Garages protect your car from the elements, store items, and can be turned into an extension of your home. Outfit your garage with lighting, flooring and insulated garage doors. Build in electrical outlets and you have a functional workspace. Add shelves, cabinets, tables, and racks to store and organize your “stuff.”

Install an eye-catching and energy efficient door to give your home curb appeal. Your garage accounts for 25 to 30% of your home, and it should have an architectural style that suits and complements it.

Trends

Today’s garage doors are stronger, better insulated and more attractive than garage doors manufactured ten years ago. Modern garage doors require minimal maintenance and look fantastic. You can choose from garage doors in different styles and colors, featuring a variety of window treatments and accessories. Add high tech openers and controls and you have the perfect entryway to your home.

Insulate your garage door for total home heating and cooling effectiveness. Cut back on energy costs, develop a living or working space, and provide safety for your family with an insulated garage door. If your garage is attached to your home, energy efficiency is especially important. An insulated garage door will keep the cold and heat from your living space.

Research R-values, and ask the manufacturer if the R-value of their garage doors includes the entire door or jut the center panel. Steel doors with polyurethane foam insulation injected between the ribs are the best R-value doors on the market.

You can change the look of your home by changing your garage door. Look for styles that are traditional, cottage or contemporary to find a compatible look. Stand outside and look at your garage door. If your attached garage faces the street, it’s the first part of your home that’s noticed. Three-car garages make up a significant percentage of the front of your home.  

Styles

Garage doors are made with many different materials to choose from now. With new doors, you can create your own showplace.

A current attractive trend is French door-style garage doors. The full-length windows in French door design will elevate your home’s curb appeal. Contact a custom door manufacturer to ensure proper fitting and a smooth opening.

Make your home pop by using a distinct style on the doors of your garage. Grids of small windows can break up a solid expanse. Panels and hardware detail give the doors architectural interest.

Glass garage doors are growing in popularity. Glass panels framed by aluminum accentuate the lines of a modern home and allow light into the garage. If you are afraid a glass garage door will break, don’t worry. Glass garage doors with 2-1/8” aluminum frames have integral reinforcement. (They’re also built for adequate light and privacy. With the help of your preferred garage door dealer, customize glass and panels with design options that include color and finish. Choose an insulated glass, replaceable vinyl bottom weather seal and color-matched hardware, and you’ll  have the perfect garage door for your modern home.  Many different glass door options are available from garage door dealers.

Another popular choice for garage doors is the carriage door. Used centuries ago on carriage houses, these garage doors were a set of barn doors that swung outward on strap hinges. This vintage look combined with modern technology gives your garage door an old world feel with automatic sliding, insulation, and durability. Carriage garage doors can be made from wood and stained to complement your house. They can also be constructed of painted steel or composites.

The trend in garage doors is insulation and choosing doors that are up to current eco standards. Heating and cooling bills will go down depending on the energy efficiency of a garage door. Right now, you can find garage doors made with up to 75% recycled materials.

Curb appeal is at the top of the list when homeowners are searching for elements that can increase a home’s value. A well-designed façade that features a trendy garage door can increase your home’s value by at least 4%.

If you live in a subdivision, be aware that homeowners’ associations (HOAs) may only allow certain garage door styles. Drive around your neighborhood and see what your neighbors have. If you do not see trendy garage doors, check the covenants of your neighborhood.

Explore your options and discover the design possibilities for your home.