The Pros And Cons Of Carriage Style Garage Doors

Pros Of Carriage Style Garage Doors

Enhanced Curb Appeal

One of the key benefits of carriage style garage doors is the enhanced curb appeal that they offer. The appearance of a home from the street is often the first impression that people have, and it can greatly impact the overall value of a property. A well-designed and attractive garage door can make a home stand out from other properties in the area and give it a unique character. Carriage style garage doors are available in a wide range of materials and designs, which means that homeowners can choose a style that complements their home's architecture and color scheme.

They can also be customized with decorative hardware, such as handles, hinges, and windows, to create a personalized and unique look. Furthermore, carriage style garage doors can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home by adding texture, dimension, and interest to an otherwise bland garage door. The panels on these doors can be designed to look like wood, metal, or other materials, which adds to the overall appeal of the home's exterior.

Increased Property Value

Another advantage of carriage style garage doors is their ability to increase the overall value of a property. Real estate experts have long known that certain features and amenities can increase the resale value of a home, and a high-quality garage door is no exception. A carriage style garage door can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home, which can make it more desirable to potential buyers. According to a study conducted by Remodeling Magazine, replacing an old garage door with a new one can provide a return on investment of up to 98.3%.

Carriage style garage doors are available in a variety of materials, including wood, steel, and fiberglass. While wood doors may be the most expensive option, they can add a unique and elegant look to a home's exterior, and therefore, increase its value. Steel and fiberglass doors, on the other hand, offer a more cost-effective option, with durability and low maintenance requirements that can make them an attractive feature for potential buyers.

In addition, modern carriage style garage doors can offer advanced features such as smart home technology, which can allow homeowners to control their garage door remotely from a smartphone or tablet. This added convenience and security feature can be a major selling point for potential buyers, further increasing the value of the home.

Improved Functionality

Another benefit of carriage style garage doors is their improved functionality. These doors are designed to open outwards, which can provide several advantages over traditional upward-opening garage doors. For starters, outward-opening doors can offer more headroom, allowing for taller vehicles to be parked inside the garage. This can be particularly useful for homeowners who own SUVs, trucks, or other large vehicles that may not fit in a garage with a standard upward-opening door.

In addition, outward-opening doors can also provide better visibility and easier access to the garage. This can be especially useful for homeowners who use their garages for storage, workshops, or other activities, as it allows for easy entry and exit without having to maneuver around a bulky door. Furthermore, modern carriage style garage doors can incorporate advanced features such as smart home technology, allowing for remote control and monitoring of the door from a smartphone or tablet. This can provide added convenience and security, giving homeowners peace of mind when away from home.

Versatile Design

Carriage style garage doors are also known for their versatile design, which can complement a wide range of home styles and architectural designs. These doors are available in a variety of materials, colors, and finishes, which means that homeowners can choose a design that complements their home's existing aesthetic. For example, if a home has a traditional or rustic design, a carriage style garage door made of wood with decorative hinges and handles can provide a classic and elegant look.

On the other hand, if a home has a more modern or contemporary design, a carriage style garage door made of aluminum or steel with clean lines and a sleek finish can provide a sophisticated and sleek appearance. In addition, the panels on carriage style garage doors can be designed to look like wood, metal, or other materials, allowing for further customization and versatility. This can give homeowners the flexibility to create a unique and personalized look for their home's exterior.

Cons Of Carriage Style Garage Doors

Higher Cost

One potential disadvantage of carriage style garage doors is their higher cost compared to traditional upward-opening garage doors. Carriage style doors often require more material and labor to manufacture and install, which can result in a higher upfront cost for homeowners. In addition, carriage style garage doors made of premium materials such as wood can be even more expensive, as they require more maintenance and upkeep over time. Homeowners should consider the long-term cost of maintaining and repairing their garage door when making a purchasing decision. 

However, it's important to note that while carriage style garage doors may have a higher upfront cost, they can also provide a higher return on investment. As mentioned earlier, replacing an old garage door with a new one can provide a significant return on investment, which can help offset the higher initial cost.

Maintenance Requirements

Another potential drawback of carriage style garage doors is that they may require more maintenance compared to traditional upward-opening garage doors. This is particularly true for doors made of wood or other natural materials, which may require regular painting or staining to maintain their appearance and prevent rotting or warping. Additionally, the decorative hardware and hinges on carriage style garage doors can be prone to rust or corrosion, particularly in areas with high levels of moisture or salt in the air. This can require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent deterioration or damage to the door.

Furthermore, the outward-opening design of carriage style garage doors may make them more susceptible to damage from weather, particularly in areas with harsh winter conditions. Snow and ice buildup on the door can make it difficult to open and close, and can cause damage to the hinges or other hardware. Despite these maintenance requirements, it's important to note that regular upkeep can help extend the lifespan of a carriage style garage door and prevent costly repairs down the road. Homeowners should follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and maintenance, and address any issues promptly to ensure the door remains in good working condition.

Limited Insulation

Another potential drawback of carriage style garage doors is that they may provide limited insulation compared to traditional upward-opening garage doors. This is because carriage style doors typically have gaps between the panels and along the sides, which can allow air to flow in and out of the garage more easily. This lack of insulation can result in higher energy costs, particularly in areas with extreme temperatures. In colder climates, heat can escape through the garage door, causing the home's heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. In warmer climates, hot air can enter the garage, making it difficult to keep the home cool.

However, it's important to note that modern carriage style garage doors can incorporate insulation materials such as foam or fiberglass, which can help reduce energy costs and improve the door's overall efficiency. Homeowners should look for doors with high R-values, which indicate the level of insulation provided by the door. Additionally, weatherstripping can be added to the gaps around the door to help improve its insulation properties. Homeowners should also ensure that the door is properly installed to prevent air leaks and maximize its insulation capabilities.

Space Constraints

Another potential drawback of carriage style garage doors is that they may not be suitable for homes with limited space in front of the garage. This is because carriage style doors swing outward when opening, which requires clearance space in front of the garage. For homes with short driveways or narrow streets, this can be a significant constraint, as the door may extend into the street or impede traffic flow. Additionally, the outward-opening design of carriage style doors can make them more susceptible to damage from passing vehicles or other obstacles.

In these situations, a traditional upward-opening garage door may be a better option, as it requires less clearance space in front of the garage and can be customized to fit a variety of space constraints. However, it's important to note that some carriage style garage doors are designed to swing inward instead of outward, which can help minimize clearance requirements. Homeowners should carefully consider their space constraints and traffic patterns before choosing a garage door, and consult with a professional installer to determine the best option for their home. Additionally, local building codes may dictate clearance requirements for garage doors, so homeowners should ensure that their chosen door meets all necessary regulations.

Conclusion

Carriage style garage doors can provide a unique and attractive look for homes, but as with any design choice, there are both pros and cons to consider. On the positive side, carriage style doors can enhance curb appeal, increase property value, provide improved functionality and offer versatile design options. However, they also come with a higher cost, may require more maintenance and may offer limited insulation compared to traditional upward-opening garage doors.

Additionally, space constraints can be a significant factor for homeowners with short driveways or narrow streets. When making a decision on which type of garage door to install, it's important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully and choose the option that best suits the needs of the homeowner's specific situation.