Frame It Right: Selecting the Perfect Garage Door Frame for Your Home
Choosing the right garage door frame involves careful consideration of both aesthetics and functionality. There’s a delicate balance between selecting a frame that complements your garage door and provides an adequate amount of structural support.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review the following topics to help you choose the best option:
Common Types of Garage Door Frames
Garage door frames offer a wide range of options to suit various architectural preferences and aesthetic tastes. Here are some of the most popular frames to consider:
- Flush: For a minimalist design, try flush garage door frames. They have a flat and even surface that allows for a seamless blend between the frame and door panels.
- Raised panel: Whereas flush frames are flat, raised panel frames feature a slightly elevated design that can help create an elegant or classic architectural style.
- Frameless: Despite the name, frameless garage door frames do actually have a frame. They are designed to disappear into the design of the door. Frameless frames are most commonly used in full-view garage doors and are typically made from sturdy materials such as aluminum or steel.
- Carriage house: If you own carriage house garage doors, carriage house frames would be the perfect accent to complete your garage door’s vintage look. They can not only give your home a cozy, rustic appeal but are also sturdy enough to support the often-heavy weight of carriage house doors.
- Custom: Have another option in mind for the look and feel of your garage door frame? Customize your very own to create an aesthetic that’s tailored to your personal taste.
Common Materials Used for Garage Door Frames
Your garage door frame’s material helps determine its durability and longevity. Take a look at these common frame materials to determine which may be the best fit for your home:
- Wood: With some woods being softer than others, you’ll want to make sure that you choose more stable wood material such as cedar or mahogany for your frame. Harder woods are also less prone to rotting and warping.
- Aluminum: A low-maintenance option compared to steel or wood, aluminum garage door frames can handle a moderate amount of impact. The stability of this frame is dependent on its thickness and any added structural reinforcements.
- Steel: Steel garage door frames are popular for their sturdiness and ability to withstand a higher amount of force than other material types.
Garage Door Frame Maintenance
The only way to properly maintain your garage door frame is to perform the appropriate steps for upkeep based on your frame’s material. From there, you can follow these tips to prolong your frame’s lifespan:
- Wood: Wood garage frames require the most maintenance out of the three types mentioned here. They should be inspected regularly for signs of rot, insect infestations, or splits. Reapplying paint or stain regularly helps prevent these occurrences.
- Aluminum: Since aluminum is a fairly straightforward material to maintain, most of its upkeep involves inspecting the frame for any damage. Be sure to clean your aluminum frame regularly with a mild detergent/water mixture to prevent dirt and debris buildup.
- Steel: Although steel garage door frames can rust, you can help prevent this from worsening by regularly inspecting your frame and removing accumulated rust.
FAQ About Garage Door Frames
How can I make my garage door frame more energy-efficient?
The easiest way to make your garage door frame more energy efficient is to take steps to maximize your frame’s insulation. This can be done by ensuring that you have quality garage door seals. Be sure to also address any gaps or cracks around your garage door frame to prevent air leakage.
Can I install my garage door frame myself?
The safest option is to have a professional install your garage door frame, as they require careful handling during installation. Garage door frames also need to be aligned accurately to avoid putting stress on your garage door’s system.
Learn More About Your Options for Garage Door Frame Installation
We hope the information in this article helps you choose a garage door frame that is the perfect fit, both aesthetically and structurally. If you need more advice or high-quality garage door frame installation services, trust the experienced pros at Precision Garage Door Service™. To get started, find the Precision Garage Door Service professional near you.
