Why Is Steel the Standard Choice for Temperature Swings?

Steel remains the most common choice we install for professional garage door installation services across the region, largely because it resists warping through Guelph’s wide seasonal temperature range. A well-built steel door uses multiple layers, with insulation sandwiched between the exterior and interior panels, to reduce heat transfer and slow condensation buildup inside the garage. Thicker gauge steel also resists denting from stray hockey pucks and shovels, a detail that matters through a long Ontario winter.

Checking the Insulation Rating

Not all steel doors insulate equally. Thickness and core material both affect the door’s R-value, and a door rated for a milder climate may underperform once temperatures drop well below freezing. We always recommend buyers ask installers for the tested thermal performance rating rather than relying on marketing language alone, since two doors that look identical from the driveway can perform very differently once the temperature drops.

When Do Wood and Composite Garage Doors Make Sense?

At Wm. Haws Overhead Garage Doors, we also install wood and composite options for homeowners who want a different look. Wood offers a warmth steel cannot match, and composite materials mimic that look while resisting rot better than solid wood. Both options work well on homes in Elora and Fergus with heritage architecture, though wood requires more frequent sealing to handle Ontario’s humidity swings between seasons. 

Composite doors close that maintenance gap while keeping a similar finished appearance, making them a middle option for homeowners who want style without constant upkeep.

Matching Material to Long-Term Ownership Plans

We often find that homeowners planning to stay in a Guelph property for many years get more value from steel’s durability, while those prioritizing appearance over decades of upkeep may prefer wood or composite. The right answer depends on budget, garage insulation needs, and how much maintenance a homeowner wants to take on. For a deeper look at insulated versus non-insulated performance, this guide to new garage door installation services in Ontario breaks down how each option affects energy use across a full year.

Garage Door Material Questions Ontario Homeowners Ask

Homeowners ask us a handful of the same questions when they’re comparing materials. Here are the three that come up most.

Is steel or wood better for an Ontario garage?
Steel holds up better against wide seasonal temperature swings and requires less upkeep, 

while wood suits homeowners prioritizing appearance who are willing to reseal it periodically.

How often should a wood garage door be resealed in Ontario?
Most wood doors need resealing every one to two years in this climate, though homes with more direct sun or wind exposure may need it sooner.

Does garage door material affect energy bills?
Yes. Insulated steel doors with a higher R-value reduce heat loss from an attached garage, which can lower energy use in homes where the garage shares a wall with living space.

Getting the Material Decision Right the First Time

Material only performs as promised when installation matches manufacturer specifications, including proper sealing and weatherstripping placement. Wm. Haws Overhead Garage Doors has served the region since 1985, including Point Clark and Kincardine, and can walk homeowners through which material fits their home before any work begins. 

Reach out at (519) 763-4297 or wmhawsdoors@bellnet.ca to plan garage door installation in Guelph, Ontario, with a team that stands behind every material it installs.

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Wood

A garage door that’s made of wood will be hands down one of the most beautiful choices in terms of aesthetics. Wood is a great choice for a garage door because it’s natural and very durable. Wood will never rust and will not dent easily. However, it is important to note that wood garage doors often require the biggest investment and will need refinishing every few years.

Steel

Steel is one of the most popular materials for residential garage doors. Steel is the most economical choice and requires less maintenance than wood. Steel is a great choice for a residential garage door because it offers great security, insulation, and is available in many different styles.

If you want the look of wood without the price tag and maintenance, then steel is definitely the way to go. However, it should be noted that steel is more susceptible to dents.

Aluminum & Glass

For a modern update that will surely be the envy of your neighbours, an aluminum and glass garage door is a very popular material choice for residential garage doors. Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, which makes it a great long-term investment. However, aluminum is naturally softer than steel and can dent more easily.

Specialty Glass

All types of garage doors can be completely customized with specialty glass. At Haws Overhead Doors, we offer many choices of specialty glass for you to choose from to achieve the look and level of privacy that you desire for your home.

Insulation

All of our garage doors can be insulated, regardless of the material. In our Canadian climate, insulated garage doors will help to lower your energy costs and keep you more comfortable.

Take a look through our gallery of past projects and reach out if you have any questions about replacing your home’s garage doors. We are always happy to help!

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How long should a garage door last?

A good quality garage door that’s been professionally installed should last at least 20 years, if not longer.

How much will it cost to have a new garage door installed?

This one is difficult for us to answer because there are so many variables! It really depends on which options you choose, and the size of your door or doors. Our team will ask you a series of questions to identify the best option for you and then provide you with an accurate quote once we have all the necessary information.

Should I add windows?

In our opinion — yes! Windows are great because they will let light into an otherwise dark garage, and they also add curb appeal to your home’s exterior.

Should I get an insulated garage door?

Insulated doors actually do much more than keep heat inside your garage. They are much better quality all around. We always recommend installing an insulated garage door because they’re multi-layered and much more sturdy.

Can’t I just buy my garage door opener from a big box store?

Please don’t. We aren’t saying this for no reason. When you buy your opener from a chain store, you’re not getting a professional grade product. Sure, it could still be from the same company that we sell, but the quality will be lower. In addition, when you buy in-store, there’s a good chance that you will also need to buy a conversion kit to install it properly. As well, in most cases, we can provide you with a better and longer warranty.

If you have a question about garage doors that weren’t covered on our list of top frequently asked questions about garage doors, please let us know! We’d love to hear from you. If you’re looking to get a quote, you can also reach us here and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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This blog highlights the top garage door trends to consider when looking to up the appeal of your home’s exterior.

Modern

Modern-looking home exteriors are minimalist, sleek, and are often built with large windows. This modern trend has given way to modern garage door styles that feature much more window space to complement this style.

A garage door with an aluminum frame and many window panes should be at the top of every homeowner’s wish list. Not only does this style look great from the outside, it also adds a flood of natural light into a (typically) dark garage.

If you are someone who works in your garage, you’ll appreciate the added light, especially in the winter. There are also several types of specialty glass that can be installed to achieve the privacy that you desire.

Carriage-House

Carriage-house garage doors have a modern farmhouse aesthetic. This style has a vintage feel with sophisticated and modernized updates. Carriage-house garage doors come in a number of styles and colours — most commonly with the appearance of woodgrain — and are usually crafted with multiple layers of steel and insulation for durability and warmth. If your personal style is more traditional than modern, carriage-house garage doors are the style for you.

Vertical Windows

Garage doors with more windows are undoubtedly a growing trend and that’s why vertical windows are showing up more and more. This style is highly customizable and allows for more natural light to fill your garage. This door style is very modern and will suit a home with a similar design. Available in many finishes and colours, this door is made of steel is available with or without grooves in the panels.

Quiet Operation

Noisy and squeaky garage doors are a thing of the past!

You no longer have to cringe every time you hear a family member come and go from your home because we carry a has a great selection of garage door openers and accessories by Liftmaster that are nearly silent.

Smart Garage Door Openers

Smart garage door openers are a more advanced version of the classic remote-controlled opener. Today’s technology allows you to monitor and open and close your garage from anywhere. Paired with a mobile app, the smart opener can even send you alerts if you’ve left the door open.

With this technology, you can open and close your garage for deliveries throughout the day from work, at your kids’ hockey practice, or anywhere else! Some models are even equipped with two-way audio and built-in integrations with Siri, Alexa, and Google.

Haws Overhead Garage Doors can provide everything you need to spruce up, replace, and repair your garage door. Contact us to learn more about our products and services and we’ll be happy to help!

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What is Amazon Key for Garage?

Amazon Key for Garage lets Amazon’s delivery person open your garage door when you’re not home and leave your packages in your garage. It works with all Amazon Prime deliveries.

Is my home safe?

Giving Amazon access to your garage may not be appealing to some homeowners at first, but Amazon Key for Garage comes with a number of safety features to ensure that your home’s safety isn’t compromised.

Amazon Key for Garage can be paired with a camera system to monitor your garage door. You can also sign up to receive notifications when a package has been delivered, and you can monitor and control your deliveries every step of the way with an app on your smartphone.

If you allocate a particular area in your garage where you’d like the packages to be placed and your delivery person will place the package appropriately. The delivery person will also have been instructed not to put packages in the path of car traffic, so you won’t have to worry about driving over your deliveries when you get home.

Which garage door openers does Amazon Key for Garage pair with?

Amazon Key for Garage works with most garage door openers. It works best with Chamberlain or LiftMaster MyQ garage door openers, as they already have built-in WiFi capabilities. However, there are also different brands of hubs available for purchase that can pair with your existing garage door opener.

When can I purchase Amazon Key for Garage?

Amazon Key for Garage can be purchased on the Amazon website and easily pairs with our Liftmaster or Chamberlain operators. It will be available this year.

Contact us to find out if it is available and to purchase Amazon Key for Garage so that you have peace of mind when you’re away from home.

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But the way your home looks to passersby can also increase your home’s overall value, and one of the easiest ways to boost your curb appeal is by replacing your garage doors.

In fact, replacing your garage doors can get you an average return on investment (ROI) of 98.3%. If you’re looking to replace your garage doors this year, here are a few things to consider to maximize your ROI:

1. Upgrade your garage door’s appearance & functionality

Replacing your garage doors provides a great opportunity to add some style and character to your home. Instead of replacing your old garage door with a similar one, consider a different colour or a different style that works well with your home.

Of course, replacing your garage doors is about functionality as well, and new doors will come with new springs, cables, weather stripping, hinges and rollers for smooth operation. Consider garage doors that are made of high-quality materials that will last.

3. Consider faux wood

Depending on the age of your home and when your garage doors were last replaced, you may have wood garage doors. If you’re replacing them, consider faux wood instead. Faux wood doors require less upkeep and maintenance. Wood doors have zero R value (an indication of their energy efficiency), whereas faux wood doors with insulation can provide up to 20% more energy efficiency, giving you savings on your utility bills.

4. Consider modern styles

Garage door manufacturing has come a long way in the past few years, with exciting developments in styles that can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Garage doors now come in contemporary styles, like mid-century modern, which can really enhance your home’s other exterior features.

Glass garage doors are also becoming a popular choice as people look to extend their living spaces. If you use your garage as an extra living space, like a home office or a rec room, a glass door can give you more natural light.

5. Create a contrast

Years ago, garage door trends tended to play it safe, and many homeowners opted for garage doors that matched the brick or siding on their home. Instead, consider creating a contrast between your garage doors and other exterior elements. Contrasting colours and elements can help add more warmth to your home’s exterior and turn your beautiful new garage door into a focal point.

6. Restore your home’s original charm

If you have an old home, it’s likely that the exterior has been renovated, painted and added to over the years. Installing new garage doors will allow you to replace old garage doors that may not work with your home’s style and overall appearance and restore your home back to its original charm.

At Wm. Haws Overhead Garage Doors, we’re committed to providing you with high-quality residential garage doors that will help your home put its best face forward! Contact or visit us to request a consultation for your new garage doors.

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Garage door installation and maintenance is complex work that requires knowledge and skill. Next time you need a garage door installed or repaired, call the professionals instead of tackling the work yourself.

DIY maintenance can sometimes save you money, but it’s important to know when it’s time to call in the professionals:

1. Save Time

Professional garage door installation can save you time. When you hire a professional for garage door installation, you’re hiring a qualified installer who will get the job done in a timely manner. Instead of spending hours of your own time researching how to install a garage door, simply call up a professional to do the work.

2. Warranty-Backed Work

If you install or repair your own garage door, you may be voiding its warranty. Garage doors need to be properly installed by a qualified professional, so that if anything does go wrong, you won’t be liable for things that would be covered under a warranty. If you make mistakes in your installation or repair, you could void your warranty and end up spending even more money to fix the damage.

3. Installation & Repair Requires Special Tools

Some DIY tasks can be performed with tools most homeowners have lying around the garage, but garage door installation requires special tools. Instead of spending the money to buy or rent the tools yourself, or risk doing the installation or repairs without the right tools, it’s best to hire a professional to take on the project.

4. Garage Doors Are Heavy

Garage doors are designed to be heavy so that they provide security for your home and its contents. Garage doors weigh more than 100 pounds and are dangerous to lift by yourself. In addition, if you don’t have the right tools to secure and support the weight of the garage door, you may experience support failure.

5. Avoid Injuries

If you don’t have the right skills or tools to complete a garage door installation or repair, you could risk serious injuries. Garage door installation and repair is physically tough work, often requiring the use of a ladder, and if you’re not properly trained or prepared you could fall or hurt yourself.

6. High Tension Can Be Dangerous

Garage doors use springs to raise and lower, and these springs have to be strong enough to lift the heavy weight of a garage door and keep it under high tension. Over time, springs tend to naturally slacken and need to be tightened. If you don’t know how to tighten springs, low tension will cause them to be ineffective, and high tension could rupture the spring. Ruptured springs can cause flying shrapnel, which can be very dangerous to the inexperienced DIYer.

7. Avoid Damage

Personal injuries aren’t the only damage you can do when repairing or installing your own garage door; you could cause structural damage to the door and even your home. If you don’t properly balance or fit the door, you could cause serious structural risk to your entire garage. You may not even notice the damage until it’s too late to be fixed.

At Haws Overhead Doors, we offer installation of a wide range of residential garage doors, as well as service and repair to keep your garage door in great shape. For all of your garage door needs, contact Haws Overhead Doors today.

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Garage Door Style

One of the first things you should do when choosing a new garage door is to pick a style that complements the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, it’s best to choose a more traditional garage door, rather than a  modern one. You can also choose your panel design, from carriage house panels to flush panels, long raised panels or short raised panels. Panels will add style and depth both to your garage door and to your home.

If you’re unsure what style of door would look best with your home, try our virtual garage door fitting tool!

Garage Door Type

When it comes to materials, steel is the most popular and most affordable option for homeowners. Steel doors come in three types:

• Single-layer doors made up of a single layer of galvanized steel.
• Double-layer doors made up of a galvanized steel skin on the outside, with a thick layer of polystyrene or polyurethane on the back (to provide insulation and soundproofing).
• Triple-layer doors made up of the same layers as double-layer doors, with the addition of another layer of galvanized steel on the inside to protect the polystyrene or polyurethane from damage.

Double-layer and triple-layer doors provide insulation and soundproofing, making them  an ideal choice for homes with living spaces above the garage. The layered doors will also provide temperature regulation for your living spaces and can help your home be more energy efficient.

R-Values

If you have a bedroom above your garage, or if you use your garage itself as a living space, you should pay attention to the R-value on the garage door. A garage door with an R-value of at least three is required for moderate to temperate climates, whereas R-values of 10 or more are better for colder climates.

Garage Door Parts & Accessories

Choosing the right garage door for your home doesn’t stop at the garage door itself. There are many accessories and features to choose from that will help you update an existing door, or  enhance your new one. Hardware, like simulated windows and hinge and handle sets, will add an aesthetic touch to your garage door without any major renovations.

Home automation systems are also an important consideration when choosing your new garage door. Your garage door opener may be equipped with WiFi so you can connect it to your smartphone or tablet, or other features including remote keyless entry and door monitoring for your convenience and peace of mind.

At Wm. Haws Overhead Doors, our team can help you choose the best garage door for your home. We also provide installation and repair services so you can keep your garage door running smoothly! Contact us today.

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