If you know anything about garages and garage door technology, you are likely familiar with the most common two types of garage doors: Wood and steel. Wood and steel garage doors have been around for a long time. And wood itself has been around since the dawn of the garage door. Wood was likely the material that comprised the original, first-ever garage door. Back in those times we simply did not have the types of manufacturing we do today. But now we live in the age of the aluminum and fiberglass garage door.
Yes, times have changed. Homeowners are no longer relegated to either a wood or a steel garage door. Advances in manufacturing and materials science have made choosing a garage door with a non-traditional composition easier than ever before. And you just may be bored with seeing the same type of garage door everywhere and then getting stuck with one for your house. If you want to choose something different and stand out from the Joneses on your block, we can help. Let’s dig into the different types of garage door materials and why you shouldn’t have to be shoehorned into one style.
Top Considerations When Choosing a New Garage Door
Choosing the right garage door takes careful consideration. The two primary factors most people consider when they decide on a new garage door are budget and climate. Budget is an important factor. Wood and steel garage garage doors have been around the longest so they will have the lowest price point. When you get into fiberglass and aluminum garage doors, the price goes up a bit. But with modern materials science, many wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass garage doors are reaching price parity with each other.
If you live anywhere in or around Canton, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, or any of the surrounding areas, climate might be more of a consideration than even budget. Winters can be cruel in the Midwest, so investing in a garage door that keeps the elements at bay may not be such a bad idea. We have spent a lot of time talking about the value of an insulated garage door. Don’t hesitate to upgrade if the biting cold is seeping into your garage space.
Outside of budget and climate, homeowners also pay close attention to aesthetic. After all, you want your garage door to match the rest of your house. Choosing a material that compliments the rest of your home’s aesthetic is extra important. Your garage door is one of the first things someone sees when they approach your home, so you want it to fit your overall theme well.
Advantages of a Fiberglass Garage Door
Fiberglass garage doors are perfect for the summertime. People who live in the Southern United States often opt for fiberglass garage doors because it is perfect for hot and humid regions. Fiberglass garage doors are also the only option that behaves similar to wood. Where functionality is concerned, fiberglass and wood have a lot of commonalities. The good thing about fiberglass, however, is that it has all the pros of wood with few of the cons. Wooden garage doors are more likely to crack, shrink, or warp over time, especially in humid climates. Fiberglass will not do that.
Fiberglass garage doors can also be installed in just about any design of home and are manufactured in almost every type. Whether you want raised panels or overlay carriages, fiberglass garage doors come in all shapes and sizes. They are strong, but also pleasing to the eye and they can set the tone for the rest of your home.
Specific advantages of fiberglass garage doors include:
- Less expensive than wood.
- Lower maintenance costs over the life of the door.
- Will not wrap, shrink, crack, or bend.
- Remains free from erosion and rust.
- Can come in semi-transparent varieties to let more light in.
- Temperature changes will not cause the material to expand.
Still, nothing is perfect, and fiberglass garage doors do come with some disadvantages. If you live in a very windy climate, they may not be the best option. They also cannot be repaired in the same fashion as steel or aluminum. If a fiberglass garage door is damaged, it will likely need to be fully replaced.
Advantages of an Aluminum Garage Door
Once wooden and steel garage doors began to grow out of style, aluminum varieties were right there and ready to take their place. Aluminum glass doors are a lovely option for most homes and they compliment nearly any type of weather. Large see-through glass panels add a touch of class to any home. And with so many different glass options, color schemes, and coatings, aluminum garage doors can be customized to just about any taste.
Aluminum garage doors are also very resistance against rust and erosion. Aluminum garage doors can also be vey easily customized to fit your style, vision, and budget. And much like fiberglass garage doors, aluminum varieties have much lower maintenance costs. Still, they too are not without disadvantages. They are usually only partially waterproof and are less durable than steel varieties.
In the end, it all comes down to maintenance. It does not matter what material your garage door is constructed of, proper maintenance is so important. You will not get the long life you want out of your garage door if you do not maintain it. It might seem like a tiresome task to get the hinges changed, keep track of the lubrication, and conduct annual maintenance or replace parts. But if you think about it, these small repairs are less expensive than getting the whole door changed. They also increase the life of your garage door. Are you considering a fiberglass or aluminum garage door? Contact us today!