If you are considering installing a new garage door, whether for a first-time homeowner or to replace an outdated one, you probably know there are different materials to choose from.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.
Garage Door Materials: The Pros and Cons
If you’re looking for a new garage door, there are a variety of styles and materials to choose from. Consider which garage door material is best for your house and needs.
Think About These Features Before Making Your Decision:
Durability: A garage door protects the valuables inside your garage and home. Consider a sturdy garage door material that can withstand moisture or insect damage, especially in a humid climate.
Energy efficiency: Insulated garage doors can help block unpleasant air drafts, regulate the temperature of your home, and save money on energy costs.
Aesthetic appeal: Garage doors make up a large percentage of your home’s exterior. The suitable garage door material can enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Cost: Weigh the short-term and long-term costs and savings to help determine which garage door materials are best for your home.
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.
Pros of Steel Garage Doors
- Strength and security
- Energy-efficient
- Low maintenance
- Variety of styles
- Budget-friendly
Cons of Steel Garage Doors
- Susceptibility to rust
- Not a natural insulator
- Subject to corrosion in salty environments
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.
Pros of Wood Garage Doors
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Customization
- Good insulation
- Repairability
Cons of Wood Garage Doors
- Higher maintenance
- Cost
- Vulnerability to weather
- Can crack, warp, swell, or rot
- Shorter lifespan
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.
Pros of Aluminum Garage Doors
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
- Modern aesthetics
- Cost-effective option
- Large glass windows allow maximum light to go into the garage
Cons of Aluminum Garage Doors
- Not fully waterproof
- Poor insulation
- Less privacy when fitted with glass windows
- Less durable
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.
Pros of Fiberglass Garage Doors
- Durability
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
- Won’t contract or expand from temperature changes
- Resistant to warping, shrinking, or corroding due to moisture
Cons of Fiberglass Garage Doors
- Fiberglass is brittle and is more susceptible to damage
- Will often crack and develop a yellow tint with age
- Cost
- May not provide the same level of insulation
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.
Pros of Vinyl Garage Doors
- Cost Effective
- Durable
- Low Maintenance
- Resistant to Dents, Cracks and Rust
- Weather resistance
Cons of Vinyl Garage Doors
- It only comes in light colors because darker colors will fade.
- You are stuck with your chosen color as the same color goes through the garage door.
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