How to Choose the Right Material for Your Home's Garage Door
Posted on: 6 October 2017
When choosing a garage door for your home, you need to consider the material of the door and not just its overall look and style. Some materials are more durable than others, while some might need more maintenance and care over time. Before you shop for garage doors for your home, note a few differences in their materials so you choose one that you'll be happy with and that will work for you in particular for as long as you own your home.
For a very traditional look
If you have a craftsman style home, with lots of wood trim around the windows and doors, or if you just appreciate a very traditional, cosy look to your home's exterior, then a wood garage door is probably the best choice. Real wood offers a natural look that can't be replicated by other materials, and it can be repainted when you decide to change the colour of your home's exterior.
While wood is very traditional, it may need the most amount of work and maintenance, as it can expand and shrink as it absorbs humidity and dries out. To have the look of wood without as much work, you might opt for a wood composite. This material is a mixture of wood and plastic, which is more durable than solid timber, although it may not offer the look and feel of solid wood.
For a modern look
If you prefer a more modern look to your garage, choose aluminium or steel. Aluminium is more prone to denting, so it may not be the best choice if you have children who play near the garage door and who may dent it with bikes and balls; steel is stronger, but note that steel may tend to rust over the years. Be prepared to continuously check the edges of a steel door for growing rust, and then sand down those areas and patch them over as needed.
For maximum durability
If you don't want to worry about dents or rust, consider a fibreglass door, as this material won't rust, fade or easily dent. It's also very lightweight, so it means less wear and tear on the chains and springs of the door opener and less risk of the door creaking when in use, which happens when the chains and springs get worn. Fibreglass is also typically a very affordable choice, so it's good for those on a budget. However, fibreglass may be the least attractive material since it does look and feel artificial, unlike wood or metal.
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