What’s new in the world of garage doors?

When it comes time to rethink replacing an appliance in your home, many people wonder…what’s new? Is that fancy new clothes dryer more efficient now? What about the new flat screen TVs and microwave ovens…what’s new?

Well my dryer, TV and microwave are still working and just like you I won’t buy anything new until the one I have is completely dead and yes I do realize the consequences of waiting until the last minute before replacing it, you you will end up in a hurry to replace the item, make a hasty decision and regret it for the next 5 years, I do the same as you guys though I know better. The difference is that when your dryer goes out, you can probably go without it for a week or two… after all, there’s still the option of hanging clothes. If your TV fails, well, it’s been a while since I’ve read a good book anyway and what about that microwave? Well, I guess dinner will take a little longer to cook for the next week or so.

However, if your garage door comes off, your car could actually be stuck in the garage. Can you spend a week without a car? So I’m posting this article for those who read it to let you know what’s going on in the garage door world right now.

Naturally the trend of the last 10-15 years or better when it comes to garage doors is the “steel sectional” door, many of you have probably noticed in your own neighborhoods that one piece slab doors of The old style we have here in California is slowly but surely being replaced with the newer styles of sectionals, drive down most streets and you’ll see more of these than any other type of door, whereas in 1990 it was just the opposite, but as safe as the seasons and weather conditions. change… this effect has made a dent in the wooden doors of the past. Now that we are fast approaching 2012, the trends for new doors are leaning towards different pattern styles such as the old school “Carraige House” look or the more modern contemporary panel design “Flush” or even the ultra modern” Full View” or (all window), but keep in mind that not all homes have the look to accommodate one of these three door styles, some homes are more suited to the “Ranch” or (long panel) or even the “Ranch” layout. “Colonial” or (short panel). ) from the 1980s, in any case, panel designs and colors are now at the forefront of new trends.

Next on the list would be what the doors are made of, new materials are being used and designs such as fiberglass, vinyl and insulated steel have far outpaced wood garage doors these days though the basic steel door is still the market leader. just based on price and availability, but for those looking for a higher end stained grade wood sectional garage door, it would really be worth taking a closer look at the fiberglass models, they look like stained wood, they are expensive like wood but that is where the similarities end, these fiberglass doors are fully insulated and have a metal backing, which looks much better indoors than wood and with these types of materials they will last much longer than any wood product, but they have limited sizes available.

Vinyl is also another material used for garage doors, they are hard to find and very expensive, but they are an option for those who live on the beach, (vinyl doors) are insulated and have a flush vinyl backing, but I’m only aware of one manufacturer that currently makes them, and like I said, they’re expensive.

The most practical way to do it is “insulated steel”. These doors keep the summer heat out and the winter heat in, as well as reduce street and operating noise and are a relative bargain for the benefits, they look good inside and out. The exterior and are available in a multitude of panel designs, this is a rapidly growing trend, especially in areas of excessive heat like Arizona and Nevada, as well as in the cold states of the Northeast.

Garage door “safety features” are another emerging trend, such as “pinch-resistant” panels so those who operate the door by hand don’t get caught between sections. The various manufacturers have approached this in different ways and designs. due to patent rights and such, but the main issue here is getting the sections to not come apart enough when operating to allow fingers to pinch. Amarr Garage Doors currently have by far the best design. Other manufacturers have had various other safety features to prevent fingers from being pinched by the rollers or caught in the tracks, but the main problem has always been the type of finger injuries in the sections.

To summarize… the garage door industry is moving forward and keeping up with technology as best it can, providing consumers (who are not in a hurry to buy the first and cheapest thing offered) with a variety of styles, colors, safety features, and options that weren’t available before, so when it comes time to buy the item that could possibly take up to 40% of your home’s frontage, you now know there are plenty of ways to do it. enhance that look when your garage door finally needs replacing.

Next week I will cover the newest trends for garage door openers. That will be a real eye opener, so stay tuned.