Garage doors can be the unsung heroes of a home’s curb appeal. As one of the first things people see when driving by, a well-chosen and maintained garage door can make eyes pop and heads turn. But beyond aesthetics, garage doors serve as the gateway to a space that often reflects our lifestyles and passions. For some, the garage is a sanctuary for their most treasured possessions, housing gleaming cars, or an impressive array of tools. Others transform their garages into bustling home gyms or tranquil escape areas away from the hustle and bustle of the main house. Yet, for many, a garage is a practical necessity, providing a secure passage to and from their car, and acting as an additional barrier to keep intruders at bay. So, looking to customize your garage in St. Louis? Here are some things to consider before getting started!
Choose the Material
Choosing the right material for your new garage door is an essential task, and it can be quite interesting, too. You have a range of materials to consider, each with its own unique attributes.
Some of the most common materials for garage doors are:
- Steel: Durable, warp-resistant, and customizable in color and texture. Low-maintenance with a sleek, modern look.
- Wood: Classic, customizable in size and design, requires regular maintenance. Ideal for a rustic or vintage aesthetic.
- Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, suitable for large garages. A variety of styles and finishes complements modern architecture.
- Fiberglass: Dent-resistant, rust-free, and long-lasting. Can mimic wood and allow natural light into the garage.
Each of these materials offers unique benefits and aesthetic options, so you can choose one that best fits your home’s style, and your personal preferences. Always consider factors like durability, maintenance, cost, and insulation properties when selecting the material for your garage door.
Select a Color and Finish
Choosing the right color for your exterior elements, such as a garage door, is crucial as it brings the entire look of your home together. It’s a reflection of your style and taste – you can decide whether you want it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the house or make a bold statement that stands out. Always consider the existing colors and materials of your home’s exterior when making your selection to ensure overall harmony and balance.
- Black and White: A timeless combination, perfect for modern farmhouse exteriors. The stark contrast between a black garage door and a white exterior offers a sophisticated and elegant look.
- Navy Blue and White: This classic combo never goes out of style. Navy blue doors against a white backdrop create a fresh and inviting look that’s perfect for coastal or cottage-style homes.
- Forest Green and Beige: For those who prefer a more natural look, a deep forest green garage door against a beige exterior blends well with outdoor environments, and gives your home a cozy, rustic appeal.
- Warm Beige or Taupe: These neutral colors can complement various exterior materials, like stone or wood, creating a warm, cozy appearance.
- White and Gray: This trend is gaining traction. The chic, modern combination of white and gray can instantly boost your curb appeal.
- Walnut Brown: For a dramatic yet warm look, consider a deep, walnut brown door. It’s less harsh than black, but still adds an element of drama.
Remember, the color you choose for your garage door should complement your home’s overall aesthetic. Whether you want your garage door to blend in or stand out is a personal choice that will tie the whole look together.
For example, we recently renovated a home in St. Louis, where the homeowners chose a walnut brown with black trim door. It perfectly complemented the white exterior of the home, giving a modern twist on a classic color contrast.
Pick the Right Windows and Panels
Garage doors serve more than just a functional purpose; they can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Incorporating windows into your garage door design not only elevates its visual appeal but also invites natural light into your garage, transforming it into a welcoming space.
There are numerous window and panel styles to choose from, each bringing a unique aesthetic to your garage. You have the flexibility to select from a variety of decorative window styles to give your home a distinctive look. These windows typically come with double-strength glass for added durability.
The orientation of your garage door panels is another consideration. Options include vertical, horizontal, or herringbone panels, with vertical panels being particularly favored due to their traditional appeal.
Window styles range from Art Deco, Tuscany, Colonial, to Prairie-style windows. Each style exudes its own charm and can complement various architectural designs. For instance, the colonial window design radiates a timeless elegance.
Among the most popular styles of garage doors with windows is the carriage style. This style offers a traditional look that can complement any home. Additionally, there are specific panel styles, such as traditional, raised, contemporary, and carriage panel garage doors.
Level of Insulation
The level of insulation in a garage door is highly customizable and plays a crucial role in maintaining the temperature and energy efficiency of your garage. This is particularly beneficial for residents of St. Louis, where the climate varies significantly throughout the year.
Garage door insulation is customizable and crucial for temperature control and energy efficiency, especially in varying climates like St. Louis. Insulation options range from single-layer (uninsulated) to triple-layer (maximum insulation with added steel backing).
Choosing the right insulation can maintain a comfortable garage temperature, reduce energy costs, and protect stored items. Raynor garage doors offer superior insulation, such as the “ThermaSeal” line with an 18.3 R-value. At Mosby, our licensed professionals are trained to install these doors properly.
Increase the Safety
When it comes to home safety, your garage should be a primary consideration. It’s not just a storage space for your vehicles but also a frequent entry and exit point for family members, including young children. Depending on the dynamics of your household, extra safety measures might be necessary. For instance, if you have young ones who often play near the garage, or if it’s used frequently for moving large objects in and out, customizing the safety features of your garage door can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enhance security.
The first feature to consider is the automatic reversal. This is designed to prevent accidents by making the door reverse its course if it detects an object in its path while closing.
Another noteworthy safety feature is motion-detecting lights. These lights switch on automatically whenever they detect movement in or around your garage, providing visibility during the night, or in low-light situations.
A manual release mechanism is a crucial safety feature that allows you to manually open or close your garage door in case of a power outage or malfunction. While customization options for this feature may be limited, you can choose from various types based on ease of use and security. For instance, some models come with a lockable, quick-release mechanism that can be disconnected from outside the garage for emergency access.
Make it Smarter
Making your garage smarter is not just a trend, but also a practical way to make your life easier. One of the first steps towards a smarter garage is integrating your garage door with smart home technology.
A smart garage door allows you to control and monitor it remotely using a smartphone app. This means you can open or close your garage door from anywhere, at any time. This feature is incredibly convenient, especially if you often forget to close your garage door, or need to let someone in while you’re not home. Plus, being able to monitor your garage door can provide reassurance that your home is secure.
Another feature that can significantly upgrade your garage’s convenience and security is a keyless entry system. This system allows you to open your garage door using a keypad code or biometric scanner, eliminating the need for traditional keys. This means you won’t have to worry about losing your keys or getting locked out.
Lastly, consider installing a battery backup system for your garage door. Power outages can happen at any time, and without a backup system, you might find yourself unable to open or close your garage door. Having a battery backup ensures your garage door can still operate during power outages. This can be a lifesaver, especially in emergency situations where you need to use your vehicle.
Talk to a Licensed Professional
Hiring a licensed professional for garage door installation in St. Louis is crucial. A professionally installed garage door ensures safety and security while adding to the aesthetic appeal and property value of your home. Our professionals at Mosby are meticulous, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries related to improper installation. Their licensing is a testament to their training, knowledge, and skill set.
Professional garage door installation also offers other benefits, including durability and enhanced home security. While DIY projects can be appealing, garage door installation is best left to licensed professionals. Their expertise guarantees a high-quality, safe, and durable installation that boosts your home’s value and security. In St. Louis, Mosby Building Arts is a trusted provider of customizable garage installations!