Since the first garage door was created in the early 1900s, industry professionals have worked creatively to advance performance and produce a wide range of products through new designs and materials that satisfy the customer. We have seen the garage door evolve from a commonly overlooked entryway, to an aesthetically pleasing part of the home, offered in a variety of materials with the ability to transform both interior and exterior spaces.
Due to the versatility and durability of metal, garage door designs have continued to expand to keep up with modern trends
Architects, designers and homebuilders are utilizing metal to create unique and inviting spaces. Metal doors offer a stable, low-maintenance system in a cost-efficient and aesthetically pleasing way. Modern designs incorporate many different elements in these spaces, including a familiar household staple: the garage door.
Bucking Tradition with Metal
While standard steel raised-panel and carriage house doors are still the go-to choices for many, the garage door industry has seen an increase in a customer base that wishes to stand out from the pack. Whether incorporating a bold color or playing with design configurations such as vertically aligned windows on either side of the garage door, today’s homeowners are not sticking to tradition.
We have seen an industry shift to increase designs that demand customization and take a new spin on a classic style. Today, customers are seeking doors with sleek lines and eye-catching designs, rather than the more traditional short raised-panel style. The wide array of metal garage door choices available have enabled homeowners to achieve their dream home aesthetic. Steel and aluminum garage doors now come in a variety of finishes (including wood grain), styles and a number of window options that allow for the ultimate customization.
Kelly Moore’s “Barndominium”
Transitional Spaces
To best complement modern architectural design for indoor-outdoor spaces, garage doors that feature clean lines provide an uninterrupted flow between these settings and are taking over the market as one of the largest and fastest growing trends in residential construction. From patios and bars to swimming pool enclosures and offices, both aluminum and steel full-view garage doors are popular for a variety of applications seeking both functionality and effortless style. A major appeal of using a garage door in one of these settings is the light and airiness that a wall cannot provide. Not only does a transitional space create a natural flow in the home, it maximizes square footage, which is a growing demand and great for resale value.
Designer and photographer Kelly Moore incorporated aluminum garage doors when designing her dream home in West Monroe, La. She included a fourth door between the living room and home’s wrap-around patio, which allows her kids to ride bikes and roller skate from the center of the home to the outdoors, as well as expanding the light-filled space. “I wanted the ability to open up our living area to the outdoors and our wonderful views of the Louisiana countryside. This was the best solution and the best bang for our buck,” said Moore.
Wayne Dalton Model 8300/8500
Quality of Metal Products
Builders have consistently reported in surveys that curb appeal is the greatest concern for their customers—followed by low maintenance products. Often taking up one-third or more of a home’s front exterior, garage doors have a big impact on the home’s first impression.
Since the 1950s, steel raised-panel garage doors have been North America’s most preferred door. Homebuilders can feel confident incorporating a steel garage door to meet customers’ needs due to its long-term durability, high thermal efficiency and ability to match the architectural details of nearly any home. Not only can steel endure years of harsh weather elements, garage doors made of this material will require minimal touching up to help guarantee customer satisfaction for those seeking a low-maintenance product.
Modern aluminum garage doors also offer an extraordinary look for homebuilders’ more contemporary projects. The door’s crisp lines and sleek design, which are formed from durable corrosion-resistant aluminum and light-filtering glass, will drastically enhance curb appeal. The glass panels allow for natural light to brighten up the garage space, which is becoming an increasingly influential trend for home buyers. Contrary to popular belief, windows won’t be a security issue since they are generally placed towards the top section of the garage door. There are also numerous options for satin-etched window glass which offers additional privacy.
There is also an abundance of decorative hardware options that can enhance the aesthetic of a garage door. Adding a hinge or a large hammered iron handle is an easy way to supplement a door’s uniqueness while remaining cost-effective. The durability and versatility of metal has enabled industry leaders to embrace metal within residential projects. With all this in mind, choosing the right garage door can ensure homebuilders install a quality product and increase customer satisfaction with maximized curb appeal.
Sarah Schram is the senior brand marketing manager for Lewisville, Texas-based Wayne Dalton, a division of Overhead Door Corp. To learn more, visit www.wayne-dalton.com.