A garage door is a long-lasting investment that will serve your home for many years to come. While selecting the right garage door is exciting, we understand that it can also feel a bit overwhelming. At McLeod County Garage Doors, serving Hutchinson, MN, and surrounding areas, we're here to help you navigate through the process and ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident, informed decision.
In our residential garage door guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider before making your purchase. From the fun aspects like color and design to more practical considerations, such as insulation and security, we’ve got you covered. Let’s find the perfect garage door for your home in the McLeod County area!
Is it worth it?
Increase the value of your home
Garage door replacement has an average Return on Investment of 102.7%.
When buying a home, 80% of buyers consider the garage as a decision influencer.
70% of realtors agree that a new garage door helps sell a home faster.
Quality where it counts
On average, you open/close your garage door 1,500 times per year.
Garage doors take up 30% of the average home’s exterior.
Additional cost savings
An insulated garage can help homeowners save up to 20% on annual heating and cooling costs.
Find your style
Select a residential garage door that complements both your personal style and the overall architecture of your home. Since this door is likely to last for over twenty years, choose one that you’ll be happy with for the long term. If you're purchasing a new door to enhance your home's appeal for sale, consider opting for a more neutral style that will attract potential buyers, even if it’s different from your personal preference.
Pick a color
When choosing a garage door, look for brands that offer a wide range of color options, like ours, as standard to give you plenty of choices. Some brands even feature artificial wood tones as part of their main collection, providing an alternative to solid colors like our sleek black garage doors. These wood-like finishes mimic popular wood varieties and, when done well, can look incredibly realistic.
If you’re after something truly unique, some brands offer custom color options. Just be sure to ask about the cost, as custom colors are often more expensive.
Need help finding the perfect color? Here are a few questions to guide you:
What is the primary color of my home? You have two main options here: choose a garage door color that either contrasts or matches the primary color of your home. We recommend going for a contrasting color unless you’re aiming for a more monochromatic look. Also, try to avoid mixing warm and cool tones, as they may not blend well together.
Do I want my garage door to match my front door? We suggest matching the color of your garage door to your front door for a cohesive look. However, if your garage is located far from the front door, isn’t visible from the street, or if you’re open to experimenting with color, feel free to mix things up!
Can I see the color in different lighting? Selecting the right color can be tricky, especially when shopping online. Since digital screens can display colors differently, it’s always best to view the color on a sample or in person on an actual door. If you’re just browsing for ideas, online sources are great to start with. Look at product listings and customer reviews with photos, or check social media to see how the door looks in different environments and lighting conditions.
Once you're ready, request color samples to ensure the color matches the way you'd like. If you cant find an exact color be sure to reach out and ask about our custom color painting options! We want you to express yourself when choosing the correct garage door and that's why we offer custom paint options!
Glass
When it comes to choosing the right glass for your garage door, the possibilities are endless. You can add glass virtually anywhere on the door, whether it's in any panel or section, allowing for a design that's truly customizable. From full-view sections that offer a modern, open feel to slim-fit windows that provide a more subtle touch, there's an option to match every style. With a wide variety of lengths, materials, and glass types, the choices are practically limitless.
In addition to enhancing the appearance of your garage door, incorporating glass can increase your return on investment (ROI) by boosting curb appeal and functionality. Glass allows natural light to flood into your garage, creating a brighter and more inviting space.
At McLeod County Garage Doors, we also offer custom glass designs and colors upon request. If our standard options don’t perfectly meet your needs, we can create something unique just for you.
Materials
Garage Doors are generally made from:
Steel
Wood
Aluminum
When selecting the materials for your garage door, you'll primarily choose between steel, wood, and aluminum. Each material comes with its own set of pros and cons, and the best choice often depends on your location and environment. That’s why it's important to consult with a professional to ensure you select the material that will perform best for your specific needs.
If you're in the Hutchinson, MN area, McLeod County Garage Doors is here to help. Reach out to us at:
Phone: 320-300-0370
We’re happy to assist you in making the right choice for your home.
Door Construction
When it comes to the construction of your garage door, you have several options to choose from, starting with the thickness of the panel. The most common panel thicknesses are 1-1/2" to 2", though some options offer panels as thick as 3".
Note: For doors longer than 16’, we always recommend using a 2" thick panel or thicker to ensure durability and proper performance.
Once you've decided on the thickness, the next step is to determine if insulation is right for your garage door. There are three primary types of insulated doors to consider:
Pan Door (Uninsulated)A "Pan" door is an uninsulated option. It features open-faced construction and no insulation, making it the most budget-friendly choice. However, it’s typically not as durable or energy-efficient as the other options.
Vinyl Back Insulated DoorThis type of door is essentially a "Pan" door with a polystyrene insulation pad stuck to the back side of the door. While this offers some insulation, it doesn't have a full backing to the insulation, which means it provides limited energy efficiency compared to other options.
Sandwich Insulated DoorA "Sandwich Insulated" door is a top-tier option for energy efficiency and durability. These doors come in two insulation types: Polystyrene and Polyurethane.
Polystyrene Insulation: Typically recommended for those who want better performance than a pan door but don’t necessarily need top-level energy efficiency. This option features a 3-layer construction of Steel + Insulation + Steel, providing enhanced durability and smoother operation compared to pan doors.
Polyurethane Insulation: For the best energy efficiency, look for a door with polyurethane insulation. This insulation offers the highest U-Factor and R-Value, making it ideal for homeowners who prioritize energy savings and a more environmentally friendly solution.
In general, if energy efficiency is a priority, we highly recommend going with a polyurethane-insulated sandwich door. However, if you're looking for a more affordable, yet durable option, the polystyrene-insulated sandwich door is a great choice.
Wind load
When it comes to wind loading for your garage door, it’s important to consult your local area’s codes and regulations. Every state, county, and city has its own specific requirements for wind load ratings on garage doors, which are designed to ensure safety and durability in extreme weather conditions.
Wind load is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your building and increasing the structural strength of your garage door. A properly rated door helps protect your home from potential damage during high winds or storms, offering peace of mind and added security.
To ensure you're meeting the correct wind load specifications for your area, it's always best to work with a professional who can guide you through the local codes and recommend the right door for your needs.
Hardware
Now that you’ve considered the door’s structure, it’s time to think about the "guts" – the hardware. The hardware you choose for your garage door plays a critical role in determining the longevity and efficiency of your door's operation. Some suppliers may offer doors with cheaper hardware to lower the initial cost, but these components are more likely to fail sooner, leading to additional repairs and expenses down the road.
When selecting the right hardware, there are a few key factors to consider:
Environment: The climate and conditions in your area can impact the type of hardware you need. For example, coastal areas may require corrosion-resistant components.
Customizable Operation: Consider how you want the door to operate, whether you're looking for quieter, smoother operation or a more heavy-duty system for frequent use.
Intent with the Garage Door: Whether your garage is a space for a vehicle, a workshop, or additional storage, the hardware should be suited to your specific needs.
At McLeod County Garage Doors, we want your garage door to be as unique as you are! That’s why we offer custom-painted hardware to match your style and preferences.
If you have any questions or need expert advice on choosing the right hardware, don't hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help!
Measure
Now it’s time to measure your garage door opening! Accurate measurements are crucial to ensuring that your garage door fits perfectly. Refer to the diagram below for all the measurements you'll need to gather. Getting the right size for your garage door is one of the most important steps in the process, as any mistakes here can lead to costly mistakes and frustration.
If the measurements are off, it can lead to improper fitment, resulting in wasted time, money, and potentially unsatisfactory results. Because of how critical this step is, we always recommend consulting with a professional to ensure accuracy.
Call us at (320) 300-0370 today, and we’ll be happy to help you get the perfect measurements for your new garage door!
Installation
Now that you’ve selected the perfect garage door, it’s time to install it. However, installing a garage door is not a job for an untrained person. It requires specialized knowledge, tools, and experience. Attempting to install the door yourself can lead to operational issues, potentially causing damage to the door, your property, and even posing safety risks to you and your family.
For these reasons, it’s always best to consult with an expert. Hiring a professional not only ensures that the job is done safely and correctly but also typically comes with additional warranties, giving you peace of mind knowing that the installation is covered.
When you’re ready to have your garage door installed, reach out to McLeod County Garage Doors at (320) 300-0370 to make sure the job is done right the first time!
Opener
Now it’s time to consider garage door openers. If you’re looking to enhance both the functionality and convenience of your garage, upgrading to a new automatic garage door opener can also improve your home’s security. With the latest models available in Hutchinson, MN, there’s a wide variety to choose from. Whether you want improved features, remote access, or enhanced safety features, it’s always best to consult with an expert to ensure you select the right garage door opener for your needs. Contact McLeod County Garage Doors for professional advice and assistance in choosing the perfect opener for your home!
Conclusion
Investing in a garage door is an exciting yet important decision, as it will serve your home for many years to come. At McLeod County Garage Doors, serving Hutchinson, MN, and surrounding areas, we're here to guide you through the entire process—from selecting the perfect door based on style, material, and color, to considering important factors like insulation, wind load, and hardware. Whether you're looking for a door that boosts curb appeal, increases energy efficiency, or meets specific environmental needs, we offer a wide range of options. Our expertise ensures that you'll choose the right garage door that enhances your home’s value, functionality, and security. Plus, with professional installation and custom options available, we’re here to make sure your garage door is a lasting investment that meets your exact needs. When you're ready, give us a call at (320) 300-0370 and let us help you find the perfect fit!
If you're looking to ensure all your garage door needs are met be sure to reach out to McLeod County Garage Doors operating out of Glencoe, MN and Hutchinson, Mn we are ready to serve you! Be sure to reach out TODAY for your FREE Consultation.
Phone: (320) 300-0370
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