If you live in or have ever seen a garage on an historic home, you know that back in the day there was one choice for garage doors: wood. Not so anymore; now you can choose from aluminum, steel, vinyl, wood or composite wood. But what are the differences and why do we need so many choices? Different materials offer varying durability, appearance, cost and lifespan: factors you should be familiar with before making that big purchase of a brand new garage door.
- Aluminum:
- Pros: affordable, durable, corrosion-resistant (meaning it’s great in wet climates)
- Cons: dents easily, doesn’t self-insulate (meaning it needs to be insulated so your heating or cooling bills don’t rise)
- Steel:
- Pros: stronger than aluminum, also budget friendly, low-maintenance, many style and strength options (like single vs double layer)
- Cons: prone to corrosion/rust, dents easily and doesn’t self-insulate well
- Vinyl:
- Pros: sturdy, unlikely to dent, rust-proof (meaning it’s great in any harsh weather and holds up to small impact accidents)
- Cons: costly, limited colors and styles
- Wood:
- Pros: stands up to time if cared for, virtually unlimited style and color options, self-insulating, timeless look
- Cons: high-maintenance, expands and contracts with weather changes, will rot if exposed to too much water (not great in wet climates)
- Another, less common option is composite wood, which has all the cosmetic benefits of wood but without the risks of rotting or cracking.
Still wondering what the best option for your new garage door installation is? Ask your local experts at EDH-Serrano Garage Door Repair for advice!
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