5 Tips for Choosing a Garage Door Installation Service

Over six in 10 new single-family homes built in the United States yearly feature a 2-car garage. Some even have garages that can fit at least three vehicles!

Most U.S. households, after all, own at least one motor vehicle. More than a third also own two, while a fifth own three or more.

However, many garages today are no longer just a place to store vehicles; some now double as a workshop or office.

That’s all the more reason to invest in reliable garage door installation services. Because without these pros, even the best garage door can fail early due to poor installation.

But with so many garage door installation companies in the Golden State, how do you make the right choice?

We’ve shared our top tips in this comprehensive guide, so read on. 

1. Accredited and Certified by IDEA

IDEA (Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation) is a private, independent organization. It accredits and certifies qualified professionals in the door and access systems industry. Only those who meet high standards can receive validation, such as for the following:

• Residential Door Systems Technician Certification
• Commercial Door Systems Technician Certification
• Rolling Steel Fire Door Technician Certification
• Commercial Rolling Door Systems Technician Certification

The eligibility criteria vary but typically require completing a rigorous study course. Likewise, a garage door installation service must have documented good business practices. It must also have received recommendations from other parties it does business with.

So, please hire an IDEA-accredited or -certified garage door installation company. This way, you can rest assured you’re dealing with highly qualified professionals. You can also rest easy knowing they only use quality products and materials. 

2. Extensive Selection of High-Quality Garage Doors

From sectional to roll-up and slide-to-side, these are only a few of the most common types of garage doors. You can also get them in various materials such as wood, steel, faux wood, glass, and aluminum.

Some installation companies only carry a limited selection of garage doors, though. However, others offer many styles and even let you customize your door design. So, if you have something specific in mind, look for an installation service that can cater to your needs.

But just as vital is to choose a company that installs products from a reputable brand. A perfect example is Clopay, a brand born in the U.S. (specifically Ohio) and has been around for over 50 years. It’s also the largest manufacturer of garage doors in the whole of North America. 

3. Installs Energy-Efficient Garage Doors and Openers

While garage doors are crucial to your home’s safety and security, they can waste energy. They can do so through heat gains and losses, air leakage, and inefficient performance. This is terrible news if you’re in California, as it has among the highest electricity rates in the nation.

Heat Gains

Heat gains in garages occur when their indoor temperature rises due to the sun’s heat. It can happen when the sun’s rays warm up a garage door. From there, the door transfers the heat to the space.

Heat gain can be positive, providing “free” heat to your garage on cold days. Still, you may not want this if you live somewhere almost always warm, such as Sacramento, CA. 

Heat Losses

Heat losses occur when a garage door allows conditioned air to escape outside.

The same can happen to the cool air from your air conditioner. It can leave your indoor space via flaws in your garage door.

Air Leakage

An improperly installed garage door can form cracks and gaps around it. Hot or cold air from outside can then enter through these openings. Likewise, conditioned air from inside can leave through these leakage points. 

Inefficient Performance

Improper installation and poor maintenance can lead to sluggish automatic garage door performance. For example, it may take longer to open or close because it’s misaligned or its tracks are full of debris. In either scenario, the door is likely using more power than needed, thus wasting energy.

Preventing Such Waste

You can prevent such wastage by opting for an insulated garage door. A reputable installation company can set you up with one to help mitigate heat gains and losses. They’ll also install the door correctly, as this is essential for stopping air leaks.

You can also rely on a reputable installation company for an energy-efficient opener. A brand like LiftMaster is ideal, as its products consume less power than other brands. Many of its openers also use LED, the most energy-efficient lighting technology today. 

4. Offers Service Specials and Discounts

Garage door installation can cost hundreds, even over a thousand dollars.

Fortunately, dependable garage door installation companies often offer discounts. For instance, they can give you up to $100 off on the installation cost of your new door.

These money-saving offers often have expiration dates, though. So, ensure you take advantage of them while they’re still valid! 

5. Provides Emergency Services

Accidents, crimes, and natural disasters can damage a garage door. They may even be enough to break down an old or new door completely. Worse, they can occur in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning.

In that scenario, some people may think of putting off the door’s repair or replacement for the next day. However, you should avoid doing so.

Remember: Many criminals are opportunists, and a damaged garage door is an opportunity. They may then try to break into your house through your garage.

So, if your old or new door ever gets damaged, you must be able to rely on a garage door service that can come to you right away. For this reason, you’d want to choose an installation company offering emergency services. 

Time to Hire a Reputable Garage Door Installation Company

As one of your home’s entry points and security features, your garage door isn’t something to skimp on. This is why it’s vital to do your due diligence when choosing a garage door installation company.

You can rely on us here at R&S Overhead Doors and Gates of Sacramento. We strive to provide high-quality garage doors and installation services throughout California. Our 50+ years in service is a testament to our commitment.

So, contact us today for your free quote or to schedule your garage door installation.