Choosing the Best Garage Door Material

Material is one of the most significant factors to consider when you want to install a brand-new garage door or update an existing one. Materials for garage doors come in a variety of choices. 

Each of the garage door materials available may appeal to you for different reasons. The right choice of materials for your property will therefore depend on a variety of factors, including your preference, budget, and climate.

The following are a few of the different garage door materials and what they can offer.

Steel

For garage doors, steel is one of the most common materials. The advantages of steel doors include their durability and affordability and the fact that they are low-maintenance. Steel doors are also available in a wide range of design options, which makes them easy to integrate into your home design.

Even so, steel doors are not the best insulators. The doors do, however, offer an insulation option to help regulate the temperature in your garage. 

Moreover, steel garage door material tends to ding and dent quite easily compared to other materials. Additionally, steel is prone to corrosion and rust, particularly in a salty climate.

Wood

A wooden garage door adds a sense of timeless elegance to any exterior. Wood doors offer a variety of designs, wood types, and customization options. Thus, wood garage doors are an excellent choice for homeowners who seek a unique appearance.

Furthermore, wood is an eco-friendly option to consider when choosing a garage door material. It is also a natural insulator.

Wooden garage doors do require more maintenance, however, to ensure they remain in good condition. Moreover, as a result of sun and weather exposure, wood can fade, rot, warp, or chip.

Wood Composite

Wood composite, also known as faux wood, is a material manufactured with recycled wood fibers. Wood composite is heavy, dense, and strong, which makes it suitable for garage door applications.

Wood composite is low maintenance, as it is hardly prone to splitting, warping, and rot, and you can paint or stain it just like natural wood. 

However, composite garage door materials also have their downsides. Due to wood's composite composition, it is quite expensive compared to other materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight, durable, and rust-proof because of its natural resistance. 

Garage doors made from aluminum are among the most cost-effective options on the market, and they are easy to repair and maintain. You can also combine glass with aluminum for a sleek look that allows natural light into your garage. 

Nevertheless, you will need to insulate your aluminum garage doors to increase the R-value of your garage. The material is also prone to dents, which are difficult to fix without the help of a professional.

Fiberglass

Many homeowners overlook fiberglass when they choose garage door materials. However, fiberglass is an economical, low-maintenance, and durable material. Additionally, fiberglass is translucent, which allows more natural light to enter your garage. 

Due to fiberglass's resistance to salt-water corrosion, it is best suited for coastal regions and warmer climates.



Fiberglass, however, is very light, a poor insulator, and can fade over time because of prolonged exposure to the elements.

Vinyl

A vinyl garage door is a great choice for homes of all sizes, shapes, and styles.

Vinyl is durable and resists dents and rust, which makes it ideal for outdoor applications. The vinyl material is also flame retardant and has noise insulation properties.

Vinyl doors are lightweight, so they reduce stress on door hardware, springs, and operating systems. Moreover, vinyl garage doors offer a wide range of customization options and require little maintenance.

Vinyl, however, isn't an insulating material by itself like wood. Insulating vinyl garage doors is therefore necessary. A vinyl surface also limits your paint color choices because it absorbs excessive heat.

With a better understanding of each material's pros and cons, you can now make an informed choice. Even so, if making a decision seems overwhelming, you always have the option to consult a garage door expert like Armor Overhead Door.

Get in touch with us if you are ready for a new garage door or if you need help deciding which garage door is right for you.