If you are considering installing a new garage door, whether for a first-time homeowner or to replace an outdated one, you probably know there are different materials to choose from. Each garage door material has pros and cons; understanding them is imperative in helping you make the right selection for your residential or commercial property.

Steel Garage Doors

All climates

Steel is one of the most common garage door materials due to its durability and affordability.

A steel garage door can provide you with a level of durability and security you can’t get from other garage door materials. Steel is a sturdy material that can enhance your garage’s security and resist Mother Nature’s power. Thanks to that durability, you get a door that requires less maintenance.

Wood Garage Doors

Mild, dry climates

Wood is often the second-most popular option for garage doors. Wood doors have existed since the very early days of garage door use.

Wood is preferred over other materials because of its aesthetic appeal. It gives your garage door a unique and distinguished look, and it can be customized to fit any style or design you want.

Aluminum Garage Doors

All Climates; However, Eextreme Heat can Reduce Durability

This material is somewhat similar to steel, and many property owners use it as an alternative. Aluminum offers similar advantages to steel but at a lower price. It is strong, long-lasting, and, thanks to aluminum’s natural resistance, does not rust.

Aluminum doors are also perfect for fitting with many glass window options, which allow more natural light into the garage and give a home a beautiful contemporary look.

However, aluminum is lighter than steel. Because it’s lighter, aluminum is more likely to dent and does not last as long as steel, especially in areas with high wind speeds.

Fiberglass Garage Doors

Warm, Humid Climates

Though uncommon, fiberglass material is best for garage doors fitted in highly salty areas such as beachfront properties. Fiberglass panels are extremely durable, more dent-resistant than steel, and highly resistant to corrosion or rust.

Their high resistance to corrosion makes fiberglass a perfect option for coastal properties. In addition, fiberglass requires almost zero maintenance. However, it is a poor insulator and may fade due to long exposure to the sun.

Vinyl Garage Doors

Vinyl is quickly becoming one of the most popular garage door materials. This is because it offers the best of both worlds between wood and steel. It provides the charm of wood with the affordability and durability of steel. Vinyl garage doors can be a good choice for a variety of climates, including coast regions, humid summers, and extreme weather:

• Coastal regions: Vinyl is resistant to salt air, wind, and sand and can withstand coastal storms. It’s also a good alternative to wood, which can warp or rot in humid conditions.
• Humid summers: Vinyl is maintenance-free and won’t rust, fade, or dent.
• Extreme weather: Vinyl can handle low temperatures, high moisture, and freeze/thaw cycles. However, vinyl may become brittle and crack if forcefully impacted in extremely cold climates. To help prevent this, you can ensure the door is insulated.