5 Tips on Choosing a Hormann Garage Door
When you consider installing a garage door for your house, many contractors will recommend that you get a Hormann. The popularity is perhaps due to the company’s wide range of wooden garage door models, which are best suited for home use. However, before driving off to the builder’s depot and picking out one that “looks nice,” there are a few practical things you should take note about your home and how the door will fit into the picture. Consider these tips:
1. Take Some Vital Measurements – This will help you decide on how the door should open and close. Some door models, particularly the swing-up (or tilt-up) types, will take up a certain amount space when opening and closing. A swing-up garage door will need some horizontal clearance in and outside the garage. A roll-up model requires less space. However, both swing-up and roll-up types will require a certain amount of ceiling clearance. Take note of the available area between the ceiling and the roof of your car. Measure too the space from the door to the closest objects in its path (such as from the back of the car when it is parked inside or any shelves that line the walls). Fumbling with the measuring tape? Hormann representatives and professional installers will gladly help you assess what type of door would fit best.
2. Understand the Garage’s Purpose – Garages today have evolved into a storage room, a work area and tool shed, an artist’s studio, a gym, a hobby den, and sometimes even a cellar. Determine what else is done in the garage. This will help you decide if you would like to bring in more natural light via windows. Perhaps a roll-up door will allow for more activity space and storage area in and outside the garage.
3. It’s About People Too – The door may look breathtakingly high-tech but keep in mind that it should be user-friendly too. Think about who will do the regular maintenance, who uses the garage most often, who holds the remote opener. The technological features must match the user. Check also for special safety features if you have pets, children or seniors in your household.
4. Get a Feel of the Climate – Garage doors come in various materials. However, some materials may not hold up to the weather in your location. Fiberglass doors will crack during the cold, harsh winter months. If you opt for a wooden garage door, look into the design details and see how it will hold up to changes in humidity.
5. Draw Inspiration From the Rest of the House – The garage door, given its size relative to the walls, will definitely draw a good deal of visual attention. And many have made the mistake of picking out a door design that does not quite tie in with the rest of the house. Take pictures of the design of your front door, or any architectural detail from the windows, the porch, or the roof. Bring these photos to the store or keep them handy when you browse through the Hormann catalog. Look for a perfect match in terms of color, panel design and other similar details. An automated garage door is essential in protecting your car, and in certain cases, one of the entryways into your home. But while the charm of a wooden door will initially take you in, it is always important to consider the practical aspects when choosing a particular model.
Henry Baldwin is a garage door expert and a contributing author for Garage Door Superstore. For more tips and information about Horman, check out wooden garage doors.