Garage doors are made of different materials, but the most common ones are steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. Apart from the evident differences in their respective appearance, certain garage door components may better suit your budget, environment, and style.
This article will discuss the frequently asked question: “What are garage doors made of?” and the pros and cons of each garage door material company.
Steel
Steel is a highly preferred garage door material because of its design versatility, durability, and price. Steel garage doors are produced in a limitless variety of designs and are a less expensive, more practical option than natural wood. Proper insulation can further strengthen your steel garage door and enhance its R-value.
Unlike a wood garage door, steel is much lighter in weight and is easier to maintain. You can opt for “wood” designs; this way, it would provide you with elegance as well as the texture of wood, with the reliability and durability of steel.
The primary downside of steel is that it is very susceptible to rust and corrosion. Rusting along the bottom part of a steel garage door is primarily common in locations where salt is used to de-ice during the winter season. To help prolong the life of the steel garage door, it is highly recommended that it be washed at least two times a year to eliminate grime and dirt.
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Numerous design options
- Economical
Cons:
- Resistant to dents on a moderate scale
- Not a naturally occurring insulator
- If scratches are not repaired promptly, they can rust.
Wood
Wood garage doors lend an air of timeless grandeur to any exterior. Due to the fact that wood is a renewable resource, it is a more environmentally responsible alternative to consider when acquiring a new garage door. Wood garage doors are a wonderful alternative for homeowners seeking a bespoke, unique appeal.
Along with the high initial price of a wood garage door, the ongoing upkeep required to maintain its attractiveness must be considered. A wood door that is not properly maintained will warp, fade, chip, and rot.
Wood garage doors are ideally suited to climates with moderate winters. Extreme temperature variations outside and frequent exposure to moisture (from snow, rain, or humidity) could lead the wood to expand and warp as it absorbs the moisture.
Homeowners often opt for side hinged garage doors because they are more wood-friendly. When opened and closed, the stress exerted on the door frame is reduced. Also, if you live in a location where the temperature plummets below 0°F, an insulated garage door is crucial.
Pros:
- Beautiful, rustic appearance
- Naturally occurring insulator
- Numerous overlay styles
- Staining the field to create the desired appearance
Cons:
- Manual operation is complicated and time-consuming.
- Regular maintenance is required
- Possibility of warping, swelling, or decay
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the most overlooked garage door material. However, fiberglass most accurately replicates the distinct grain texture of genuine wood. Unlike wood, though, fiberglass garage doors would not shrink, warp, or fracture, making them an especially good choice for homeowners living in places with humid climates.
Fiberglass is cost-effective and only needs low maintenance. Furthermore, because it is semi-transparent, it allows for increased natural light to enter your garage.
Fiberglass is best suited for warmer temperatures and should not be used in windy coastal areas. Strong winds may damage fiberglass and generate irritating noise. Another critical factor to remember is that broken fiberglass cannot be repaired once it is damaged; the entire garage door should be replaced.
Pros:
- Will not shrink, warp, or corrode in the presence of moisture
- Allows light to enter the garage
- Will not contract or inflate in response to changes in temperature
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- If destroyed, it must be replaced, as it is brittle and prone to wind damage
- With age, it has a propensity to break
Glass And Aluminum
Glass and aluminum materials for garage doors could add an eye-catching, contemporary aesthetic to a wide array of external and interior design applications. Glass and aluminum garage doors are available in anodized finishes, numerous powder coat colors, and a variety of glass selections.
Aluminum is less durable than steel due to its lesser weight. Strong winds and hail could dent aluminum, which is difficult to repair without the assistance of a professional. Moreover, it is highly suggested that aluminum section rails be insulated to raise their R-value and provide additional thermal protection for the parking space.
Pros:
- Naturally, rust and corrosion resistance
- Customizable
- Allows the maximum amount of light in the garage
- Low-maintenance
Cons:
- R-value is low
- Waterproofing is not complete
- Not as durable as steel
- Depending on the type of glass used, there may be privacy concerns.
The Takeaway
Garage doors are far more critical than you may believe. Apart from acting as a barrier between your valuables and the outside world, they frequently have an effect on how others see your home.
For example, if you ever want to sell your home, the garage will invariably affect the number of offers you receive. Clean-looking and efficient doors lend a sense of solidity to the entire structure. As a result, prospective purchasers may gain confidence and sign the contract.
Keeping a house in good condition is no easy task. Normal wear and tear, stormy weather, extreme temperatures, and accidents all leave their imprints. As your home ages, certain components may require repair or replacement—the garage door is no exception.
There is no law regarding the material you choose for your doors. Nonetheless, one thing to bear in mind is that choosing a certain material entails reaping its benefits and dealing with its drawbacks.
With the variety of garage door materials available in the market today, choosing the appropriate one for your home can be very daunting. Just keep in mind that when it comes down to making the final choice, you must prioritize the features of a garage door that are most essential to you. Do you place a premium on beauty, ease of maintenance, or affordability? Whichever option you choose, it is critical to do thorough research first and make sure to deal with a garage door provider that will match your demands with the best garage door material that fits your needs.
