How to choose a new overhead door?

[BradG]

We are nearing the end of a remodel and we are about to choose an overhead door. Any opinions? We live in the Seattle area, are NOT looking at crazy custom doors, and plan to have them install it (unless there are great deals out there- I built the garage, so how hard can a door be?!)

Open to manufacturer suggestions, local companies, etc.

thanks in advance!

~Brad

 

[Falcon67]

it may not help, but I chose mine when HD had a 15% off special order doors and windows. Here, HD does not stock a 16' garage door, so they are all special order. I've used the standard Clopay doors in the past and had no issue. I got a 16' x 7' no window regular white overhead door with torsion springs - $480 delivered to the house. No problem with the install - the instructions are real clear and you can download a PDF from the web to review while waiting on the door. The door faces south and the days I installed it, we had wind out of the south at 20~35 MPH.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I had a CHI brand 16.7 r value (or something close to that) with highlift tracks,etc for 1100. It has the better insulation, not styrofoam, is 2" thick, three layer door. I have been happy with it. I added a LM 3800 on my own.

 

[c4cruiser]

I would try local companies that specialize in garage doors. There are 3-4 good companies down in Olympia and they will beat any HD or Lowe's price. Their quotes will include labor and they also offer openers and will install those too.

One thing I found in trying to get a price from the local Lowe's is that while the do carry decent doors and they offer installation services, if you are upgrading a door, Lowe's will not take the old door away. And you have to pay extra for connecting the door to an existing opener. And buying an opener from them doesn't include installation.

I've looked at the Wayne-Dalton doors that Lowe's sells and most of the local companies offer them. This company has a wide variety of door styles so you should be able to find something suitable. I would recommend an insulated door as it will help to keep some heat in especially if you have insulated the walls and ceiling.

If you are considering an new opener, look at the Chamberlain openers that have a battery backup. We usually don't get a lot of power outages, but if that should happen, the battery will allow the opener to operate.