Choosing the right garage door material for your home is an important decision. It impacts everything from durability and insulation to how your new garage door fits the style of your home’s exterior.
Wood is an elegant option for homeowners with a traditional aesthetic, and you can even choose doors with divided windows for a more decorative look. Other options include fiberglass and aluminum, which are both resistant to corrosion and rust, lightweight and easy to customize.
Here are the signs indicating it’s time to upgrade your garage door. Explore more at Team Garage Doors.
Cost
The material that you choose for your garage door will have a big impact on the overall aesthetics of your home. Choosing the right material will ensure that your new garage door will blend in with the exterior design of your home. Wood garage doors offer a traditional look that is perfect for older homes, while steel and fiberglass garage doors provide modern and sleek designs that complement contemporary homes.
Aluminum garage doors are lightweight and low-maintenance, making them a great option for homeowners on a budget. They also have a higher resistance to corrosion than steel, which makes them an ideal choice for coastal areas. However, they can dent easily and may not be as durable as other materials.
Fiberglass garage doors are also affordable and offer a variety of customization options. They can be designed to mimic the appearance of other materials and are highly resistant to dents and corrosion. They are also available with glass windows that can allow natural light into your garage while ensuring privacy.
Durability
The material you choose to have installed in your garage door should be able to hold up to the local weather conditions. You may live in a place prone to moisture or you might be exposed to high winds or hailstorms, for example.
If you are in a coastal area, for instance, a steel or aluminum garage door may work best for your home. These types of doors are easy to clean and resistant to corrosion. They also have a wide variety of style options to match your home’s décor.
For homeowners who want the look of wood but don’t have the time to commit to its maintenance, a composite or faux wood garage door might be a better option. These types of doors can withstand more natural damage, such as dents, than real wood and still look beautiful. They can be painted to coordinate with your home’s siding and hardscapes, too.
Insulation
Your garage door plays a big role in the energy efficiency of your home, especially when there are gaps or leaks around it. With proper sealing, you can keep warm air inside your home and cold air outside. Insulation also helps to reduce the amount of noise that comes from your garage into the living areas of your house.
Steel garage doors are a popular choice due to their affordability and low maintenance requirements. However, they are not the best insulators, which can negatively impact your energy efficiency. Steel can also be prone to rust and corrosion in some environments.
Aluminum is similar to steel in many ways, but it is stronger and does not rust. It is a better option than steel for coastal environments or for homes with heavy rainfall. This material is also a more durable option for garage doors that are fitted with windows. Window options include acrylic panes, which allow light to enter the garage, or frosted glass, which blocks most visibility from the outside.
Maintenance
Your garage door protects your vehicles and belongings, so you want it to stand the test of time. That is why you should choose a material that will withstand your local climate, maintenance needs and design preferences.
Aluminum is a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it’s affordable and comes in a wide variety of design options. It also allows natural light to enter the garage, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. This type of garage door is easy to clean and maintain, and it’s resistant to water damage.
However, it’s not the best insulator and will need additional insulation to keep your space warm. It’s also prone to dents and corrosion, which means it will need regular maintenance to avoid rust. You can minimize this issue by choosing a galvanized steel option with a baked-on primer and WINDCODE reinforcement.