When the time comes for you to replace your old garage door with a new door, there are many choices to choose from. Choosing the right options for your home is an important decision that should be researched and decided carefully as a new garage door is a great investment if done properly. Some of the options to choose from are the way the door operates, opening up or out, the style of door, carriage house, or a modern full-view, to the many different colors offered.
Before taking a much-needed look into those options, it’s important to consider the different materials available for your new garage door and research what the best material is for your location, maintenance requirements, budget, and style choice. We’ve gathered the top three materials used for garage doors across our markets and detailed what you need to know about each.
Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum doors are a great choice for homeowners that place a long life expectancy as one of the highest priority items. With a heavy steel frame, aluminum doors are able to withstand many years of wear and tear. Although the upfront cost of an aluminum door ranks higher than some of the others, it is a great long-term investment as it will last for many years to come.
Characteristics of aluminum garage doors include:
- Resistance to elements causing rust and corrosion
- Compatible with a variety of garage door features including glass panels
- Lightweight
- Vulnerable to damage, easily dents
Steel Garage Doors
Steel is among one of the most popular garage door materials due to its versatility. Often, manufacturers utilize steel garage doors for strength while combining them with other materials to protect the exterior of the door, preventing rust and other damage.
Steel garage door characteristics include:
- Many finished and colors
- High Durability
- Low Maintenance
- If left unfinished, likely to rust
- Without protection steel easily dents and scratches
Wood Garage Doors
If you’re looking for a traditional and classic garage door, wood may be the way to go. Most wood doors are manufactured from cedar, fir, mahogany, and redwood. The majority of wood doors are manufactured utilizing plies – layers of wood.
If you’re looking for a style of wood door but prefer a door with less maintenance, wood composite garage doors may be the best choice. These doors come in any style or size.
Traditional characteristics of wood garage doors include:
- Less vulnerability to dents and damage
- High maintenance needs
- Heavyweight, requiring strong frames and openers
- Easily affected by moisture
- Finish required
Any of the above garage door materials are great options for almost any door. Choosing one comes down to personal preference including how much or how little maintenance you’re willing to do annually, the climate that you live in, the durability you’re striving for, and the overall budget you’re expecting to invest. Talking to a garage door expert about the different materials and expectations will help make the right decision for you and your home. Reach out to the garage door specialists at OGD™ to learn more about the different garage door materials we offer and receive a free door quote.
