- installation “Make sure the door is properly installed and maintained,”says Bette Davies. “Installation isn’t a regulated profession yet. For safety reasons, use a reputable company that carries a recognized door brand.”
- insulation The higher the R value of the door’s insulated core, the more protection from noise and the elements. “Garage use is changing. For a lot of people, it’s not just a place for your car, but a workshop or even extra living space,” says Jean-François Morin of Garaga. “So people are asking for increased insulation – R14 or more – and better weatherstripping to make it more comfortable.” If you use your garage as a workspace, or have a living space over or attached to it, consider a higher R value to save energy and increase comfort.
- safety Most automatic door openers retract if they sense an obstruction, but you might also want finger guards to prevent pinched fingers. Hire a professional installer – steel doors especially can be dangerous if they fall down.
- door openers While a ½-horsepower opener will operate all but the largest and heaviest door, it may not last as long as a ¾-horsepower model. At the higher end, in-line openers dispense with chains and have fewer moving parts, so they make less noise. “Some newer automatic openers include track drive, which uses a nylon track and is quieter,” says Philip Coleman of RONA.
- security According to Philip, there are now some good security features available: a keypad that allows your kids to enter the house through the garage without a key; handleless doors to foil thieves; remotes that change frequencies easily, so only you can program the door.
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