A garage door isn’t just viewed as a storage area for cars; it can be part of your home’s curb appeal. Today there are a variety of styles of doors to complement your home. The style that you choose will need to be taken into consideration when selecting the material that will be used for the garage door.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of some of the most common materials that may help you decide on the material you will use
Steel
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Able to be painted to the color you want
- Available to add a finish that looks like wood
- Better energy conservation
Cons
- Vulnerable to rust and deterioration
- Poor insulation depending on the gauge of the steel that is chosen
- insulation may need to be added depending on the climate during colder seasons.
It’s no surprise steel doors are among the most common choices with their many lists of pros. The main downfall would be that scratches can easily lead to rust issues.
Wood
Pros
- Classic look
- Ability to be painted to any color you want
- Superior Insulation
- Endless design options, windows can even be included for a unique look
Cons
- Requires regular maintenance to avoid rotting
- Requires regular maintenance of finishing to keep its appeal
- Sensitive to moisture and extreme temperatures
- The cost of installing a wood garage door
This classic look may be worth the regular upkeep, but the cost and climate may play a big role in avoiding this choice.
Wood Composite
Pros
- Durable as steel with the looks and texture of wood
- Ability to be painted or stained
- Resistant to rotting and splitting
Cons
- Can chip or crack
- Requires maintenance
This is a great alternative to real wood to get the same classic look without the regular upkeep involved.
Aluminum
Pros
- Lighter and less expensive than steel
- optional faux wood texturing and long-lasting finishes.
- Very low maintenance
Cons
- Susceptible to dents
- Requires insulation
- Cannot be painted
Aluminum is a great budget-friendly choice for its versatility in modern but would not be recommended for high-traffic areas due to its thin material.
Fiberglass
Pros
- Easy to be painted and made to have the appearance of grained wood
- Greater resistance to dents than thin steel.
- More resistant to salt-water corrosion
Cons
- Poor insulator
- Easily fades from weather exposure
- Very brittle and easily damaged in high winds
Fiberglass is another great alternative to real wood that avoids shrinking, rotting, and warping. However, it can be delicate and will need to be completely replaced if damaged.
Hopefully, some of these pros and cons can help to choose which material will be best for your garage door. For more help in deciding and getting a quote, feel free to contact your local professionals, Doorman Services Inc, in the North Kent location.