A parent's worst nightmare may be lurking in your garage. An aging garage door and opener combination is a hazard to your child or pet. Deaths and injuries caused by garage doors are a thing of the past with the new options in garage doors and openers.

Traditionally, garage doors have been heavy, wooden monsters that eventually warp, crack or rot. Although wood doors provide a range of textures and styles, the problems resulting from moisture and the reality of poor insulation remain. Fiberglass doors are an inexpensive alternative. They are easy to lift, resistant to salt corrosion, and require little maintenance, but they also provide little insulation or security in King County, Washington.

Most residential garage doors today are made of steel. Nearly maintenance-free, they are durable and do not warp. Insulated ones are a sandwich of bonded steel and a variety of insulating materials. Various textures and colors, as well as a stainable surface, are available to match your style. You also can add windows, including ones that reflect the light but obscure any view into the garage.