It is very important to have a garage door made from reliable materials. Garage doors are used daily and need to open and close on command. They must function safely and properly, and the right material will ensure you get a sturdy and reliable garage door.
If you’re unhappy with your garage door, it may be time to consider a replacement. Replacing an old door with something more durable is a great investment, as this will protect your belongings and your home. Knowing which garage door material is ideal will require research; this guide will point you in the right direction.
Common garage door materials include:
1. Steel garage doors
Steel is a very popular option for garage door materials because of its resiliency in all types of weather. Steel garage doors provide homeowners with several benefits, including:
- Durability – Heavy-duty steel is more durable than other materials and is resistant to warping, severe weather, cracking and fire, which makes it ideal for your home.
- Low maintenance – Steel garage doors require less maintenance than other materials, and their high durability means they will not peel, splinter, split or get damaged by insects. This material will also need to be repainted less often and can be washed a few times a year to maintain its colour.
- Cost-effectiveness – Its durability and low maintenance needs make steel garage doors cost-effective, and you can also choose to add extra insulation layers to your overhead door, which can help reduce your energy costs.
- Versatility – Steel doors can be customized to match your design and style preferences. Your garage door should complement your exterior, and steel makes this a possibility because it can be painted in nearly any colour, and you can also add windows.
- Extra protection – Steel garage doors are more robust, heavier than other garage door materials, and harder to force open. This will provide your home with extra protection, and a steel garage door will put your mind at ease. Additionally, insulation layers in a steel garage door will protect your house from extreme heat and cold, which will help regulate your home’s temperature.
There are a few disadvantages: steel garage doors are prone to denting and vulnerable to rust. Steel is very durable, but it is still vulnerable to impact damage, especially if your garage consists of thin steel. Steel is also susceptible to rust over time, but thicker and galvanized steel doors are more resistant to rust, although they are more expensive.
2. Wood garage doors
Wood is a beautiful material that can enhance the appearance and atmosphere of your home exterior. Advantages include:
- Custom design options – Wood garage doors are available in different styles and colours. You can choose various colours, finishes and panel styles that complement your home’s architectural design. Wood garage doors are also available in custom sizes and panel shapes, and because wood features a timeless design, your garage door will always be in style.
- Price – Wood garage doors are available at different price points, and lightweight doors tend to be less expensive, whereas sturdier doors will cost more. Regardless of your budget, you can find a high-quality, affordable garage door made of wood.
- Resistant to dents and easy to replace – Wood is resistant to impact damage, which makes wood garage doors resistant to wear and tear like dents, scuffs and dings. If you maintain your garage door and protect it against moisture and other types of weather, your wood garage door will look great for a very long time. Garage doors are also easy to repair, and you may only need a partial door replacement if there are signs of damage.
- Eco-friendly – Wood is renewable and a naturally occurring material, and purchasing a wood garage door will positively impact our environment. Wood garage doors last a long time, so you can keep the same garage door instead of using more resources to create a new one.
In terms of disadvantages, the weight of the wood can cause your door to be heavy, and you may need to paint and sand your garage door to keep it looking fresh.
3. Fiberglass garage doors
Fiberglass is a great choice for humid climates and is resistant to warping, cracking and more. Fiberglass can also mimic the gorgeous texture of your favourite wood. Benefits include:
- Durability – Fibreglass garage doors are sturdy because they have a steel foundation, and the fibreglass coating further enhances their durability. Fiberglass doors are also entirely rust-proof.
- Insulation – Modern fibreglass garage doors contain added insulation.
- Appearance – Fiberglass garage doors offer a clean and sleek appearance; this material has texture and malleability, and the patterns are beautiful. Fiberglass garage doors will provide your exterior with a warm and welcoming appearance.
Fiberglass must be replaced if damaged and is susceptible to wind. It can also crack or yellow with age.
4. Aluminum garage doors
Aluminum garage doors are ideal if you want a sleek and modern appearance. Benefits include:
- Unmatched durability – Your garage door will last because aluminum is tough and sturdy and will hold its own against adverse weather and daily use.
- Low maintenance – If you want a garage door you don’t have to worry about too often, aluminum doors are ideal because they do not require substantial upkeep. They are easy to wash and clean and do not need frequent new coatings or special protectants.
- Wide selection of designs – Panels are available in various colours, including white, brown, bronze, clear anodized, bronze anodized and even black anodized.
- Weather resistance – Aluminum is naturally resistant to water-related damage like rust and corrosion.
Conclusion
Are you looking for the best garage door material? AMS Garage Doors will help you select the right garage door for your home, and we will help with every aspect, including design. Our garage door company serves customers in the Milton, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and Georgetown areas, and we will discuss the best materials to help you make the right choice.
Contact us today to learn more about garage door materials!