Best New Garage Door Materials to Consider

When buying a new garage door, there are several factors to consider. Just one of those is the material the door is made of. This decision will impact your garage door's durability, security, and appearance. In this blog post, we review the best garage door materials to consider when buying a new garage door and the benefits of each, including:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Wood
• Fiberglass
• Vinyl

Steel garage doors are among the most popular choices for homeowners in the market for a new garage door. They offer a variety of benefits, including durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. Let's review why they might be the right choice for your home.

Durability and Strength

One of the primary benefits of steel garage doors is their durability and strength. Steel is a strong and sturdy material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is the ideal choice for areas with extreme temperatures or frequent storms, like Florida. Steel garage doors are also resistant to dents, scratches, and other types of damage, making them less likely to require repair.

Low Maintenance

Another advantage of steel garage doors is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood garage doors, which require regular staining or painting to maintain their appearance, steel doors only require occasional cleaning. This can save homeowners time and money over the life of their garage door.

Energy Efficiency

Steel garage doors are also an excellent choice for those looking to greatly improve the energy efficiency of their home. Most steel doors are insulated, which can help keep your entire home more climate controlled, lowering your energy bills and making for a more comfortable environment.

Customizable Styles

Steel garage doors are available in many styles, from traditional raised panel designs to modern, sleek options. Homeowners can choose from various colors, finishes, and window styles to create a garage door that complements the architectural style of their home. Some manufacturers even offer custom design options, allowing homeowners to create a beautifully unique garage door.

Cost-Effective

When stacked up next to other garage door material options, steel is a cost-effective option. Steel doors are typically less expensive than wood or custom-made ones, saving homeowners money upfront. And because steel doors are so durable, they can last for several years with very minimal maintenance, which can help homeowners save money in the long run too.

While not as energy efficient as steel, aluminum garage doors are lightweight and low-maintenance. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them a good option for coastal areas. 

Lightweight and Easy to Operate

One of the primary benefits of aluminum garage doors is their lightweight construction. Because aluminum is a relatively soft metal, it is much lighter than other materials like steel or wood. This makes aluminum garage doors easier to operate, especially for homeowners who manually open and close their garage doors.

Low Maintenance

Another advantage of aluminum garage doors is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood garage doors, which require regular staining or painting to maintain their appearance, aluminum doors only require occasional cleaning. This can save homeowners time and money over the life of their garage door.

Resistant to Rust and Corrosion

Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who live in coastal areas or other environments with high moisture levels. Unlike steel garage doors, which can rust over time and require expensive repairs, aluminum garage doors can withstand harsh weather conditions without deteriorating.

Energy Efficient

Aluminum garage doors can also be a good choice for homeowners looking to improve their home's energy efficiency. Many aluminum garage doors are insulated, which can help keep the garage (and the rest of the house) warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This can lead to lower heating and cooling bills and a more comfortable home overall. Just be sure to look for an insulated aluminum door if this is an important factor for you.

Customizable Styles

Aluminum garage doors are available in many styles and colors, making it easy to find a door that complements the look of your home. Aluminum doors can be painted or finished to match the existing color scheme, and homeowners can choose from various panel designs and window options to create a custom look.

Cost-Effective

Compared to other garage door materials, aluminum is a cost-effective choice. Aluminum doors are typically less expensive than custom-made or high-end steel doors, which can save homeowners money upfront. And because aluminum is resistant to rust and corrosion, it can last for many years with minimal maintenance, which can help homeowners save money in the long run.

Wooden garage doors are a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a traditional, classic look for their homes. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of wood garage doors and why they might be the right choice for your home.

Classic Aesthetic

Wooden garage doors offer a classic, timeless aesthetic that can add warmth and character to any home. The natural grain and texture of wood can create a rustic or elegant look, depending on the type of wood and the design of the door. Wooden doors can also be stained or painted in any color to match style of your home.

Customizable Designs

Wooden garage doors are available in all kinds of styles and designs, from classic raised panel doors to more intricate designs with decorative trim and hardware. Homeowners can also choose from a range of wood types, including cedar, mahogany, and oak, to create a custom look that complements the architecture of their home.

Durability and Strength

Although wood is a relatively soft material, wooden garage doors can be designed to be durable and strong. Wooden doors are typically constructed with a sturdy frame and reinforced with steel or other materials to provide strength and stability. When properly maintained, wooden garage doors can last for many years.

Environmental Friendliness

Wooden garage doors are an eco-friendly choice for homeowners concerned about the environment. Wood is a renewable resource, and wooden garage doors can be recycled or repurposed when they reach the end of their life. Many wood garage doors are also constructed with sustainable wood sources or certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), so you can ensure they are sourced ethically.

Warmth and Insulation

Wooden garage doors can provide insulation and warmth to a home. Wood is a natural insulator, which means that it can help keep the garage (and the rest of the house) warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Some wooden garage doors are also available with insulation panels to increase energy efficiency.

Maintenance Requirements

One of the main drawbacks of wooden garage doors is their maintenance requirements. Wooden doors require regular staining or painting to maintain their appearance and protect against damage from moisture and sunlight. Failure to maintain the door can result in warping, cracking, or rotting, which can be expensive to repair or replace. The lifespan of a wooden garage door can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the wood, the climate in which it is installed, and how well it is maintained. However, a well-built and well-maintained wooden garage door can last for many years, typically around 20 to 30 years or even longer.

Fiberglass garage doors are a popular choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, durable option for their homes. Let's explore the benefits of fiberglass garage doors and why they could be the right choice for your home.

Durability and Strength

Fiberglass garage doors are incredibly durable. They are resistant to man kinds of damage, such as dents and scratches, which makes them a great choice for households with active lifestyles or children who play near the garage. Fiberglass garage doors are also resistant to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, and high winds.

Low Maintenance

Another major advantage of fiberglass garage doors is their low maintenance requirements. Fiberglass doors are resistant to rust, corrosion, and fading, which means that they require minimal upkeep over time. They are easy to clean with soap and water, and they don't need to be painted or stained like wooden doors.

Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass garage doors can also improve a home's energy efficiency. Many fiberglass doors are insulated, helping to keep the garage (and the rest of the house) more moderate in temperature and helping with the heating and cooling bills.

Customizable Styles

Finding a beautiful fiberglass garage door isn't hard, as there are many styles to choose from. You can easily compliment your home design and have it painted or finished to match the existing color scheme. You can also choose from several unique panel designs and window options to create a one of a kind look.

Lightweight and Easy to Operate

Fiberglass garage doors are lightweight, which makes them easy to operate, especially for homeowners who manually open and close their garage doors. They are also quieter than other garage door types, which can benefit households with bedrooms or living spaces near the garage.

Cost-Effective

Compared to other garage door materials, fiberglass is a cost-effective choice. Fiberglass doors are typically less expensive than custom-made or high-end steel or wooden doors, which can save homeowners money upfront. And because fiberglass is resistant to damage and fading, it can last for many years with minimal maintenance, which can help homeowners save money in the long run.

Vinyl garage doors are another great option for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, durable garage door that is also energy-efficient.

Durability

Vinyl garage doors are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They are resistant to scratches, dents, and other damages, which makes them an excellent choice for households with children or pets. Vinyl garage doors are also resistant to rust, corrosion, and fading, requiring minimal upkeep over time.

Low Maintenance

Another significant advantage of vinyl garage doors is their low maintenance requirements. Vinyl doors can be easily cleaned with soap and water and don't need to be painted or stained like wooden doors. Vinyl garage doors are also moisture-resistant, making them a great option for homeowners in humid climates.

Energy Efficiency

Vinyl garage doors are also energy-efficient. Many vinyl doors are insulated, which can help keep the garage (and the rest of the house) warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This can lead to lower heating and cooling bills and a more comfortable home overall.

Customizable Styles

Vinyl garage doors are available in a wide range of styles and colors. Vinyl doors can be painted or finished to match the existing color scheme, and homeowners can choose from a range of panel designs and window options to create a custom look.

Lightweight and Easy to Operate

Vinyl garage doors are lightweight, which makes them easy to operate, especially for homeowners who manually open and close their garage doors. They are also quieter than other types of garage doors, which can be a benefit for households with bedrooms or living spaces near the garage.

Cost-Effective

Compared to some other garage door materials, vinyl is a cost-effective choice. Vinyl doors are typically less expensive than custom-made or high-end steel or wooden doors, which can save homeowners money upfront. And because vinyl is resistant to damage and fading, it can last for many years with minimal maintenance, which can help homeowners save money in the long run.

When choosing a garage door material for your home, consider factors such as durability, maintenance, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Steel, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and vinyl are all excellent options to consider. Whatever material you choose, Door Gators can help ensure your new garage door is properly installed and functioning correctly.