There is a wide variety of materials that garage doors can be made of. This can cause a bit of uncertainty when trying to make a buying decision, but some quick research can give you an idea of the pros and cons of each type of material. This article will go over the various types and give you a better idea of how to choose the best garage door materials.

Wood

Wood is the original material that was used for garage doors.  It’s still used today for its classic look and variety of styles. That said, wood doors need regular maintenance to keep their finish fresh. The cheaper options are ones that can be painted while stained wood doors are more expensive, but feature a warmer, classic look.  Wood is a better insulator than steel but won’t perform as well as purpose-made insulated doors.

Composite Wood

Composite wood doors are composed of wood fibers that have been recycled and repurposed. Compared to natural wood doors, they’re known for their resistance to cracking and rotting while still having the look and feel of natural wood. Composite wood will also still need to be stained or painted.

Fiberglass

The benefits you gain from reduction in weight with fiberglass doors you lose in their ability to insulate. That said, they’re rust-resistant and stand up well to damp conditions. If you live on the coast or your roads get coated in a lot of salt during the winter, these doors may be a better option than steel or wood.

Steel

Of all the garage door materials, steel is probably the most common. It’s long-lasting, doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and it’s typically cheaper than most other materials.  Steel doors come in a variety of thicknesses with the thinnest ones being the cheapest, but the least durable.  That said, steel is not a great insulator and will allow heat and noise to pass through rather easily.

Aluminum

Aluminum is similar to steel but lighter in weight. And although this will cause less wear and tear on your garage door opener, it’s much more susceptible to denting. Aluminum doors, however, are typically cheaper than steel doors.

If you have more questions about Garage Door Materials please pick up the phone and call The Door Master. Our consultants will be happy to give you all the answers you need and help you choose the door material that is most suitable for you.