Tag: Garage

Garage door paint colour ideas

Post author By Chin Suarez
Post date 6 May 2024

One of the most overlooked aspects of the aesthetic of your home is the colour of your garage door. It takes up a big part of your home’s facade, and having garage door paint colours that complement the rest of your home is essential. You can go with the traditional neutral colours or go from a more exciting colour range.

Whichever colour you paint your new garage door, it’ll change your home’s kerb appeal. It can even transform the look of your entire property, so choose wisely. Here are some garage door paint colour ideas to help your house be the most beautiful in the neighbourhood.

12 Paint colour ideas for your garage door

1. Classic white

a mignight blue suburban home with white garage door — A suburban home with white garage door | Source: iStock

There is no doubt that white is the most common garage door colour, and for a good reason. It pairs well with any style of home and any colour of paint on your home’s exterior, as it works well with other neutral hues and creates a contrast with darker tones and pairs well with a range of vibrant hues.

2. Subtle grey

Grey is another common colour that is cool and chic. It’s neutral with more character than white, but it does need a better eye to pair with. One of the best garage colour combinations is with a black house exterior, as it softens the dark tones and makes it more pleasing to see.

3. Neutral yet bold navy blue

a bold blue garage door in harmony with yellow walls — Bold garage doors for a deep accent | Source: iStock

A classic choice is the traditional navy blue, which fits in with quintessential homes. Its common pairing is with white, but try it out on homes with wooden doors and walls because it provides a stylish, deep accent.

4. Moody black

Garage doors painted black give an edge to your home because they provide a stark contrast to nearly every other paint colour. Painting your garage door black can be tricky, as it can look tacky or mismatched, so you need to be sure of your choice before your paint job.

5. Ultimate neutral beige

a modern beige garage door — Beige for a neutral garage door | Source: iStock

One of the paint colours for garage doors rising in popularity and rivalling white in neutrality is beige or sand. With neutral house paint colours being common and wooden doors being a timeless door material, it’s already a great colour for house trimmings, which is why it has become a top garage door colour.

6. Classic green

Aside from the neutrals, green is seen on many garage doors because it pairs very well with white and wood tones. It’s also a great accent in homes with plenty of greenery, making it a good choice for those who want to give the illusion of extending their landscaping or garden to the garage.

7. Natural brown

a traditional house with brown garage door — A traditional garage door painted brown | Source: iStock

If you have wood doors in your home, it’s a great idea to create a cohesive look by painting your garage door in the same shade of brown. The matching set enhances the overall appearance of your property and elevates its look.

8. Stand-out red

Homeowners bold enough can consider red as their garage colour to make a striking statement. It’s one of those colours that pop against any other colour, but for a cohesive look, pair it with more subdued warm tones or neutrals to balance the boldness.

9. Cute pink and peach

soft peach garage door colour — Experiment with a playful garage door colour | Source: iStock

Feeling playful and want an unconventionally fun colour for your garage door? Warm or muted pinks and peaches can go well with sandy-coloured homes. Your mood might feel lighter when you drive into your parking lot.

10. Versatile slate blue

If you love blue but are unsure about navy since you prefer lighter colours, try its more neutral brother: slate blue. This shade is halfway between bold and neutral and perfectly matches homes with cool-toned aesthetics.

11. Shiny silver

an automated metallic garage door colour idea — When in doubt, try metallic garage doors | Source: iStock

Go for the traditional metallic garage door and paint it silver. While modern roller doors aren’t made with shiny metals anymore, it might still be fun to paint them shiny to give your home an old-school, classic look.

12. Sunny and bright yellow

Make your garage door a point of brightness in your house exterior by painting it a sunny colour like yellow! Be careful, though, as this colour can quickly look out of place. It’s best to stick to pairing it with whites and other neutrals.

6 tips when choosing a colour and painting your garage door

Choose a colour that matches the aesthetic of your home. Whether you go for a monochromatic scheme or a fun complementary colour, it’s important to match the colours to make your home more cohesive.
Take into account the other architectural details of your house in the painting process. The trimmings, the driveway gate, and the roof can be a good way to determine what colour your garage door should be.
The climate and environment of your surroundings should impact your colour decision. For example, dark colours can make your garage feel hot inside, whilst lighter colours can keep the temperature normal or cooler than using a dark colour.
Select the right kind of paint for your door. You need paint that will adhere properly, so choose one that is appropriate for your garage door’s surface and will withstand the elements.
Keep the rest of your property safe from paint that might drip or bleed into them. Most importantly, use painter’s tape around the trimmings of your garage door to ensure the paint job is clean.
If your garage door already has old paint, you must take some precautions before repainting. Besides the usual sanding and cleaning, repainting garage doors might require scraping off the previous paint first, as paint for garage doors is notoriously thick. You can always get a garage door expert or a painter to do this for you!

Get a beautiful paint job on your garage doors

Your garage door paint colour might seem like a tiny detail, but it’s a huge part of your curb appeal and can make you stand out in your neighbourhood. From neutrals like white and sand to bright and bold reds and silvers, bring out your home’s character by giving the garage door a fresh coat of paint.

Painting garage doors is a project that you might be able to do yourself, but if you’re unsure about the right garage door colour or how to go about garage door painting, you can always call a professional painter. They know how to amp up your home’s exteriors and have all the right tools to do the job right for the right price!

FAQs on painted garage door colours

What kind of paint do you use on a garage door?

For wooden and vinyl garage doors, it would be best to use latex paint because it adheres best to the material. However, acrylic paint is the best paint for metal garage doors. Each of these materials also has its own primer that helps in the application, so be sure to pick up some.

Should garage doors be painted flat or gloss?

We should remember that paint is not only for aesthetics. It is also functional! Glossy or semi-glossy paint finishes better than matte paint and lets your garage door withstand the elements better. It also holds up for longer without getting chipped or needing reapplication.

Is it a good idea to paint a metal garage door?

With the right primer and paint, a metal garage door is just as easy to paint as the other types. Get a primer to protect it from rust, as this is a common problem for metal garage doors with their exposed surfaces. Acrylic paint adheres properly to the metal, so it is the optimal choice for all metal garage door paint colours. Black, white, red and blue are all common painting colours for a steel garage door.

What colour should the garage door frame be painted?

Ideally, you’d want to pair the frame with your garage door’s surface. However, as it is a trimming, it is also an opportunity to shake things up. Try matching it with a complementary colour to make your garage door pop.

What colour should I use to paint a garage door with red brick?

Red brick homes are classic and timeless, so pairing them with a garage door colour that is equally timeless is essential. Go for neutrals that will make the brick in your home stand out — making your garage door a necessary accessory to your home’s aesthetic.

Tags DIY painting, Garage, Garage doors, Painting

Construction

Exposed aggregate concrete driveways

Post author By Alex
Post date 12 October 2020

What is exposed aggregate concrete?

Exposed aggregate concrete, also known as pebblecrete, is concrete that has stones or pebbles set into its surface. When this type of concrete is used for a driveway, it creates a durable, non-skid surface. It can withstand lots of heavy snow, rain and ice, blazing hot direct sunlight and any other type of extreme weather. An exposed concrete driveway made with aggregates lasts for years, and it requires very little maintenance. Property owners who want an array of colour choices for their driveways would benefit from the options available with exposed aggregate concrete.

Benefits of an exposed aggregate concrete driveway?

Durable

An exposed aggregate driveway is durable enough to handle years of regular automobile traffic without showing tire marks or falling apart because of the vehicles’ weight.

Watertight

Exposed aggregate driveways have been a popular choice in Australia since the 1960s because they are watertight and rain, snow and ice cannot penetrate their surface.

Resistant to temperature changes

Another reason property owners in Australia choose an aggregate concrete driveway is its ability to withstand dramatic temperature changes and not fall apart.

Better grip

Many Australians who have steep driveways choose this type of pebbled concrete because its texture gives vehicles improved traction.

More visually appealing than regular concrete

The different types of textures, colours and effects this pebbled concrete can create are plentiful. They include a glossy quartz finish or coloured glass in chic neutrals, rose pink, emerald green and other bold hues and aesthetic options.

A driveway made from beige exposed concrete — An exposed concrete driveway / Source: GCM Concrete

Is exposed aggregate concrete more expensive than standard concrete?

A square metre of standard concrete costs between $60 and $85 to install. The cost of a square metre of exposed aggregate concrete is between $100 and $150 to install. But the exposed aggregate concrete often ends up being better value for money in the long run. Its installation costs are higher; however, its maintenance costs are lower. Plus, pebblecrete is more versatile, durable, stylish, attractive, maintenance-free, stain resistant, watertight and highly decorative than standard concrete. As such, it adds more value to your property. It’s colourful, improves traction, has a unique texture, is more aesthetically pleasing and can last for as long as 40 years.

How is an exposed aggregate concrete driveway created?

Creating an aggregate concrete driveway is a relatively simple process. It would help if you had a few supplies, including:

Cement
Aggregate
Trowels
Wood or aluminium framing material
Good hose and water supply
Buckets for pebbles
Broom with medium firm bristles
Edging tool

Step-by-step guide

Prepare and frame the area into which the aggregate cement driveway is to be poured.
Mix and pour the concrete. Make sure the concrete is firm enough so the pebbles you add won’t sink.
Use the trowel to level and smoothen the concrete.
Seed the soft but firm concrete with multicoloured pebbles.
Press the pebbles into the concrete to the depth you want using the trowel to keep the surface flat
Give the concrete about 8 hours or so to firm up and set. When the concrete does not stick to your hand when you touch it, then it’s set and ready for the next step.
Use your water hose and the broom to gently remove the top layer of concrete and expose the pebbles in the aggregate. Keep the brushing light and the water to a minimum as not to dislodge the pebbles.
Apply a finish coating to seal the concrete and let the concrete aggregate cure for a month or so before you begin using the driveway. This ‘locks in’ the pebbles and makes the surface a lot stronger. This type of exposed concrete driveway not only looks great and can last for years, but it can also increase the value of your property.

Contact local concreting experts

Who would benefit from an exposed aggregate concrete driveway?

A pebblecrete driveway can benefit any homeowner who is looking for a walkway, driveway, another surface that’s durable, long-lasting and has unique designs. People choose exposed aggregate concrete because it is highly customizable, can create subtle or bold effects that are distinct and come in many textures and colours. It is a versatile aesthetic option that’s bound together with concrete that can be tinted, so it matches any property. Chunks of polished glass can be put in the aggregate to add in luminescence and make an elegant design statement. Plus, aggregate reduces concrete’s susceptibility to spalling and makes it more robust and able to withstand dramatic temperature changes. A pebbled concrete driveway can also help to improve traction in humid and wet conditions.

A garden path made from grey exposed concrete — Exposed aggregate concrete can also be used for pathways / Source: Kas Concrete

How to hire a concreter

When you want to install an exposed concrete driveway, make sure the person you hire has the proper qualifications and meets all of Australia’s licensing requirements. Not just any mason has the training, qualifications, expertise and experience to install the concrete driveway finishes like aggregate concrete. Talk to friends and neighbours who have had attractive concrete driveway finishes with the aggregate pebbles in it done and ask them for references. Many of the local concreter trade organizations and associations may also be able to refer some adequately licensed and qualified concreters in your area with expertise and experience doing pebbled concrete driveway finishes.

Tags Concrete driveway, Driveway paint, Garage, Outdoor projects

Walls & flooring

Epoxy coating a garage floor

Post author By Alex
Post date 16 September 2020

Ever stepped on a rusty nail in your garage? Or perhaps you’ve got oil stains that just won’t budge? Say goodbye to these problems because epoxy coating is the ultimate solution for a tough, durable, and good-looking garage floor. This post will walk you through the entire process of epoxy coating your garage floor, from prep to finish, along with some handy tips to ensure a great result.

What is epoxy coating?

Garage floor epoxy coatings work well for many garage floors, and for good reason. They’re basically a two-part system—a resin and a catalyst, usually a polyamine hardener—that mix together to form a tough, durable finish. The epoxy resin bonds with the concrete, creating a seamless, stain-resistant surface that’s easy to clean and looks great.

Plus, you can choose from various colours and finishes to match your garage’s style.

How do epoxy coatings work?

applying epoxy coating on garage floor starting from the sides — Grey epoxy coating for the garage floors | Source: iStock

An epoxy floor covering forms a robust chemical bond with the surface they’re applied to, creating a durable, protective seal. When you mix epoxy resin and hardener, the chemical reaction causes them to harden and cure. This process allows the epoxy to penetrate the pores of concrete, masonry, or other substrates, locking it in place for long-lasting protection.

The result is a garage coating impervious to different elements, including heat, corrosive chemicals, UV rays, abrasions, scuff marks, and general wear and tear. This makes it an excellent choice for transforming tired concrete into a polished, functional and long-lasting surface in garages.

Epoxy coatings also adhere remarkably well to a variety of materials beyond concrete, including fibre, glass, and metal. Their versatility and durability make epoxy an easy choice for homeowners looking to refresh and protect their garage floors.

6 Benefits of epoxy coatings for garage floors

Epoxy coatings for garage floors offer a number of advantages.

garage flooring with epoxy coating — Epoxy floor coating for a garage | Source: iStock

1. Enhanced appearance

An epoxy coating is a significant improvement to the appearance of a garage floor, transforming a plain concrete surface into a sleek and glossy one. The smooth, uniform application creates a polished look that enhances the space’s overall aesthetic.

But that’s not all—you can choose from a variety of colours and finishes, including solid colours, metallic finishes, and even decorative flakes to match your garage’s style.

2. Cost-effective solution

Compared to other flooring options, epoxy-coated garage floors offer great value for money. One application ensures complete coverage and long-lasting durability, eliminating concerns over frequent, costly repairs or replacements. Typically, the cost to epoxy coat a garage floor varies between $5 to $15 per square meter, depending on the epoxy type and project complexity.

3. Exceptional durability

Busy garage? No problem. The tough, abrasion-resistant finish of an epoxy coating can handle heavy foot traffic and the weight of the vehicles, as well as any dropped tools. Epoxy coatings also resist chemicals, oil, and grease, making them ideal for places where you park or perform repairs on those vehicles—exactly what a garage is.

4. Impressive longevity

Epoxy garage floor coatings can last decades. Many homeowners report that epoxy floors still maintain their vibrant colour and pristine condition even after 20 or 30 years. That said, its lifespan varies depending on factors like the epoxy’s quality, the concrete surface’s preparation, and the amount of wear and tear the floor receives.

5. Superior protection

The seamless, impermeable layer of epoxy coating shields concrete floors from various hazards, including chemical spills, oil stains, moisture damage, and heavy impact. Epoxy coatings also create a barrier that hinders moisture from penetrating the concrete, preventing mould and mildew growth.

6. Remarkable resistance

Epoxy coatings are engineered to resist the elements. They can withstand dramatic temperature fluctuations, exposure to corrosive chemicals, and vehicles’ constant weight and movement without compromising their integrity. They also resist UV rays, preventing fading and discolouration over time.

Preparing the garage floor for epoxy coating

It’s a good idea to prepare your garage floor before you apply epoxy coating properly. Here’s a list of materials you’ll need to get started:

Concrete cleaner
A stiff-bristled broom
A pressure washer (optional)
A shop vacuum
A scraper
A patching compound
A concrete etching solution
A paint roller and tray
A paintbrush
Masking tape
Safety glasses and gloves

Applying the epoxy coating

Preparation

If your garage floor isn’t properly prepped, the epoxy won’t adhere properly, and your beautiful new coating won’t last as long. Adequate preparation involves filling all holes, patching damaged areas, removing moisture, and ensuring the concrete is sealed and free of cracks.

Cleaning

The next step is to ensure the concrete is clean and free of dirt, grease, oil, and loose or flaking material.

Vacuum the floor to remove all dust, dirt and debris. Mix a degreasing solution with vinegar or citrus. spray it on oil stains and grease spots, and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. If you’ve got some stubborn stains, a pressure washer can come in handy.

Washing

Etching the concrete with a concrete etching solution helps create a rough surface, allowing the epoxy to bond properly.

Spread an acid solution on the floor evenly and use a stiff-bristled broom to work it into the floor. Leave it for about 10 minutes, then power wash the floor. Once you acid wash and hose down the floor and it’s dry, vacuum it to remove all residue.

Taping

Put painter’s tape or duct tape along the base of the garage door as a boundary within which the epoxy will be applied. Once you tape up the walls and edges, you are ready to paint on the epoxy coating.

Mixing

Improper mixing can lead to an uneven, weak, or brittle finish, so following the manufacturer’s instructions and taking the necessary precautions is essential.

Prepare the mixing area: Choose a clean, well-ventilated area and wear safety glasses and gloves.
Open the containers: Carefully open the epoxy resin and hardener containers, ensuring you have the correct quantities as stated in the product’s instructions.
Pre-mix the resin: Stir the epoxy resin for about a minute using a clean mixing stick or a drill with a stirring bit attached.
Add the hardener: Pour the hardener into the resin container, adding the entire amount.
Thorough blending: Blend the resin and hardener for at least 3 minutes using a drill with a stirring bit attached. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to ensure all the material is blended. Observe the manufacturer’s recommended proportions for the resin and hardener to ensure complete blending. Using incorrect proportions or not mixing thoroughly can result in a weak, brittle, or uneven coating.
Rest time: Once thoroughly mixed, put the lid back on the container loosely and let it sit in the shade for about 30 minutes. The container might feel warm to the touch as the chemicals react.

Cutting

To create a neat border around your garage floor, use a 3-mm paintbrush to apply a 4-mm line of epoxy around the edges of all walls, extending into seams and corners. This “cutting in” step will prevent epoxy from spilling onto the walls and ensure a clean, finished look.

Application

a worker applying epoxy coating on garage floors — Choose a colour you like for your garage | Source: iStock

Now it’s time to roll on the epoxy to your garage flooring!

Grab your paint roller–you can attach it to a longer pole for easier reach–and then dip the roller into the epoxy tray to start. Make sure only the bottom half of the roller is coated.
Start in the corner farthest from the exit, working towards the garage door to avoid stepping on wet epoxy. Apply the epoxy to an area of about 1 square metre using a large “W” pattern, ensuring even coverage and watching for air bubbles. Roll the roller back and forth over the epoxy, filling the entire area without leaving roller marks.
Continue applying the epoxy in corresponding sections until you reach the garage door. Allow each section to dry slightly before moving on to the next.

Remember to work quickly since epoxy cures just as fast. Avoid stepping on wet epoxy by using a piece of plywood or a walking board to move around the garage floor while the epoxy is wet. Keep your roller clean using a solvent or cleaner, as the epoxy manufacturer recommends.

Coating with epoxy flakes

If you’re using epoxy flakes to add a decorative touch to your garage floor, sprinkle them onto each section of wet epoxy. Grab a handful of flakes and sprinkle them liberally over the floor, ensuring even coverage. Some flakes come in containers with shaker tops for easier application.

You might want to practise your sprinkling or shaking technique outside the garage on a tarp before you start. This will help you get a feel for the right amount of flakes to use and avoid over-application. Once you’re comfortable with the technique, carefully sprinkle the flakes onto your wet epoxy and allow the floor to dry completely.

Curing and drying

Epoxy coatings typically take 24-72 hours to fully cure, depending on factors like temperature, humidity, and the type of epoxy used. Warmer temperatures and lower humidity generally speed up the curing process, while cooler temperatures and higher humidity can slow it down.

Avoid walking on the epoxy floor for at least 24 hours to prevent marring the surface and allow the coating to harden entirely. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific curing times and recommendations.

DIY epoxy application or hiring a professional

If you plan to DIY your epoxy garage floor coating, first look at your garage floor and document its current condition. Take photos of any existing cracks, holes, or uneven areas, and even note down any other damage or issues you see. This record will help you track any changes to the floor after you apply the epoxy coating. It could also be helpful if you need to make repairs in the future or if you need to file an insurance claim.

When aiming for a flawless, long-lasting epoxy floor, calling in an experienced professional is often the wisest choice. Professional installers have specialised expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and dedicated manpower to ensure a seamless application process and a superior-quality finish.

Make sure the person you choose to apply the epoxy coating to your garage floor has the proper license and qualifications.

Epoxy for durable garage floors

Epoxy coatings offer a durable, stylish, and versatile solution for garage floor coating, transforming a drab space into a functional and attractive area. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer professional help, epoxy coatings can enhance your garage’s appearance and safeguard it from wear and tear longer.

Before embarking on a DIY project, consider consulting a garage flooring treatment expert in epoxy coatings to ensure you choose the right epoxy and application techniques for your specific needs.

Contact local flooring experts

FAQs about epoxy garage floor coatings

How long does garage floor epoxy last?

Epoxy coatings are known for their durability and longevity. When properly installed, garages with epoxy floors can last for decades without cracking or peeling. The smooth, even surface of an epoxy-coated floor makes cleaning a breeze, as nothing sticks to it.

How many coats of epoxy do you need on garage floors?

Most garage floors require two coats of epoxy for optimal durability and protection. The first coat acts as a primer, while the second coat provides the final finish. However, always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations based on your chosen epoxy product.

How much does epoxy garage floor coating cost?

The cost of epoxy garage floor coating depends on your garage size and type of epoxy. On average, expect to spend between $1 and $5 per square foot for materials and labour.

How do you clean epoxy-coated garage floors?

Start by sweeping or vacuuming loose dirt. For persistent stains, opt for a gentle detergent and a moist mop, steering clear of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to prevent damage to the epoxy surface.

Tags Epoxy flooring, Flooring, Garage, Garage floors

Construction

Different types of garage doors

Post author By Hannah
Post date 4 August 2020

For most homes, the most striking feature is the garage door. It faces the road, it’s by far the largest door, and it may even be attached to a freestanding structure. More than that, your garage door is functional in that it protects your car and other garage contents from the elements and intruders. Here, we’ll explore the common types of garage doors on the market, and whether you should consider them for your home. are the most common types op

Here’s a round up of the most common types of garage doors.

1. Sectional doors

Sectional garage doors are made up of around six to eight segments that retract upward and inward at the same time. When the door is fully open, they lie flat against the ceiling. These are a reliable and durable option – each of the panels has its own connection to the main door track to ensure it’s secure when opened or closed. Repairs can be conducted on just the affected panel, instead of the entire structure.

Another benefit of the sectional door? Because they don’t need to be flung open, the space in front of the door is free to use.

2. Tilt-up garage doors

With this style of door, wide doors open up and when open are parallel to the ground. When they retract, they are flush against the garage ceiling. They come in a wide variety of colours and styles, and are a popular choice as they can be more customisable (e.g. glass panels) than a roller or sectional door. However, because they swing out then up they do require a large amount of clearance space in front of the door.

3. Roller shutter doors

Garage door roller shutters are made from a coated steel panel that smoothly rolls open, providing access to your garage. They are safe, secure and made from top-quality materials like Colorbond steel in a wide range of colours.

Manual or automatic options are available. For the manual option – simply unlock the door and push it open, then pull it down and lock it when you’re done. If you need to retension a roller door or tension a roller garage door, there are resources available on how to retension a roller door or how to tension a roller door for proper operation. The automated option – which is considerably more expensive – operates in the same way, except using a remote control.

Automatic roller shutters also feature an electronic safety beam that detects movement across the width of the garage entranceway. If the beam senses that anything is crossing through this area, it will automatically re-open the door. This safety feature can keep pets and children from getting caught when the door comes rolling down, ensuring your roller door retention remains intact.

4. Side-hinged doors

The oldest type of garage door available is the side-hinge door. In fact, this style predates automobiles. These are fixed at the side, and swing-out like a regular door. While this style takes up more space than a sectional or roller door, they are easy to use and provide a more unusual, vintage aesthetic.

Every type will get the job done, but you might have to eliminate one or two choices depending on the layout of your garage or how much clearance you need in front of the garage to open it. Keep in mind that if you choose any kind of hinge door, you will need to keep a minimum amount of space in front of the door clear so you can open it.

Other considerations when selecting a garage door

Choice of material

It might be true that traditional garage doors were made with flat panel plywood, sheet metal or hollow core for those on a budget, and fibreglass or solid timber for those homeowners willing to splurge, but today you have many more options in a variety of prices. In addition to the choices already listed, they also include powder-coated aluminium and vinyl doors. These are becoming popular for the many choices of colours, their affordability and their durability. Wide tempered glass panels are also gaining popularity – because the panels are in aluminium frames they can also be used indoors to replace sliding glass doors.

Here’s a quick view of the pros and cons of the different types of materials available for your garage door.

Timber: Timber can be painted to any colour you want. While a painted garage door can look striking, it will need regular maintenance.
Steel: A popular choice, it doesn’t require as much upkeep and is more durable than timber.
Aluminium: While these are lightweight and inexpensive, they do have a tendency to dent easily.
Fibreglass: This type isn’t a good choice for cold climates since they don’t have good insulation properties, and they have a tendency to break easily.

When you finally turn to aesthetics, you will be pleasantly surprised by your options. Even standard doors these days are stylish options, as well as being the most economic choice. If you choose to have your garage door completely custom made, it will definitely make a statement on your home, but it might cost you a chunk of change as well. A good middle ground is to choose a semi-custom garage door. This uses standard materials and style options, and you also have your choice of sizes and panel inserts to make it your own.

Manual or automatic?

You will want to decide if a manual or automatic door is the best choice for you. You can find an automatic system for practically any door, but this will cost more money. These can be retrofitted for existing doors or installed on new doors, and are certainly more convenient. An automatic door remote can be connected to a home alarm system, so opening or closing the door turns the alarm on or off automatically. A more logical (and cheaper) solution is to buy the garage door and automatic system together as a package.

Safety & security

One of the most important things a residential garage door must do is offer protection. When you consider purchasing a particular door, make sure that the materials used and the way the door is built for your home security and that there aren’t any weak points that may attract burglars. Also, don’t forget that safety is the most important thing and you should teach your family how to stay safe around the garage door and how to operate it safely.

Check with local council

When building a new garage, you’ll need to double-check local restrictions and what the specifications of an allowable garage might be. Check with your local council or permitting office to determine restrictions and permits before committing any time or money into the project. Permits most often apply for a large garage, one that encroaches on a current easement, one that is attached to a home or one that fails to meet the minimum setback requirements.

Tags Garage, Garage doors, Outdoor projects