Things you should know before purchasing a garage door

• GAUGE OF STEEL - The thickness of steel is measured in gauges, the 24 and 25 gauges being the heaviest, strongest, and most durable for residential doors. The 26 and 28 gauge being lighter and not as durable.
  

  CAUTION: If the word nominal is used with gauge, it may be much lighter than the industry standard for that gauge. If the gauge is not listed, it is likely to a very light gauge.

  
  
• CENTER STILES AND END CAPS -These are vertical reinforcing members on the ends and at the intermediate points of door sections. Look for fully enclosed and insulated stiles in a box shape. This insures a long lasting strong and rigid door.
  

  CAUTION: The stiles in many doors are uninsulated and are made in an open L or Z shape, which can sacrifice door strength.

  
  
• PAINT FINISH - The best steel doors are painted with epoxy primer and polyester finish coat, which is paintable if color change, is desired.
  

  CAUTION: some steel doors are sold with only a primer coat.

• DURABILITY - The most durable, maintenance free, long lasting doors are manufactured from high density polyethylene and aluminum. These materials are used to produce doors that never dent, never rust, never fade and never require painting.
• APPEAL - These space age materials result in doors that maintain like new appearance after years of service.

• DURABILITY- These long lasting doors tend to be maintenance free, as they never require painting.
• APPEAL - Fiberglass doors are translucent allowing some light to shine through the sections.

• Wood doors are versatile and attractive if well maintained by painting periodically to protect the wood from warping and rotting.