Investing in a new garage door is easily one of the best and quickest ways to raise the value of any property. Your garage door takes up a huge amount of your home’s façade and, thus, significantly affects the overall curb appeal of your home.
Despite their aesthetic value, however, garage doors are not just for show. They have a great impact on the efficiency and functionality of your home.
7 Common Garage Door Materials
There are plenty of factors that you need to consider when selecting the right garage door for your home, but one of the most important is the type of material you choose. Luckily, there’s a wide range of garage door materials available today; it won’t be difficult for you to find a new garage door that fits your budget, lifestyle, and design preferences.
Here are the most popular garage door materials available today:
1. Steel
The majority of homeowners go for steel garage doors – and for good reason. Among garage door material options, steel garage doors offer the most value for money for their longevity, reasonable pricing, and low maintenance needs.
Steel garage doors come in a variety of styles and can be painted any color to suit various home aesthetics. The thing with steel garage doors, however, is that they are prone to denting and corrosion, which is why they are not recommended for use in coastal areas.
2. Wood
Wooden garage doors have been around since the invention of the garage door itself and they remain a popular choice for people who are into timeless, classic designs and a more natural, rustic feel. A basic wood garage door can cost you a few hundred dollars, but more elaborate and custom designs can easily run into the thousands.
Since wood is more susceptible to damage than other types of garage door materials, wooden garage doors need more care and maintenance. They will also require proper finishing to protect them from the effects of inclement weather and the elements.
3. Wood Composite
Manufactured using recycled wood fibers, composite garage doors combine the strength and durability of steel with the unique and natural appeal of wood. They’re also more cost-effective than wooden garage doors and not as demanding with maintenance.
Wood composite garage doors are more resistant to decay and weathering than traditional wooden garage doors. If you like the look and feel of wood but live in a climate where it are not a practical option, wood composite is your best alternative.
In addition to being low maintenance, wood composite garage doors are highly energy-efficient, offering excellent insulation to keep the garage and adjoining spaces comfortable throughout the year.
4. Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors are known to be lightweight, but many of the models available today are heavier and more durable than their predecessors.
Aluminum is similar to steel in the sense that they do not expand, warp, or rot due to moisture. They are, however, considerably less sturdy and durable than steel. You can almost expect an aluminum garage door to dent if hit by a strong enough force.
5. Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors are popular in coastal areas since fiberglass is generally more salt-water resistant than other garage door materials. Also, fiberglass has this unique ability to mimic the look of other garage door materials and to keep spaces cool. These qualities make fiberglass a wise and versatile choice, especially for warm weather.
If you want the classic appeal of wooden garage doors, but don’t want to deal with its heavy weight and susceptibility to water/moisture damage, fiberglass garage doors are your best bet!
6. Glass
A glass garage door can give your home an ultra-chic and modern vibe. Going for glass means access to plenty of natural light. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors within the comforts of your own garage – perfect for homes in scenic areas!
Glass garage doors come in different varieties, some more durable than others. But as glass is a generally fragile material, it may not be the best choice if you have young children at home or live in a neighborhood with lots of kids.
7. Vinyl
Vinyl garage doors have built a reputation for being extremely durable. They’re another popular option for homes in coastal areas because of the resistance to wind, sand, and salt. Vinyl also provides excellent insulation and doesn’t fade or corrode due to prolonged exposure to UV light.
Currently, there are limited style and color options for vinyl garage doors. In terms of maintenance, though, vinyl garage doors earn an advantage because they don’t require much upkeep. A quick hose-down is usually all that’s needed to keep them clean.
Choosing the Right Garage Door
The best garage door material for your home depends on several factors. Ultimately, you must take into account considerations such as your location, your budget, and the aesthetic that you want to achieve when shopping for a new garage door.
Whatever type of garage door material you end choosing, make sure to consult with a garage door professional and work with a reliable garage door company to ensure that your garage door performs its functions with ease.
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Thanks so much for talking about the different appeals to different garage door materials. I agree that wood has a timeless and classic feel to it since it’s been used forever. My cousin has been thinking about replacing his old garage door with something newer so we’ll have to look into finding a garage door specialist he can go to help him choose what kind of door he’d like to replace his with.
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I like how you talked about how it is a good idea to consult with a professional before you pick a garage door material. I would like to have a metal garage door installed on my home because I like the aesthetic they create. Speaking to a professional makes sense because they will help me pick a metal that will work for a garage door.