Types of Garage Doors
By ProMatcher Staff
Garage doors are made of several different materials. The five most common materials are steel, wood, composite/fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum. Aluminum and steel garage doors without insulation are the most affordable and wood and composite doors are typically the most expensive.
Aluminum Garage Doors
Cost: The Most Affordable
The Good:
- Low initial cost
- Lightweight
- Will not typically rust
The Bad:
- Limited selection of colors and styles
- Will dent easily
Everything Else: Aluminum doors are affordable and lightweight. If you’re not planning on installing an automatic opener, the weight of the door is something you should keep in mind. Some contemporary, designer doors are made with aluminum frames and specialty glass inserts. However, these doors will come at a much higher cost.
Related: Cost of Garage Door Installation
Steel Garage Doors
Cost: Very Affordable
The Good:
- Low initial cost
- Durable
- Wide variety of styles and color
- Can be insulated
The Bad:
- May dent
- Can be noisy
Everything Else: Garage doors are most commonly made of steel. It is a popular choice due to its durability and affordability. Some steel garage doors have a vinyl overlay that provides additional protection from denting and weathering. Steel is typically measured in gauges. With a lower gauge number, the steel will be both thicker and stronger. Thinner steel garage doors are more affordable, but they can be noisy and will dent easily. “Sandwiched” steel doors have a thick layer of insulation that helps to reduce noise and improve energy efficiency.
Vinyl Garage Doors
Cost: Moderately Priced
The Good:
- Durability
- Low maintenance
- Will not dent or scratch
The Bad:
- Lack high-end look of wood
- Cannot be repainted to match house
- Must be insulated
Everything Else: Vinyl garage doors are a popular choice for family homes. Accidental impacts from basketballs and other toys will not typically damage these garage doors. Vinyl is durable and nearly maintenance-free, but it cannot be repainted to update the design of your home.
Composite or Fiberglass Garage Doors
Cost: More expensive
The Good:
- Durable (will not rot or rust)
- Low maintenance
- Ideal in coastal areas vulnerable to saltwater corrosion
- Can be stained/painted to match
- Natural wood look without additional maintenance
The Bad:
- Moderately higher initial cost
- May fade
- Will need to be repainted
Everything Else: Composite doors are made of recycled wood fibers or fiberglass. The doors come in a variety of different colors and designs. Many composite doors can be made to replicate the look of natural wood for a fraction of the cost.
Wood Garage Doors
Cost: The Most Expensive
The Good:
- Improved curb appeal, high-end look
- Strong, durable
- Natural insulator
The Bad:
- Most expensive
- High maintenance costs, must be refinished and stained
- Vulnerable to weather damage
- Additional insulation cannot be added
Everything Else: Wood garage doors are the most expensive option, but they look great and typically add value to your home. These doors will come at a higher initial cost than any other doors, in addition to higher maintenance costs to periodically refinish and repaint. While wood garage doors are incredibly durable, they have the potential to warp in damp climates.
Related: #GarageDoor on Twitter
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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