Whether you prefer the look of steel, wood or aluminum, or want full-view windows, there’s a garage door that suits your style. Just make sure to lubricate moving parts monthly, and check for signs of damage or rust regularly.
Overhead-operating doors roll up along garage ceilings via horizontal hinged sections, assisted by a spring-balanced motorized opener. They can be insulated to add energy efficiency. Contact New Garage Doors Yukon OK for professional help.
Steel garage doors are one of the most popular types of residential doors due to their durability, affordability and low maintenance. They also offer a variety of customization options to help homeowners complement their home’s aesthetic. However, they do have some drawbacks, such as their susceptibility to rust and insulation limitations.
Durability: One of the most significant benefits of a steel garage door is its longevity. It can withstand the elements, including wind, rain and snow. Additionally, it’s resistant to fire and isn’t susceptible to rotting, warping, bending or corrosion.
Aesthetics: Unlike wood garage doors, steel doors are sleek and have a positive impact on curb appeal. Furthermore, they’re easy to paint and can be tailored to match a homeowner’s style. A variety of colors and finishes are available, and new options are being added all the time to keep up with current home trends.
Minimal maintenance: The surface of a steel garage door is smooth and even, making it easier to clean and maintain than other materials. Homeowners can simply spray it with a hose or wash it regularly to keep it looking its best. Steel is also less prone to dents than other materials, which can lead to costly repairs.
Insulation: Depending on the climate where you live, you may want to consider getting an insulated steel garage door to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Insulation keeps the interior of your garage cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Moreover, it reduces noise and helps to minimize air leakage and drafts. Homeowners can choose from a variety of options, such as double-layer strength, windows and handle configurations to customize their steel garage door and suit their specific needs.
Wood
Wood garage doors remain popular because they offer a classic, natural look that can complement almost any architectural style. They also have a high level of customization potential, with a wide variety of paint and stain colors available. They can also be carved or etched to incorporate a specific design element.
Typically made from durable hardwoods, such as cedar or redwood, these doors are strong and beautiful. They can withstand fluctuating temperatures, extreme weather conditions and daily wear and tear. However, they may be more vulnerable to moisture-related damage like rot or warping than some other types of garage door materials.
They’re also more expensive than other types of garage doors, although they can add to your home’s curb appeal and increase its resale value. Additionally, wood garage doors require regular maintenance to protect them from the elements and pests.
Wood doors are a natural insulator, and many manufacturers add extra insulation to their construction to keep your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can reduce your reliance on heating and cooling systems and save you money over time.
If you want to invest in a wood garage door, consider a wood composite door. These are less expensive than solid-wood doors, but they’re still sturdy and beautiful. They’re constructed with a core of insulation, and the exterior is covered with either plywood or fiberboard skin that’s molded into a wood grain pattern. The least expensive options use plywood that’s covered with an exterior hardwood skin, while the more expensive choices have frame-and-panel construction that’s completely made from wood. Some manufacturers even use solid-wood cores — but these are more costly and not as energy-efficient.
Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors offer a beautiful blend of strength, style and durability. Designed to complement any home, aluminum doors are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. They also come in a wide variety of design options, making it easy to find an option that matches your personal taste. Additionally, aluminum doors are highly resistant to corrosion and rust, making them an excellent choice for homes in coastal areas or with high humidity.
Despite their durability, these doors do have some drawbacks. For instance, aluminum is softer than steel and may dent easier, so it’s important to inspect them regularly for damage. Additionally, while aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, it’s still susceptible to salt air, so regular washing is essential.
The lightweight nature of aluminum garage doors makes them easier to open and close, which can reduce strain on your opener and other parts of the system. However, if your new door is damaged or if you lose power during a storm, it might take longer to manually open and close the garage.
Aluminum garage doors can be fitted with glass windows to let natural light into the garage and add a stylish aesthetic to your home. However, these windows can compromise privacy by allowing people to see into the garage space. In addition, since aluminum is a good conductor of heat, it’s essential to choose an insulated model for energy efficiency. This will help keep the garage at a comfortable temperature and save you money on heating and cooling costs.
Fiberglass
When looking for garage doors that will stand up to the elements while adding a sense of style and luxury, a fiberglass door is an excellent choice. These doors look like real wood but won’t warp, crack or rot, and they can be stained or painted to match your home. Fiberglass is also corrosion resistant, making it a great option for coastal areas or homes in high humidity zones.
One of the best things about a fiberglass door is that it’s very lightweight, which makes it easier to open and close and reduces strain on moving mechanisms. They are also less prone to wear and tear than steel or wooden doors, so they’ll last longer and require fewer repairs.
Because they are made of a composite material, fiberglass doors can be painted to match the color and design of your home. They are also a good choice for homeowners who want to add windows to their garage doors. They come in a variety of window options, including simple slat windows on the top of a panel, larger sunburst or contemporary styles off to one side and arched traditional designs.
A downside of a fiberglass garage door is that they are not as energy-efficient as some other materials, such as steel. They’re also not as environmentally friendly as steel, which is easier to recycle and requires less energy to produce. Additionally, the fiberglass material may yellow with age and can be brittle in colder climates. However, most manufacturers offer gel stain that can be applied over the top of fiberglass to slow this process. For more information about the advantages and disadvantages of a fiberglass garage door, speak with a Skillman representative.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most commonly used wood-alternative materials for garage doors. It doesn’t contain any wood, but it can be milled and shaped using standard woodworking tools and is strong enough to resist twisting, warping, or splintering. It’s also insect-, salt-, and moisture-resistant. It’s lightweight and can reduce stress on door hardware, springs, and operating systems. Vinyl garage doors are available in a range of styles that can mimic the look of real wood, or they can be designed with a more contemporary flush appearance. They’re also available in various colors and can be customized with decorative hardware and window inserts to enhance curb appeal.
Energy Efficiency
Vinyl doors have in-built insulation properties that help maintain stable temperatures inside the garage, which can lead to savings on heating and cooling bills throughout the home. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme cold, and they won’t crack or dent in the same way as natural wood doors do.
Aesthetics
Like steel garage doors, vinyl offers a sleek and modern look with many customizable options. This includes different panel layouts, air flow slats, and window alternatives. However, the color choice is normally limited and typically consists of variations of white or beige. Those looking for the classic wood look may be disappointed, as the results of wood grain printing on vinyl are usually underwhelming.