2024 Garage Door Trends
When the first cars appeared, they needed a place to be sheltered from the elements. The answer was a door that lifted upward.
You can match your Patriot Garage Door to your home or make a bold statement with a dramatic color. You can also customize the look with windows or decorative hardware.
The garage door is one of those things in life that we often take for granted, but it’s worth taking a closer look at its history and how it came to be. The first garages started out as carriage houses that were built for horses, but once cars became more commonplace and affordable, they needed a better way to keep them safe and out of the way when they weren’t being driven.
Private garages popped up and, like the carriage houses they replaced, required large doors that hung on hinges and swung outward. The problem with these kinds of doors was that they were bulky and difficult to open if snow piled up or any other obstacle was in their path. This caused many garage owners to struggle to get their cars in and out of the garage and was a major hindrance on how convenient automobiles could be.
Over the next several decades, garages grew in popularity and the need for more versatile doors continued to grow. Steel was chosen as the material of choice for garage doors in the 1950s because of its durability and strength. This was also the beginning of the trend towards insulated garage doors as the need for energy efficiency increased.
By the 1960s, there was a big shift in the style of garages as the focus moved away from purely utilitarian structures to more aesthetically pleasing designs. This was largely due to the growing interest in homeowner associations and a desire for neighborhoods with curb appeal.
Today, garages are a must-have for most homes and there are many options to choose from when it comes to designing your dream space. Whether you’re looking to create an ideal workshop, home gym or playroom, the right garage door can help you achieve your goals.
Modern Design Trends
In years past, garage doors were viewed as strictly functional elements that offered only limited style and design options. Today, however, homeowners are incorporating their garage doors into the overall home aesthetics as well as integrating smart technology features like remote access. The 2024 garage door trends reflect a perfect amalgamation of aesthetics, functionality and technology.
Modern minimalism continues to influence garage door styles, designs and color choices. Simple, sleek and sophisticated aesthetics are being complemented by a neutral color palette that offers a timeless elegance. The use of glass and natural wood materials are also being featured in the latest garage door trends.
The popularity of black garage doors continues to grow, offering a timeless yet versatile and customizable look that complements nearly any home style. Other dark colors, such as slate gray and navy blue, are being featured as a way to add contrast to the garage door. Wood grain textures that do not require regular maintenance are also becoming popular, as are low-maintenance options such as steel or composite. Clopay’s new Lustra line of garage doors, for example, includes a wood-look finish and a range of color options that offer the warmth and beauty of traditional wood without the required upkeep.
Garage doors made of durable material are being favored by homeowners, especially those that are forklift-proof. Durable, impact-resistant and thermally efficient, these doors are able to stand up to heavy vehicle traffic and daily wear and tear, while helping to cut down on energy costs.
While wood and textured panels have become a staple for contemporary homeowners, some want to create a more rustic, natural look that matches the existing architecture of their home. The ribbed panel door is currently the most popular choice for this style, as it provides enhanced strength and durability while still offering a classic appearance.
A bold color is another trend in garage door styles that reflects homeowner’s desire to make a statement. By pairing a garage door with a contrasting paint color for the home, this look can create dramatic curb appeal. This effect is even more prominent when using a textured door to complement the home’s exterior.
Budget-Friendly Options
A new garage door can be a significant investment, but there are many options that are budget-friendly. Steel and aluminum doors are affordable, durable, low-maintenance, and come with a variety of design options to suit your home’s architecture. They are also a good option for areas that experience harsh weather conditions because they won’t rust or dent as easily. Wood doors, on the other hand, are beautiful and offer a timeless aesthetic. They require more frequent maintenance and may be less durable than other types of garage doors, so they can be pricier in the long run.
Another way to cut costs is to choose a simple door style in a neutral color. These options are often less expensive than more ornate designs and can be dressed up later with paint or decorative hardware. Similarly, choosing a side-hinged door instead of a roll-up style can save you money on the installation process.
There are a variety of brands that produce garage doors at varying price ranges. Choosing one that specializes in a specific area, like customization or durability, can help you find the best value. For example, Amarr offers a wide range of styles and materials but emphasizes energy efficiency.
The most common type of garage door is a traditional steel panel, which offers performance and durability at an affordable cost. They can be customized with window and paint choices to add personal flair, but keep in mind that the higher R-values advertised on these doors only apply to specific sections of the door.
Other budget-friendly options include aluminum garage doors, which are stylish and lightweight but don’t offer the same level of durability as steel. They are more susceptible to dents and corrosion, but are still an excellent choice for most homes. Vinyl garage doors are also an excellent option for areas that are exposed to harsh weather conditions, as they won’t rust or dent and are very affordable. They are also an excellent choice for homeowners who want to create a modern look for their home.
Lastly, CHI Planks are an excellent option for homeowners who want a modern look but don’t have the budget to buy a custom composite or wood overlay garage door. These insulated garage doors use digital printing to make the panels appear wood grain, so they can achieve a unique and sophisticated appearance at an affordable price.
Safety and Security Features
In addition to the added convenience of operating your garage door with a remote, many newer models offer enhanced security measures. These features include a tamper-resistant control panel, rolling code technology, and motion detection sensors. All of these are designed to deter unauthorized entry and keep your belongings safe from theft.
The safety of your family and pets is another key consideration when buying a garage door. If you want to be able to check on your children playing in the driveway or on their pets skittering under the door, consider choosing a model with photoelectric sensors that detect objects and prevent the garage door from closing on them. These sensors emit an invisible beam across the garage door opening, and if anything obstructs that beam when it’s closing, the safety mechanism reverses its direction immediately to avoid accidents or injuries.
Homeowners can test the effectiveness of their garage door safety sensors by putting an object, such as a roll of paper towels, in the path of the garage door as it’s closing. If the sensor doesn’t stop or reverse the closing process, there may be a problem with its alignment or wiring. Regular inspections of your garage door’s sensors can help to keep them in top working condition.
Some garage doors come equipped with a manual release handle that disengages the opener and allows you to operate your garage door manually. This feature can be especially useful in the event of a power outage.
Other newer models have a vacation mode that keeps your garage door locked for a pre-set time while you’re away from home. This feature is a great option for forgetful homeowners who want to rest assured that their belongings are safe while they’re gone. And if you’re expecting a package delivery while you’re on holiday, you can use your smart device to open the garage door remotely for the carrier, so they can leave the package inside without risking it getting stolen or lost.