Different Types of Garage Doors
Is your garage door cracking, sagging, falling apart and bringing down the appearance of your home?
If so, then maybe its time to replace your garage door with one that not only enhances the appearance of your home, but is easy to operate and maintain!
Your garage door basically serves two major functions aside from aesthetics. It provides extra security for your home as well as protects your vehicle, home and personal belongings from the elements. 
From major thunderstorms, tornadoes to blizzards, Minneapolis-St Paul and the larger twin cities metro area runs the gamut when it come to weather.
Therefore, it’s important to choose wisely when selecting a new garage door. You will need to give special attention to door insulation, door material, door style, door type and door maintenance.
Door Material
Steel doors are the most popular as they provide a hardy barrier against harsh Minnesota weather and freezing temperatures. Wood is also an excellent choice. The technology of wood doors has improved greatly over the years. Wood not only looks great, but also provides a natural insulation against freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Door Style and Options
Doors are typically available in raised panel, recessed panel, ranch or flush designs and can come with grooved or smooth panels, standard glass inserts, decorative inserts and architectural designs.
Wood doors can be customized to high level in finishes and details. Of course, the more you customize the look and function of your garage door, the more the price of your door goes up!
Door Insulation
You can increase your insulation’s R-value by choosing thicker insulation, which costs a bit more. However, the additional expense is usually worth it, especially if you like to spend time in your garage throughout the year. All American Door offers a range of door levels, starting from good to better to best, so that homeowners can choose a door that matches their individual budget, preferences and needs.
- Good - Single layer non-insulated doors are the first level of garage doors. In the industry, we often refer to single sided doors as “pan doors” or “hollow back doors.” This level offers an attractive, affordable and reliable garage door • Non-insulated steel frame construction.
- Better - This level provides a beautiful, energy-efficient garage door• Insulated two-layer steel construction • Insulated R-Value 4.4 – 6.3*
- Best - The premier level offers outstanding durability, appearance, energy-efficiency, performance and safety • Insulated three-layer “sandwich” steel construction • Insulated R-Value 6.6 – 17.2*
Door Type
There are two main types of residential garage doors - sectional doors and one piece doors. For practical purposes All American Door sells primarily sectional garage doors.
Sectional Garage Doors – Consists of four or five sections stacked on top of each other and are hinged together. Sectional doors raise and lower behind a frame and create a better seal against the weather, making them a good choice for Minneapolis-St Paul homes.
One Piece “Kick Out” Doors – Mostly found on the west coast and are considered less desirable for several reasons.
One piece doors were very popular in the sixties and 70′s in certain regions. They are made entirely of one piece of steel which makes them harder to haul, carry and install. One piece doors also have a more primitive spring balance system that is much more dangerous to homeowners.
Door Maintenance
While metal doors are the most resistant to damage from the elements, all doors will deteriorate to some degree if not properly maintained. Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding the maintenance of your garage door:
Look out for dents, dings and scratches when caring for your steel door. Check your garage door each year for any damage that compromises the finish and could cause rust. Wood doors need to be properly sealed and resealed every couple of years. All garage doors need to be protected from water by directing water away from the door via gutters and eaves. Last but not least, garage doors are not meant to be used as a backstop.
Customer Satisfaction is Always Our Number One Priority!
All American Door offers top quality products and the highest level of service! For more information on new garage doors, garage door openers, garage door installation or garaged door repairs, please fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you promptly. Or, if you would like to speak with a customer service representative in person, please give us a call!
(612) 623-3667 – Local Minneapolis • (651) 644-0200 – Local St. Paul • (888) 94-Doors – Toll Free
