Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home
                     Top Tips On How To 
Choose A Garage 
Door
Measure Your Garage Door Accurately
Precise measurements are the foundation of a successful garage door 
installation. Before shopping for options, you'll need to determine:
• The exact height and width of your door opening
• Available headroom (space between top of opening and ceiling)
• Side clearance for proper operation
• Backroom (distance from door to rear garage wall)
Non-standard sizing may require custom fabrication, 
potentially affecting both available options and final pricing. 
Professional measurement is highly recommended before 
placing any order.
Choose the Right Style for Your 
Home
Raised-Panel Carriage Contemporary
House
The most common style featuring symmetrical Mimics historic swing-out barn doors with Features clean lines, minimal ornamentation 
rectangular panels. Versatile and suits most decorative hardware. Perfect for craftsman, and often incorporates glass. Ideal for 
architectural styles, particularly traditional and farmhouse or Tudor-style homes seeking modern, mid-century or minimalist 
colonial homes. character and charm. architectural styles.
Select the Best 
Material
Steel Wood Composite/Faux Wood
The most popular choice offering excellent Provides unmatched natural beauty and Engineered to mimic wood's appearance 
durability and security at reasonable prices. traditional charm. Typically crafted from cedar, whilst offering improved resistance to 
Available in numerous designs and colours, redwood or mahogany. Offers excellent moisture, insects and rot. Requires less 
requires minimal maintenance, and resists customisation but requires regular maintenance than natural wood whilst 
denting and warping. Lower-gauge numbers maintenance (sanding, staining, sealing) to providing similar aesthetic appeal at a lower 
indicate thicker, more durable steel. prevent weathering and warping. price point.
Consider Hardware, Safety & Opener 
Compatibility
Spring Systems Opener Selection Safety Features
Torsion springs are rated by cycles (one opening Modern openers offer belt-drive or direct-drive Ensure your door includes auto-reverse 
and closing). Standard springs last 10,000- systems that operate more quietly than chain mechanisms, pinch-resistant panel designs, and 
15,000 cycles (5-7 years for average drives. Look for models with battery backup, photoelectric sensors that prevent closure when 
households). Investing in high-cycle springs smartphone connectivity, and enhanced security obstructions are detected. These features are 
(20,000+ cycles) can double your door's features. Coordinating door and opener particularly important for households with 
operational lifespan before requiring installation can ensure optimal compatibility. children or pets.
replacement.
Think About Colour, Windows & Design 
Details
Colour Windows & Hardware
SCheoolsee ccotloiuorsn that complement your home's exterior palette whilst Windows introduce natural light and distinctive character:
considering:
• Frosted or textured glass provides privacy whilst admitting light
• Neutral tones (whites, beiges, greys) resist fading and maintain appeal
• Impact-resistant glass offers enhanced security
• Dark colours may absorb heat, potentially affecting insulation
• Decorative hardware (handles, hinges, straps) can dramatically enhance 
• Custom colours allow for perfect matching but often incur additional costs appearance
Maintenance & Longevity 
Considerations
Material Maintenance Requirements
Steel doors require occasional washing and minor touch-ups for scratches. Wood 
doors need annual inspection and refinishing every 2-3 years to protect against 
moisture damage. Composite materials offer the best balance, requiring only periodic 
cleaning.
Weather Protection
Quality weatherstripping along bottom, sides and between panels prevents drafts, 
moisture intrusion and energy loss. Seals should be inspected annually and replaced 
when showing signs of cracking or compression.
Professional Servicing
Schedule annual professional inspections to assess springs, cables, rollers and 
opener function. Regular lubrication of moving parts extends operational life. Prompt 
attention to unusual noises or operation prevents costlier repairs.
Summary: Make an Informed 
Choice
1 Measuremen
ts
2 Budget & 
Style
3 Materials & 
Insulation
4 Hardware & Safety 
Features
5 Professional Installation & 
Maintenance
A well-chosen garage door is a balance of practical considerations and aesthetic appeal. Take time to research options, request multiple quotes from reputable 
installers, and whenever possible, view samples in person before making your final decision.
Remember that professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure proper operation, safety compliance, and warranty protection. With thoughtful 
selection, your new garage door will enhance your home's appearance, security, and energy efficiency for many years to come.
Reach Us At
Dayton Door Sales
1112 Springfield Street 1640 South County 
Dayton, OH 45403 Road 25-A Troy, OH 
45373
(937) 253-9181 (937) 335-1248
[email protected] [email protected]
om
daytondoorsales.com daytondoorsales.com
696 Pleasant Valley Drive 2300 International Street
Springboro, OH 45066 Columbus, OH 43228
(937) 746-6415 (614) 481-2020
[email protected] [email protected]
om
daytondoorsales.com daytondoorsales.com