Before deciding on a garage door, you should consider the material it is made of. Some of the most common materials used indoors are steel, aluminum, composite wood, and fiberglass. Each material has its benefits and disadvantages, so you should understand the characteristics of these materials before purchasing one. Then, to help you decide on the right one, read this article to learn more about its pros and cons.
Steel
A triple-layer steel garage door provides unsurpassed thermal comfort. Unlike single-layer garage doors, which only close off the garage from intrusion, downpour, and vehicle theft, triple-layer steel doors effectively prevent heat from escaping and cold from leaking in. This can be helpful during uncomfortable weather, especially as seasonal shifts get more severe. And, since the doors don’t need any electrical wiring, you can save money on energy bills.
Compared to other doors, steel garage doors are more energy-efficient and more durable. Steel is lightweight, meaning it won’t warp in the weather or crack. Additionally, they can be coated to prevent corrosion. Since you can customize them, steel garage doors can be more affordable than wooden doors. However, steel is prone to damage. While you can remove minor dents, larger ones will need to be repainted. You can find out more through local providers, like garage doors Denton TX.
Composite wood
While wooden garage doors may be attractive and add a touch of classic elegance to a house, they can be expensive and require regular maintenance. Composite wood garage doors are an ideal long-term solution because they are made from polystyrene, a composite material derived from recycled materials. However, wooden doors may warp if they are exposed to moisture or are located near a body of water. Wooden garage doors are typically built in layers and are available in redwood, fir, cedar, mahogany, and meranti. Wooden doors may require staining, and custom-made models may be quite costly.
These doors come in six distinct wood finishes and may complement the exterior of a Craftsman-style home. In addition, some wood composite garage doors are available with different metal hardware to add style and flair to your home. They can also accommodate the look of a contemporary home. Composite wood doors may also be an excellent choice for homes that do not have a formal front entry or porch for added beauty and practicality. The most effective garage doors will complement your home’s architectural style while adding a touch of rustic charm.
Aluminum
If you’re looking for a durable garage door, consider installing an aluminum one. Compared to steel, aluminum is more affordable and less susceptible to rust and corrosion. This material is also relatively durable, with a strength-to-weight ratio much higher than steel. However, it can still be vulnerable to dents and dings even though it’s lighter. Aluminum’s other drawbacks include denting and hardness. Still, these advantages make aluminum the perfect choice for many households.
Aluminum is the lightest conventional metal, making it the perfect choice for garage doors. While steel requires a coating to resist corrosion, aluminum’s natural resistance helps it last for many years. Unlike steel, aluminum is also resistant to most forms of oxidation. This layer of protection is essential for garage doors located in humid or salty climates. Another reason to choose aluminum for your garage door is that it’s easier to emboss, design, and recycle than steel.
Fiberglass
If you are looking for a new garage door, consider a Fiberglass one. These doors are lightweight and low-maintenance and can offer several benefits. They’re also highly durable, easy to install, and require almost no maintenance. You can choose between ten different colors, window glass options, and decorative hardware. You can also select a wood-grain finish if you desire. In addition to being affordable, these doors also provide excellent insulation.
Although fiberglass doors are not as attractive as wood garage doors, they can mimic the appearance and feel of wooden doors. Additionally, they require less maintenance. Fiberglass garage doors from Overhead Door are molded fiberglass over a steel door, so they look just like wood. The added benefit of low maintenance is their high thermal efficiency. They also come with a ten-year warranty. However, there is a disadvantage to using fiberglass doors: they can fade over time. Despite this, the doors themselves are more durable.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is an excellent insulation material for garage doors. In the injection process, the foam expands, filling the entire interior of the door and solidifying it. Uninsulated doors are not very effective at creating a tight barrier between the garage and the outside. When the doors are insulated with polyurethane, the added insulation improves their performance and adds extra benefits. The following are some of the benefits of polyurethane.
Garage door insulation comes in two main types, polystyrene, and polyurethane. Polystyrene is a type of synthetic material that is commonly used for car seating and furniture. It is a better option than polyurethane because it provides more R-value from the start. This material is less expensive, but it is still very effective. Unfortunately, the process is also messy.