Staying Safe Around Garage Doors

When one of my children was playing with our garage doors a few years ago, we heard a piercing scream that we will never forget. She had gotten her fingers pinched in the side of the door, and we knew that we had to help her--and fast. Because of our quick actions and first aid, we were able to take care of the problem. After we returned home, I started thinking about ways to keep our kids safe around garage doors. This blog contains loads of helpful information about maintaining your garage doors, looking after your curious children, and preventing serious injury.

Garage Style Makeovers For Any Home

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Are you planning a remodel of the exterior of your home? If so, don't forget the garage door. Simply painting your old garage door is going to do your remodel a disservice. If your garage faces the street, the door is one of the most noteworthy aspects of your home's façade. Select a garage door that best complements your home's character.

Ranch Style

Ranch homes are one-story. They typically present a wide façade to the street. Two- and three-car garages are standard in ranch style homes, meaning a wide expanse of garage door is part of your curb appeal.

The goal for your garage door should be balance. A set of standard panel doors presents a closed front. Instead, look for doors with narrow panels and small glass panes. The panels will minimize the width, while the small glass panes keep the attention on the larger windows of your home's façade.

Victorian Home

Victorian homes are typically two- and three-story affairs with sharp gables and intricate trim. Strictly speaking, original Victorian homes didn't feature garages, but rather carriage houses.

Whether your garage has been built into your Victorian home or is a standalone building, arched doors with glass panes are an attractive option. They add to the geometry of the style without adding a lot of fuss. For the most cohesive result, select doors in a color that matches your trim.

Contemporary Home

On the opposite end of the spectrum, contemporary homes typically offer clean lines with little intricacy in the trim – if it exists at all. Such homes give an "anything goes" vibe, but you have the opportunity to really make your house's façade stand out with your choice in garage doors.

Better Homes and Gardens recommends a unique take on the doors, such as a grid of frosted glass panels. Such panels mimic the sharp lines of the home's exterior. However, the glass also opens up the space, creating an airy curb appeal to your house.

Cottage Style

Cottage style houses have become very popular. They typically display individual character while incorporating one-and-a-half story, asymmetrical profiles.

A unique home deserves a unique garage door. One option is to go bold with the color, such as lime green, sunny yellow or deep fuchsia. Colorful doors set your home up as a conversation point on your street. Another idea is to opt for detailing in your door. Look for a garage door that echoes the shapes in your home or that features a wide expanse of glass. Basically, allow the unique character of your cottage to drive your choice in garage doors.

The lines, colors and design of your garage door have a lot of influence over your house's curb appeal. Choose the garage door that best complements your home's style, whether ranch, Victorian, contemporary or cottage.

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7 April 2015