How to Choose a New Garage Door for Your Coastal South Carolina Home

A new garage door is one of the biggest upgrades you can make to the front of your home. Along the South Carolina coast, though, the right door has to do more than look good. It has to stand up to wind, salt air, sun and humidity year after year. Here is what to think about before you choose.

1. Start With Wind Protection

On most homes the garage door is the largest opening in the house. In a strong storm, a weak door can bow or blow in, and once wind gets inside the garage it can damage the rest of the home. That is why we install hurricane rated doors on homes near the beach. Learn more on our hurricane rated garage doors page.

2. Pick a Material That Fits Your Lifestyle

• Steel is strong, affordable and comes in many styles and colors. A good finish helps it resist rust in salt air.
• Wood and mahogany give a warm, high end look but need more care near the ocean. See our custom wood garage doors.
• Wood look finishes give you the style of wood with less upkeep.
• Aluminum and glass doors create a modern look and let in light, popular for garages used as living or work space.

3. Decide on Insulation

Summers here are hot and humid. An insulated door helps keep the garage more comfortable, cuts down on noise and adds strength to the door. It makes the biggest difference when there is a bedroom or living space above or next to the garage, which is common in raised coastal homes.

4. Choose Windows and Style

Carriage house, raised panel, flush and modern designs all have a place on the Grand Strand. Windows add light and curb appeal, and you can choose different glass and window layouts. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, check its rules before you decide.

5. Think About Upkeep Near Salt Air

Every door near the coast benefits from rinsing off salt and sand a few times a year and a yearly tune up for springs, rollers and hinges. Our salt air maintenance guide covers the basics.

6. Match the Door With the Right Opener

A new door is a great time to upgrade your opener. We install LiftMaster and Chamberlain openers, including quiet, smart and battery backup models that keep working when storms knock out the power. Read how to open your garage door when the power goes out.

7. Go With Brands and Installers You Can Trust

We install garage doors from Amarr and Clopay, two of the best known names in the industry, and our team handles the installation from start to finish. Every new door starts with a free measurement and estimate, and most installations take about two to six hours. See our residential garage door installation page, and check current deals for a coupon on your new door.