Get matched with top garage pros in Dupree, SD

You don’t need a garage door opener unless you need or desire the convenience they offer. While you may be able to open some garage doors manually, having a garage door opener makes life a lot easier. There is an exception, though—a motorized opener is an absolute must if you have a two-car garage (or larger), as the door will be too heavy for the average person to lift on their own.

Wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are among the top building materials for a garage. Wood is highly customizable, naturally insulative, and durable in mild climates but can be expensive. Steel is lightweight, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, but it’s susceptible to rust. Fiberglass is low-maintenance and doesn’t shrink or expand in changing temperatures, but it can become brittle and crack from prolonged high winds and sun exposure.

Unlike steel, aluminum isn’t susceptible to rust and is low-maintenance, but its ultra-light weight makes it less durable than some materials, and it’s susceptible to saltwater damage, making it a poor choice for coastal homes.

You can use a wide variety of finishes for garage doors, and the choice comes down to personal preference. You can use a semi-gloss, eggshell enamel sheen, matte, or satin enamel. You may even prefer a solid color wood stain. The key is finding an exterior paint that can withstand the elements your garage door is so frequently exposed to.

Most heat in a garage is lost through air leaks in windows, doors, and walls. This is especially true if the walls are uninsulated, which is common in garages. Consider insulating your garage before installing a garage heater to ensure the heat it generates isn’t wasted, making it less efficient.