Choosing home features is an exciting, creative process that allows you to add style to your home. Garage doors have the ability to skyrocket curb appeal, in addition to providing security and storage space for your home. While choosing a new garage door, you’ll have the opportunity to customize features that will complement your home.
Garage door material plays a substantial role in the style and functionality of your new garage door. When choosing your garage door material, consider the following:
- The area you live
- Average weather conditions in your area
- Your house style and colors
- How often your garage door will be in use
- How much maintenance you’re willing to carry out
Some garage door materials are more durable than others, some require more maintenance, and all have varying price tags. We’ll help you find the perfect garage door material for your home that will fit your budget, location, and style preferences.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel is one of the most popular garage door materials for residential homes. It’s affordable, durable, and doesn’t require much maintenance. Steel garage doors are available for customization and can also be insulated. We always recommend insulated garage doors, as they offer temperature control and noise reduction. However, steel can be hindered by rust and other types of corrosion. To offset the chance this happens, we recommend scheduling annual garage door maintenance to stay ahead of any issues.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Customizable
Cons:
- Susceptible to rust and corrosion
- No natural insulation
Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum is a lighter garage door material than steel. This makes it easier to install and conduct repairs, but also means it is less durable. Severe weather can easily cause dents and scratches to appear on aluminum. It’s also sensitive to extreme heat; high temperatures can chip away at aluminum and cause its durability to lower. Aluminum garage doors are a great choice if you’re looking for a contemporary style. It’s usually paired with glass to form a unique and polished look to a home.
Pros:
- Resistant to rust
- Lightweight
- Customizable
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Less durable
- Sensitive to heat
- Easy to damage
Glass Garage Doors
Glass is easily one of the most stunning choices for garage door material. A wonderful feature is the abundance of natural light that flows into the garage. Full view glass garage doors can be paired with heavy-duty aluminum panels so that durability isn’t sacrificed. You can also customize your glass finish to be tempered, colored, or textured to maintain your privacy. Glass garage doors can be installed in any location, but high salt levels in coastal areas can chip away at the aluminum frame. Cleaning your glass garage doors every few months can help with this problem.
Pros:
- Resistant to rotting and mold
- Filters natural light
- Energy efficient
- Low maintenance
- Durable
Cons:
- No natural insulation
- Not as much privacy
- Costly repairs
Wood Garage Doors
Wood garage doors beautifully accentuate a home. They can blend in seamlessly with log cabins or have the ability to add contrast to a contemporary home. Wood is an eco-friendly material, which is sustainable for the environment. However, wood garage doors are more expensive than other garage door materials and require more maintenance. A wooden garage door will warp, fade, and experience mold and rot if maintenance is not carried out. Wooden garage doors do best in mild climates. But we can recommend the best wood options to hold up in a coastal Connecticut environment.
Pros:
- Filters natural light
- Energy efficient
- Durable
- Natural insulation
Cons:
- Not as much privacy
- Costly repairs
- High maintenance
- Prone to rotting and mold
Faux Wood Garage Doors
Faux wood is a wonderful alternative to real wood, as it offers the same look without the high price tag and heavy maintenance. Faux wood garage doors are normally constructed from steel or fiberglass. From there, a wood grain stain is applied to the material to create an authentic wood look.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Look of real wood
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No natural insulation
- Faux wood exterior fades over time
Choose Your Garage Door Material Today
Now that you know all the wonderful garage door materials available, decide which one will best complement your home. J.A.G. & Sons Overhead Door is committed to helping you find the perfect new garage door! Contact us today to schedule your FREE quote. We serve West Haven and North Haven CT with the leading garage door service near you.
