A new garage door offers an excellent way to update your curb appeal while improving your garage’s security and functionality. As you search for a new door, you’ll find a diverse range of materials to choose from, and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here, we’ll discuss 10 of the most popular garage door materials. We’ll explain how they can enhance durability and energy efficiency while improving your garage’s visual appeal.
1. Steel Garage Doors
Steel, of course, is recognized for its exceptional strength, making this one of the most secure garage door materials available. Steel is a top choice for homeowners and businesses that prioritize safety, and it comes in multiple styles and finishes. Galvanized steel offers robust corrosion resistance that can substantially prolong the lifespan of your garage door.
While steel doors are highly durable, they require persistent upkeep to prevent rust in humid environments. Regardless of climate conditions, this door requires periodic cleaning and repainting to optimize its lifespan. On the upside, steel doors are excellent for those subject to severe weather conditions or who need additional protection against impacts and dents.
2. Aluminum Garage Doors
If you need a rust-resistant metal door, aluminum doors are always a great option. They’re ideal for salty air coastal areas and humid regions where excessive moisture is a concern. These doors weigh significantly less than steel constructions, making them easier to open and close. Their lighter weight also eases the strain on your garage door opener, helping to extend its lifespan.
While aluminum doors are more affordable than steel doors, they are generally less durable. The doors scratch and dent more easily, making them less than ideal for industrial settings. You can, however, install large panels and extensive glass inserts into them more readily due to their lightweight construction. For anyone seeking a more contemporary design, aluminum doors offer a clean and modern-looking aesthetic.
3. Wooden Garage Doors
For those who own historical buildings, a wooden garage door is a great way to introduce the same timeless, natural appeal to your garage. A garage door made of wood can also add an upscale aesthetic to newer homes. One of the primary benefits of a wooden garage door is that you can customize the solution with various stains and finishes to complete the rest of your property’s exterior.
These doors, however, require a fair amount of upkeep to prevent issues like warping, writing, and insect damage. Properly maintaining a wood door entails regular sealing, painting, or staining to protect the door’s wood from moisture and UV rays. This extra effort is worth it for many because their classic elegance and bespoke designs can substantially improve a property’s curbside appeal and resale value.
5. Fiberglass Garage Doors
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Fiberglass garage doors are known for their lightweight structures that can still stand up to dents and corrosion. These qualities make them excellent multipurpose doors with their ability to endure significant wear and tear under various climate conditions. You can order these affordable, low-maintenance alternatives to look like either wood or steel.
While fiberglass can be a stylish option, extensive exposure to UV rays can cause this material to yellow over time, detracting from its overall value and appeal. Fiberglass doors generally perform well in most types of weather, but they can become brittle and crack in excessively cold climates. Nonetheless, they’re still a cost-effective solution that lets you choose from multiple colors and aesthetic designs.
6. Vinyl Garage Doors
Garage doors made of vinyl offer robust durability, and they’re also low maintenance. They’re reliably resistant to dents, scratches, and minor impacts while providing good insulating properties. Vinyl doors offer a great option for building owners who need to maintain consistent temperatures inside their garages.
These doors offer fewer color and styling choices than other garage door materials, but their resistance to the elements more than makes up for their lack of variety. Some owners of houses and commercial buildings prefer vinyl doors because they’re more child-friendly, with their smooth edges and limited hardware exposure. This weather-resistant, durable material is a great solution for anyone seeking a secure and hassle-free garage door.
7. Glass Garage Doors
Glass garage doors can provide a unique, contemporary design that lets abundant radiant light into your garage. The extra sunlight enhances visibility and ambience while allowing the space to benefit from solar heat in winter. Glass doors require frequent cleaning to maintain their transparency and aesthetic appeal.
Glass, however, is more susceptible to breakage than the materials above. To mitigate this risk, many people opt for a tempered glass solution for its increased durability and safety. Likewise, insulated glass is more energy efficient, giving you a desirable blend of practicality and style.
8. Wood Composite Garage Doors
For the rich, natural appearance of wood that doesn’t significantly increase maintenance requirements, many property owners choose composite wood garage doors. Constructed from recycled wood fibers and resins, this type of door is more resistant to cracking, warping, and rotting than standard wood doors.
Composite wood materials are also more durable and require less frequent maintenance. They typically translate to fewer repairs and replacements than conventional wood garage doors over time. Although the up-front costs can be higher than those of other materials, its robust durability combined with a classic appearance makes a composite wood door an excellent investment.
9. Iron Garage Doors
Iron garage doors, like steel doors, provide superior strength and security. They’re an excellent option for business and residential garages alike, and their unique, elegant appeal is often the hallmark of a premium property. Iron doors can give your garage a custom look with intricate patterns and details.
This garage door solution is very durable and usually includes a high price tag. Iron doors require consistent upkeep to prevent rust and preserve their upscale appearance. Despite these extra maintenance requirements, they’re still a favored choice among luxury property owners seeking an equally sophisticated and high-end look for their garages.
10. Insulated Garage Doors
Doors that feature multiple layers of material are typically described as insulated garage doors. This door type most often integrates a polystyrene or polyurethane foam core to enhance and optimize energy efficiency. These doors help stabilize garage temperatures, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer.
The costs of an insulated door can be higher than its non-insulated counterparts. But the investment can quickly pay for itself in long-term energy savings. These doors help maintain a more comfortable garage space that minimizes drafts and noise infiltration. An insulated garage door is always a great choice for the energy-conscious homeowner.
Selecting the Right Garage Door Materials
Your choice of materials for your next garage door will depend on your preferences, budget, and the application. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, durability, or energy efficiency, our specialists at Door Pro America can help you find an ideal solution. We offer year-round installations, repairs, and maintenance across multiple locations in Illinois.
To learn more about our custom garage doors, contact Door Pro America today!
