What Garage Door Material Should I Choose?

When updating your garage door, choosing the material for it may seem a little daunting. Not only do you want your garage to look good and fit the style of your home, you also want it to be durable, functional, and affordable. Garages are typically made of one or a combination of fiberglass, wood, steel, and aluminum.

Fiberglass is almost always used with other materials, typically aluminum. What’s great about it is that it is very malleable and can mimic other materials, including wood. It can also be cheaper than most other materials. Fiberglass is also incredibly durable since it’s not susceptible to rust or corrosion. Depending on how much light the fiberglass lets in, it can get very hot in the garage. In addition to its poor insulation, fiberglass tends to yellow over time and can break or become very brittle in extremely cold weather.

Wood is perhaps the most warm and natural-looking for your garage. The wooden look is often thought of as timeless and inviting. They are durable, however will often require frequent refinishing and may not last as long as other materials. Wooden doors do offer great insulation compared to other materials and even helps reduce noise. Sun and moisture affect the life of a wooden garage door and will need to be retouched about once a year. It’s also more expensive than other materials.

Steel is a popular choice of garage door material. It can be layered to increase insulation, sound-proofing, and be more energy efficient. It is low maintenance and quite durable. However, this material does rust and are more prone to dents. Rust can be prevented by a protective coating or with a fiberglass overlay. Steel can be customized to any budget, depending on if it’s one, two, or three layers, and if there’s any other special customization made to it.

Aluminum is also a popular choice for garage doors since it’s a lightweight material. This is most commonly found in extra wide garage doors. Steel and aluminum share a lot of the same characteristics, but aluminum is not a good insulator, is rust-resistant, and tends to be less expensive. Many aluminum garages look like steel, but others will simply be an aluminum frame with fiberglass inserts to have a big window effect.

So what material is best for your home? Whether or not you know that answer, we’d love to help you make your garage look amazing and be as functional as you want it. Give us a call today and let’s get you your free estimate!