water and moisture damage, which can lead to warping and rot. Because of their heft and weight, these doors will also require heavy-duty garage door openers to easily lift the door when in operation.

Steel garage doors

Steel garage doors are the most common and popular garage doors on the market thanks to their customizability, endurance, low maintenance, and lower price tag. Steel garage doors are great for homes that need non-traditional colors such as blue or green, which go a long way in improving the curb appeal of a home. It also lets you be creative and create contrast between your garage door and the rest of your home, giving your home a more striking appearance.

These garage doors are also great for achieving the natural look of wood without the high price tag. Modern technology continues to improve the look and feel of wood-grain finish on steel doors, allowing for improved curb appeal at a lower cost.

Aluminum garage doors

A modern home requires a modern garage door, and there’s no better option than an aluminum door. Aluminum doors, much like steel doors, are known for their strength and variety in terms of looks and colors. A glass aluminum garage door is sleek, modern, and attractive and will make your home stand out compared to the rest.

Full view glass garage doors are weather resistant and require little upkeep, which is perfect for desert areas or locations near the coast as they resist sand and rust.

Garage door styles

Single panel garage doors

Once the most common garage door style, single panel garage doors are great for homeowners looking for a traditional home that differentiates from other garage doors. Single panel garage doors are less expensive than sectional doors, yet take up slightly more space as it needs some outside space to open and close.

Carriage-style garage doors

A popular style for homeowners going for the traditional home look, carriage style doors provide old-world charm and curb appeal. True carriage-style doors are made of wood, but steel doors also exist that use accessories like faux hinges and handles to pass as carriage-style doors.

Garage door paneling and accessories

For those who are a little more money-conscious, a new garage door may not be within your budget. There are other ways of improving your curb appeal that don’t involve heavy spending and will make your home look better while you build up towards a new door. Garage door hinges and handles go a long way in giving your garage a carriage-style look without actually being a carriage-style door.

One of the best ways to improve the curb appeal of your home is to match design elements that already exist around your home. Consider your garage door trim, having windows on the top panel of the door, and try and match the color of the garage door to your entry door. For those with a little more money to spend, splitting a two car garage and using two garage doors instead of one is a bold move that will elevate your curb appeal to the next level.

Different garage door panels will influence the way in which your home increases the curb appeal of your home and the way in which people perceive the way your home looks. There are different panel types to consider.

• Raised-panels: classic and traditional, raised panel garage doors will provide symmetry and consistency to your home’s curb appearance.
• Glass and windows: Windows add a better sense of style and charm to any home, while allowing natural light into your home. There are different window styles to choose from to compliment the architectural style of your home such as arched windows, long single-panel windows, cathedral, multi-pane, and more.

For help and suggestions finding the right garage door style and material type for your home, you can schedule a consultation with us and we’ll help you find the right fit for your home.

Why garage doors are a great investment

Purchasing a new garage door can be a pretty big investment for many homeowners, but a new door will increase the value of your home while improving the curb appeal of your home.

Year after year, garage doors have continued to rank among the top home improvements for ROI. According to Remodeling Magazine 2020 Cost vs Value Report, a new garage door allows a homeowner to recoup 94% of the total cost involved with a new garage door installation.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 16% of realtors encourage home sellers to replace their garage door, which is the second-highest exterior remodeling project after roofing.

How a new garage door can save you money

Insulated garage doors have an R-value attributed to them that refers to the rate at which they transfer heat. High R-values transfer heat more slowly than lower numbers. A door’s R-value depends on the material, how thick the door is, and the type of insulation being used.

An insulated garage door can help reduce the rate at which heat is transferred into your garage during the summer months. During the winter, your garage will retain heat and keep your garage warmer. This can result in about a 10 to 15-degree difference between outside temperatures and the temperature of your garage.

Attached garages with rooms adjacent to it are the ones most affected and can help reduce energy consumption used when heating or cooling the room.

Conclusion

A brand new garage door will help elevate the curb appeal of your home as well as its value. Choosing the right garage door for your home will be a worthwhile investment in raising the value of your home, while also ensuring your home gets the protection it needs.

Now is the time to make the move towards a new garage door, and GDS Garage Door Services is here to help. We have 24/7 emergency garage door repair, and we are also ready to help you make major changes at any time you want. Give us a call at (760) 994-4805.