The best garage doors for rental units are durable, secure, energy-efficient and cost-effective. These qualities ensure your garage doors can withstand high-frequency use in rental properties and provide the security and indoor comfort that tenants expect. Additionally, high-quality, cost-effective doors allow you to balance upfront costs with long-term expenses, maximizing your return on investment.
As a property manager or landlord, you know how important a garage door is for your property, so finding the best option is a must. This guide examines the different factors in choosing a garage door for rental units and looks at some of the best options to help you make an informed decision.
Key Considerations for Garage Doors in Rental Properties
Here are the main considerations to think about when choosing the right garage door for rental units:
Durability and Material Options
A garage door’s durability depends on the materials you choose. You need a garage door that is visually appealing to attract potential tenants but can withstand frequent use and environmental factors. Some of the commonly used materials for rental unit garage doors include:
- Steel: Steel garage doors are one of the best options for rental units. They are highly durable and weather-resistant, with good insulation options for enhanced energy efficiency. These doors can effectively resist denting and rust.
- Aluminum: Another great choice for rental properties is aluminum doors because of their low maintenance and high durability. These doors offer a clean, modern look that many tenants seek. They are corrosion-resistant and can withstand the constant use of busy apartments. However, aluminum doors have a higher initial cost and are less durable than steel.
- Composite: Composite garage doors offer low maintenance, durability and aesthetic appeal without the high upkeep of real wood. However, these doors can be more expensive than other materials like steel and aluminum.
- Wood: Wood doors are a great choice for a classic, high-end look. However, their high maintenance, high cost and susceptibility to damage from weather and insects can be a turnoff to landlords.
Security Features for Tenant Safety
Tenants should feel safe in the place they call home. Choosing the right garage door for apartments or rental properties is crucial to ensuring safety. Fortunately, modern garage doors often come with security features like auto-reverse mechanisms, reinforced steel construction and sturdy locks.
Garage doors can also be paired with opening systems. They have features like rolling code technology, which changes the access code with each use, preventing code scanning. Modern openers also allow for remote monitoring and control, and can automatically close and lock the door after a set time. Users can check the status of garage doors from anywhere using their smartphones.
When choosing rental unit garage doors, prioritize security features that match your needs. Ensure the system is user-friendly for renters, providing clear instructions or labeling remotes clearly to avoid confusion.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Insulated doors create a thermal barrier that reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. The insulation helps maintain consistent temperatures, creating comfortable indoor environments. Regulating temperatures eases the workload on heating and cooling systems, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing utility complaints.
Curb Appeal
Garage doors directly impact your property’s curb appeal and contribute to attracting new tenants. You can select a garage door style, color and finish that complements your property’s architecture.
To reduce wear and tear and tenant complaints, choose durable materials like steel or composite that require minimal upkeep. Small touches like decorative handles and hinges can enhance the door’s aesthetic without adding significant costs.
Budget
New garage door prices vary significantly based on material, size and style. Whether you include extras like insulation, decorative hardware or a garage door opener also impacts the final cost. You’ll also need to consider costs beyond the initial sale, such as maintenance and replacement. For example, aluminum doors tend to have a higher price, but the low maintenance requirements can offset the cost down the line.
It’s best to consult a garage door company to get a cost estimate and factor in labor and installation to budget correctly.
Cost-Effective Upgrades
Consider the long-term value of your garage door selection. You can maximize the return on investment (ROI) by making the right choices, such as:
- Choose low-maintenance, durable materials to reduce long-term upkeep costs.
- Improve curb appeal with modern designs and finishes that attract tenants.
- Install an insulated garage door to increase energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
- Add a smart garage door opener with sought-after features, like quiet operation and remote access.
The Best Clopay® Garage Door Options for Rental Units
Now that you know what to look for in a garage door, explore some of the top Clopay options for rental properties:
Classic™ Collection – Premium Series
Clopay’s Classic Collection steel doors feature simple, clean designs that fit most home exteriors, appealing to a wide range of renters. They are made from tough steel panels to withstand daily use and weather. They also come with several insulation options, including Intellicore® insulation for enhanced energy efficiency.
Gallery® Steel
Another excellent option for rental homes is Gallery Steel doors. These garage doors have grooved panel designs and optional decorative hardware for a classic look that boosts curb appeal. They come in a range of colors, including Ultra-Grain® finish, which gives the appearance of wood with the durability and low maintenance of steel. These doors are also available with Intellicore polyurethane or classic polystyrene for year-round comfort.
Modern Steel™
The Modern Steel doors offer the clean lines and sleek designs that appeal to today’s renters. These contemporary doors feature a steel construction with optional Intellicore polyurethane or polystyrene insulation for long-lasting performance and energy efficiency. With these doors, you can save on utility costs while ensuring indoor comfort for tenants.
Coachman®
Clopay’s Coachman doors have an attractive, classic design that appeals to potential tenants. Thanks to the steel construction and textured composite surface, these doors look like wood but are low-maintenance, making them ideal for rental units. You can choose from three insulation options for better temperature control and energy efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Doors for Rental Units
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about garage doors for apartments and other rental properties:
What Is the Easiest Type of Garage Door to Maintain?
Steel, aluminum, and composite garage doors are among the lowest-maintenance options available. In addition to excellent durability, these materials do not require painting or staining and can be cleaned easily with soap and water.
How Long Can I Expect a New Garage Door to Last on a Rental Unit?
A new garage door on a rental unit will typically last between 15 and 30 years, with the average falling around 20 to 25 years. This lifespan depends heavily on factors like the quality of the door, the frequency of use, consistent professional maintenance and local environmental conditions.
How Can I Balance Cost-Effectiveness With Long-Term Value When Choosing a Garage Door?
To balance cost and long-term value, focus on cost-effective yet durable materials like composite or steel. Also, consider insulated options for energy savings, and prioritize professional installation for reliable performance and longevity.
Why Work With Quality Door Company in Michigan?
Quality Door Company has been a trusted choice for premium garage door solutions since 1984. We only carry garage door products from industry-leading brands like Clopay and LiftMaster. Our expert technicians have extensive experience working with property managers and landlords, helping them find the perfect garage doors for their rental properties.
Other reasons to work with us include:
- Local expertise and support.
- High-quality garage door installation, repair and maintenance services.
- Personalized quotes for property managers.
Contact Quality Door Company for Rental Unit Garage Doors
Whether you’re installing rental unit or Airbnb garage doors, choosing the right one is essential for curb appeal, security, efficiency and long-term value. With decades of garage door experience, Quality Door Company will help you make the best choice. We can also install your garage door with unmatched precision and care.
Contact us to schedule your installation today!
