Supply chain shortages are affecting the homebuilding industry, delaying everything from lumber to hardware and flooring. Many items are back-ordered for months, including garage doors, making timely installations harder to schedule.
That’s why we’re grateful we installed our Clopay Avante garage door a couple of years ago. It has become one of our favorite home upgrades. Below are five reasons we still love it and why it’s been such a worthwhile investment.
Natural Light
One major reason we chose the Clopay Avante is the available glass option. We selected white laminated glass, which provides privacy while allowing a generous amount of natural light into the garage. That daylight makes a big difference. We access storage and even food from the garage throughout the day, and not having to fumble around in the dark or rely solely on artificial lighting has been a real convenience.
Modern Design
We’ve updated our 1940s traditional home with a black-and-white color scheme, and the Clopay Avante garage door is what truly distinguishes our house from others on the block. The black anodized aluminum frame paired with laminated glass creates a sleek, modern look that complements many architectural styles. Even for a traditional home like ours, the door elevates curb appeal and adds a contemporary touch without clashing with the existing character.
Belt Drive
Our previous garage door used a chain drive that would occasionally jump the tracks, was noisy, and demanded frequent maintenance. The new overhead LiftMaster opener we installed with the Avante door features a belt drive, which operates quickly and quietly. The belt drive mechanics require less upkeep and deliver smooth, reliable performance—an immediate improvement over our old system.
Security
Before installation we were concerned that a glass garage door might reduce security, but our installers reassured us that the Clopay Avante is as secure as conventional doors. In practice, it’s more durable than our former dent-prone steel door. The laminated glass is tough, and it would take substantial force to break through. For added peace of mind, the opaque white laminate we chose preserves privacy while still admitting light; a clear glass option is available if desired, though we would not choose it for security reasons.
Warranty
Clopay garage doors are manufactured in the United States, and the company backs its products with solid warranties: a five-year warranty on the finish and a three-year warranty on hardware. That coverage provides confidence that after hundreds—or even thousands—of openings and closings, the garage door will remain protected. Given current supply delays in the industry, having a reliable, warrantied product in place is an important advantage.