Deciding on a garage door material can be tough. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance garage door that will impress your neighbors and keep them in the know about what’s happening at your house, then choosing the right material may be the key to success.
Steel
Steel garage doors have been around since the 1930s and have become common in homes over the past few decades. These overhead doors are very sturdy, but they do tend to be heavy. Steel garage doors can only weigh up to 2,000 pounds with some reinforcement, like a steel grid or extra support columns.
Pros
- Temperature Regulator – Steel is an excellent conductor of temperature. This means your garage will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Longevity – Steel is your best choice if you need a garage door lasting 20 to 30 years.
- Affordable – Regarding price, steel is usually the most affordable option available. • Durability – Steel doors are extremely durable and have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years once installed.
Cons
- Corrosion and Rust – Steel can rust or corrode over time due to humidity, salt, and other corrosive elements in the air and on the ground around your home.
- Susceptible to Staining – If the steel you choose is not treated with a protective coating, it may develop unsightly rust streaks from water stains.
Wood
Two types of wood are used when building garage doors: softwood and hardwood. Softwood is the least expensive option since it is available in standard-size panels easily milled at home centers and other big box retailers. Hardwood, however, comes in smaller pieces that must be custom-fit to your garage door. This can add to the final cost but also increases sturdiness and longevity. Wood garage door installation service is cheap.
Pros
- Durability – Hardwood is extremely durable compared to softwood. The lifespan of a hardwood door is double the lifespan of a softwood door.
- Moisture Resistant – If you live in a region known to experience high humidity levels, hardwood is the best choice for your garage door.
Cons
- Hardwood comes in different sizes that must be custom-fit to your door. This means it may not fit perfectly, causing a gap between the edge of the door and the wall or another object inside your garage. If you are not experienced in building and installing garage doors, this could pose a risk of damage to your door or other objects inside the garage.
Aluminum
Many homeowners like aluminum garage door materials because the color and texture of the door look like wood but have a shiny, metallic appearance.
Pros
- Appealing – When you choose an aluminum garage door, it will look like a wooden door but will also be lightweight and sturdy.
- Easy Install – Aluminum is extremely easy to install since all you need are basic tools and screws.
Cons
- Cost – Aluminum garage door materials doors tend to be more expensive than other options for your garage door. They can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for a new one depending on the type of material used in construction.
- Relatively Ineffective – Aluminum is lightweight but will not withstand high humidity levels.
The garage door materials you choose will depend on your needs, budget, and application.
