Garages are an extension of your home and they add to the aesthetic value of your property. Apart from a parking space for vehicles, garages can be used as storage rooms or workshops. Regular use of garage doors leads to wear and tear. In a region with a harsh climate, a garage keeps your tools and vehicles well insulated. Garages are like a security vault for your invaluable vehicles. A secure garage door, with a robust security system, keeps you safe from thefts and robbery. So, choosing durable and resilient material for your garage door is not only essential but smart.
We asked the garage door experts at Tip Top Garage Doors who have installed hundreds of elegant but sturdy garage doors in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; Fort Mill, South Carolina; and Nashville, Tennessee to list door material types that they found most preferred by their clients for home improvement projects.
Below are the top 6 common garage door material types that they came up with:
1. Steel Garage Doors
Steel garage doors are sturdy and do not require heavy maintenance. They are best for regions prone to hurricanes and other stormy weather conditions since they can withstand force. Simple preventive maintenance helps in enhancing the performance of doors made using this material. Dents and bends are rare since the material is strong. If you’re looking for a durable and economical door with proven performance, then steel material should be your garage door material choice.
2. Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum garage doors are strong and require relatively low maintenance. They’re rust-resistant and can withstand normal environmental conditions. The aluminum door material is ideal for a contemporary home appearance. They’re an excellent choice for those who want to use the garage as an office, play area, or recreational space as the material lightens up the room.
3. Vinyl Garage Doors
Vinyl garage doors are made of a material that is durable and strong. If you live in a humid region especially near the ocean, doors made of vinyl material should be on your list. This is because vinyl doors are rust-resistant and can withstand relatively strong wind. They’re classified among the low maintenance doors and do not require costly painting.
4. Wooden Garage Doors
Wooden garage doors are ideal for classic Spanish Villas or Mediterranean homes as they provide a warm and natural feeling. This door style is elegant and can give room to change the color through repainting. However, wood garage doors are not recommended for areas prone to hurricane and stormy weather. Wood panels require high maintenance as they can rot, crack, and get mold easily. Regular staining and painting is a must to keep the wood door in good condition.
5. Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass garage doors offer affordability and flexibility in functionality and the doors are the most lightweight. Fiberglass doors with aluminum frames provide strength and durability while ensuring the door remains lightweight. Fiberglass doors are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Temperature changes do not cause fiberglass garage doors to expand or contract. These doors are moisture-resistant and do not rust and corrode. Despite these advantages, fiberglass is rarely used for garage doors. A downside to fiberglass doors is that they are easy to break-in. Also, you need to invest in thermal insulation for fiberglass doors.
6. Wood Composite Garage Doors
Wood composite or faux wood garage doors are made of treated or recycled wood fibers. They are as appealing as wooden doors. But they are more durable and easy maintenance than solid wood. They do not rot or crack like wooden doors. Wood composite doors are lighter in weight. These doors generally have a wooden frame and multiple sheets of fiberboard. The overlays add to the design and appeal. With high-density fiberboards, wood composite garage doors can offer modest insulation. Wood composite garage doors can be painted or stained on-site or factory painted. However, wood composite doors can be expensive. They are a long-term investment.
No matter what material your garage door is made out of, engaging a garage door technician for preventive maintenance is highly recommended for high door performance.
Get affordable garage door installation and replacement in Raleigh NC from Tip Top Garage Doors. We assure you 100% customer satisfaction, free estimates for new door installations, and a full warranty. Don’t forget to avail of our great discounts! Call us today 919-701-3003 for a professional garage door installation quote or to check your insulation!