Before you start hunting for your next garage door, it’s important to know a little bit about each garage door material. Aside from the obvious differences in appearance, different garage door compositions may suit your budget, climate, and your home’s overall aesthetic better than others. Depending on your preferences, you may want a garage door that blends in with the rest of your home or one that is more of a focal point. If you live in an area that experiences strong storms, you’ll want to consider a door that’s made to withstand those conditions. In this article, we will go over some things you should consider while looking for the right garage door as well as a bit of information about each garage door material.
What to Consider
There are a couple of things you should consider before choosing a material for your garage door. The first is whether or not you would like your garage door to be insulated. Insulated garage doors also tend to be quieter and the presence of insulation can also increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower your energy costs. If your garage door is adjacent to a living space, such as a living room or bedroom, you may want to consider an insulated garage door.
Another thing to consider is whether you would like a door with windows. Windows for garage doors are highly customizable and can be designed to match your home. For a little extra aesthetic appeal and convenience, windows can be a great addition to your garage door.
Materials
Steel
Steel is a largely popular garage door material due to its design flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It requires little to no maintenance and is available in about any style you like. The primary disadvantage of steel is that it is susceptible to corrosion and, even though the parts and hardware of steel doors are quite durable, steel tends to receive dents and dings quite easily compared to other garage door materials. Steel is also a poor insulator, so insulation is a smart choice for saving energy and reducing noise during operation. If you live in an area with a wide range of temperatures, you’ll want to opt for a steel door that’s insulated.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most abundant metal on the planet and another popular choice for residential garage doors. Like Steel, aluminum is cost-effective, highly customizable, and low-maintenance. Some regular washing and a few paint touch-ups now and then can keep the door looking brand new and, unlike steel, aluminum is rust-resistant so you don’t have to worry about corrosion. Aluminum is also very lightweight, so it tends to have longer-lasting parts and hardware. The downside to being a softer, lighter-weight metal is that aluminum is more prone to dents and dings. Like Steel, you’ll also want to consider getting an insulated door because aluminum is also a poor insulator.
Wood
When it comes to creating a fascinating exterior visual, wood is undoubtedly the best choice. Wood creates the richest-looking garage door, and different species of wood can provide a whole range of looks. Wood remains a popular go-to because of its warmth, versatility, and its ode to traditional styles. Wood is heavier and more expensive than aluminum or steel and it’s also more susceptible to the elements. Without regular maintenance, a wood door will begin to fade, rot, warp, or chip but, if the door is well-maintained, wood can adjust to temperatures and heavy-duty use without cracking, bending, or buckling.
For the average homeowner, selecting the right garage door can feel overwhelming when considering all the materials, styles, insulation, colors, and decorative options. That’s why we recommend calling Haney Door Service and getting scheduled for a free, on-site estimate. Our technician will be able to help you go over your options and select a suitable garage door for your home. You can call us at (916) 534-4538 or get scheduled for a free estimate online.