The Pros and Cons of Garage Door Materials at A Glance
Available in a wide variety of materials, the following 4 are the most popular garage door materials in use throughout the U.S. today: steel, wood, fiberglass and aluminum. While each one has a different appearance, they all have different properties, too, and to help you decide which type of material your new garage door should be made from, here is a quick guide:
Steel
Popular mainly because of its design flexibility and incredible durability, steel is also a cost-effective choice. Available in a wide array of design options and offering a cheaper, longer lasting and more practical alternative to wood, steel garage doors can be strengthened with insulation.
Below are some of the main pros and cons of steel garage doors:
Pros
- They require minimal maintenance
- Steel doors are long-lasting and strong
- Wide selection of designs and styles
- Economical
Cons
- They’re moderately resistant to dents
- Steel is not a natural insulator
- If scratched, they can rust if not repaired immediately
Wood
Adding an element of style and elegance to any home, garage doors made from wood offer an eco-friendlier option than some other materials, and most can be customized to suit the style of your home.
Below are some of the main pros and cons of wood garage doors:
Pros
- Stylish and aesthetically pleasing
- Wood is a natural insulator
- They’re available in a range of overlay designs
- Customizable with field-staining
Cons
- Wooden garage doors are heavy and tricky to operate manually
- They require regular maintenance
- Wood can warp, swell and rot over time
Fiberglass
Closely mimicking the defined grain texture of authentic wood, fiberglass garage doors however, will never shrink, warp or crack like wood, and are ideal for homeowners living in more humid climates.
Pros
- Fiberglass doesn’t warp, shrink or corrode
- Light can seep through into the garage
- Doors will not contract or expand due to temperature
- They’re low maintenance
Cons
- Fiberglass doors cannot be repaired, they must be replaced if damaged
- They’re somewhat brittle and not able to withstand high winds
- Some cracking and yellowing can appear over time
Aluminum and glass
Giving homeowners an opportunity to really make a statement, aluminum and glass garage doors are available in eye catching designs that can give a more modern look and feel to even the most traditional of homes. Customizable, these garage doors can be made to fit your vision precisely.
However, it’s important to note that aluminum is sensitive to extreme heat, and if you live in a region that experiences harsh summer seasons, the effectiveness and durability of this type of garage door may be reduced.
Pros
- These doors are naturally resistant to rust and corrosion
- Wholly customizable
- Allows light into the garage space
- Requires minimal maintenance
Cons
- These doors have a low R-value
- They’re not 100% waterproof
- Glass and aluminum doors are not as durable as steel
