What’s new in the world of garage doors?

When it’s 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 still work and, like you, I won’t buy anything new until the one I have is completely dead, and yes, I realize the consequences of waiting until the last minute before replacing it, you you will end up in a rush to replace the item, make a hasty decision and regret it for the next 5 years, i do the same as you guys, even though i know better. The difference is that when your dryer goes out, you can probably do 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 over the next week or so.

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

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 steel slab doors The older style we have here in California is slowly but surely being replaced with the newer styles of sectionals, drive down most streets and you will see more of these than any other type of door, whereas in 1990 it was the opposite, but as sure as the seasons and weather conditions. change… this effect has taken its toll on 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 “Flush” panel design 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 fit more with the “Ranch” or (long panel) design or even the “Colonial” or (short panel). ) from the 80s, in any case, the designs and colors of the panels are now at the forefront of new trends.

Next on the list would be what the doors are made of, new materials and designs are being used such as fiberglass, vinyl and insulated steel have far surpassed wooden garage doors these days though the basic steel door continues to be 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 inside than wood and with this type of material 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 summer heat out and 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. Exterior and are available in a multitude of panel designs, this is a rapidly increasing trend, especially in excessively hot areas like Arizona and Nevada, as well as the cold Northeastern states.

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 spread far enough apart when operating to allow fingers to get pinched. Amarr Garage Doors currently has by far the best design. Other manufacturers have had various other safety features to prevent fingers from getting pinched on the rollers or caught in the tracks, but the main issue has always been the type of finger injuries on the sections.

Long story short…the garage door industry is moving forward and keeping up with technology to the best of its ability, providing consumers (who are in no rush to buy the first and cheapest thing on offer) a variety of styles, colors, security features, and options that weren’t previously available, so when it’s time to shop for the item that possibly takes up as much as 40% of your home’s front appearance, you now know there are plenty of ways to go about it. Enhance that look when your garage door finally needs to be replaced.

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