You've decided it's finally time for garage door replacement at your business. While this may seem like a straightforward decision, there are actually several options to consider when selecting new commercial garage doors. Taking the time to explore the possibilities will ensure you end up with doors that check all your must-have boxes for functionality, security, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

1. Do Your Research on Materials

When exploring commercial garage door materials, you'll find there are three main options: aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Aluminum doors are lightweight, low maintenance, and an affordable choice. However, they tend to be less insulating. Steel doors are incredibly durable, resistant to dents and damage, and provide good insulation. Fiberglass doors have the appearance of real wood but with ultra-low maintenance needs. According to The Spruce, a neglected garage door may only last 10 years, while a well-maintained one can last over 50 years. Carefully compare the pros and cons of each material type.

2. Consider Insulated vs Non-Insulated

Insulated garage doors have a core filled with polyurethane foam, which substantially improves the door's ability to maintain stable temperatures inside your building. This can lead to significant cost savings on your energy bills. Insulated doors do tend to be pricier than non-insulated, but often pay for themselves over time in energy savings. Evaluate whether the extra upfront investment makes sense when you need garage door replacement.

3. Don't Overlook Safety Features

There are several safety-focused design choices to factor into your commercial garage door selection. Options like photocell sensors, motion detectors, and automatic reversal mechanisms can prevent damage to vehicles and injuries to people. Choosing doors and openers with auto-locking features enables you to securely lock up equipment and inventory. And be sure to pick a door material with inherent fire resistance. Don't cut corners on safety.

4. Decide on Windows

Windows can let attractive natural daylight into your garage while also providing visibility. There are a variety of window styles, shapes, sizes, and materials to select from. You'll also want to decide whether to add window treatments such as tinting. This provides security by obscuring visibility into the garage interior. Other options are decorative grilles or windows with built-in grilles for design appeal.

By taking the time to carefully weigh all the options for your new commercial garage doors, you'll end up with the perfect set of doors to match your business's needs and budget. If you need a commercial garage door replacement, reach out to Ann Arbor Door Systems today to start the process.