Guide to Garage Doors
Garage doors are an essential part of any home with a garage or old-fashioned carriage house. Today making garage doors is a large industry and there are many different types of doors. Materials can range from recycled wood to steel and custom wood. Styles vary widely from simple residential applications to elaborate custom doors. Safety is an important part of all garage door applications, and modern garage door systems have features to keep users safe. It is a good idea for homeowners to consider what type of door matches their needs and desires.
Manufacturers have started producing garage doors made from 100% recycled wood fiber as consumers have expressed a desire for more sustainable products. Unused wood from mills is recycled and covered with exterior grade resin and wax to create solid and beautiful panels. These garage doors are also durable and capable of resisting moisture, splitting, warping and cracking. These doors come in a variety of styles to fit most residential applications.
Steel garage doors have long been used for durability and affordability. Little maintenance is required on the doors, and they can last a lifetime. Another benefit is that steel doors can come with a textured and embossed wood finish to emulate the look of real wooden doors without the cost.
Wood garage doors still hold great appeal for many people. The look, touch and custom beveling, routing and relief work cannot be replicated in another material. Further, several different types of wood can be used, each with its own aesthetic qualities. A finely finished wood door is strong and has looks that can make a distinctive addition to a home.
For those living in a cold climate, garage doors are available with extra insulating qualities. The best design for thermal insulation is metal panels on the inside and outside filled with insulation. The insulation is a polyurethane product that contains no CFC’s (Chloroflourocarbons), which are detrimental to the environment. Thermal seals are also fitted between the paneled sections to help minimize air infiltration. The outer surface of these doors is generally strengthened to help resist corrosion. R-values as high as 17.50 can be attained with this type of garage door.
Modern garage door owners can have peace of mind thanks to two main safety features. One is an infrared beam that spans between the lower parts of the doorway of the garage. The door will reverse direction if anything passes through the beam while the door is closing. The other is a contact reverse feature. If the garage door comes in contact with anything while it is closing, it will reverse direction.
Modern garage doors can vary widely in style and price to meet the needs and budget of any buyer. Garage doors can be simple and functional, or elaborate and made to resemble the look of old-fashioned carriage house doors. Simple steel door installations are usually quite affordable. More elaborate doors can include more ornate patterning, windows and even custom metal handles and hinges. These can cost quite a bit more, but provide a great addition to the home that will be enjoyed for years.
Martin Troughton is an expert in home improvement. If you want more information about varieties of garage doors or are searching for a reputable garage doors company please visit http://www.anglianhome.co.uk
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