Garage doors are not just entryways to the home. They can serve numerous purposes depending on the preferences of those who live in the house. From aesthetics to security, there are many reasons to invest in your garage at home or at work. When picking garage doors, however, there are a lot of factors to consider. Chief amongst these is the material of the door since each type and form has different properties, both negative and positive.
Common Garage Door Materials
With the passage of time and the advent of technology, garage door manufacture has evolved. In previous years, wood was the only material used to make these doors. Today though, there is a wide variety of materials, styles, textures, and shades to pick from when installing a new garage door. Some of the most frequently used materials in garage doors are steel, aluminum, wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Glass is also a part of these doors, but it is mostly in combination with other products.
Steel
Today, the most common material for the manufacture of garage doors is steel. Despite its weight and low insulation capabilities, it is preferable for most homeowners. Steel is low-maintenance, doesn’t cost a fortune to install or repair, and is durable. It is also more rigid when it comes to protection against accidents. Steel is normally used in combination with insulation sheets as the material is not great at controlling the loss of heat.
Aluminum
Aluminum has many benefits over steel in terms of functionality. It is another common material for the manufacture of garage doors because of its lightweight. As opposed to steel, aluminum is less vulnerable to rust and corrosion. At the same time, it also requires less maintenance while still being as tough. However, the more heavy-duty an aluminum frame becomes, the more it costs. There are other varieties like dent-resistant ones, which are ideal for garage doors.
Wood
Wood is amongst the most visually appealing choices that you can make in terms of garage doors. It provides a rustic and natural feel that can blend with the overall façade of the house effortlessly. Different types of wood are used in the manufacture of garage doors including, cedar, fir, and redwood. The problem with wood is that it is not very good at insulating against natural elements as it absorbs moisture and loses its integrity over time.
Vinyl
Ever since vinyl was introduced, it has become one of the most frequently used materials in home construction. From roofing to the floor within the home, this material is used almost everywhere. Garage doors are also made from vinyl as it is extremely durable. Maintenance is also simple as a simple wash with a hosepipe is enough to restore its fresh look. The only drawback is that the number of designs and colors available in vinyl garage doors is limited.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is one of the newest and most budget-friendly materials for garage doors. It is heat efficient, providing adequate insulation. It is also resistant to rust as the composition is artificial. Fiberglass can be made to resemble other natural materials like wood to create a fresh and distinct look. These doors are quite sturdy, but when installed in cold climates, they can become discolored or even break over time.
Conclusion
There are different types of materials used in garage door construction. Each material has its characteristics and can be well suited to a variety of needs. Depending on personal preferences, homeowners can pick the material of choice considering respective weather conditions and other factors. It is crucial to keep all options in mind based on their advantages and disadvantages concerning the area.
If you are looking for a reliable garage door repair and installation company, get in touch with Best Garage Door Repair Houston by calling (713) 332-9965 today.