Choosing A Garage Door Material For Your Home

Whether you’re purchasing your first garage door or looking to replace an existing one, you may be surprised at how many options you have to consider. Though all garage doors serve essentially the same function, they differ dramatically in appearance as well as in their unique strengths. Choosing a garage door doesn’t need to be overwhelming, however.

Garage doors are no longer an afterthought when it comes to a home’s exterior. Now, more than ever, it is becoming the focal point of the home. This is, in part, because more and more garages are being used as the primary entry way to many homes. It’s also due to the increase of garage door materials, styles, and customization options.

When it comes to shopping around for garage doors, it’s important to consider which material best suits your budget, home, location, and lifestyle. A busy active family with bikes and basketball may not opt for a glass garage door. Comparatively, a homeowner with a grand exterior and a truly unique curb appeal may choose a custom wood door over a stamped steel garage door. Each material has its own pros, cons, and price point. Being prepared when you start garage door shopping can help alleviate some of the stress.

Garage Door Features: Choosing the Best Material

Before making a purchase, the first and foremost thing is to consider the garage door features for any material.

Durable: The door material must be sturdy and durable, i.e., it protects the door from moisture, insects, or any other damage for the long term
Eco-friendly: It should be environmentally friendly, i.e., easy to maintain and resilient, and hold up quite well in the local climate
Aesthetic Appeal: Must be aesthetically and visually appealing to visitors or neighbors
Energy Efficient: Insulated garage doors are more energy efficient, but you can make every material more energy efficient by adding an extra insulating layer to it
Cost: Every garage door material has different installation and maintenance costs, so you must consider your budget at the time of purchase

7 Types of Garage Doors to Know

Sectional

As the name implies, this type of the garage door consists of horizontal sections joined to each other with hinges. This allows the door to bend as it follows a curved track. It rests straight against the ceiling when open and flush in the door frame when closed.

This is the most popular type of garage door in North America. Manufacturers can supply factory-installed insulation to make it suitable for virtually any climate. You can operate it manually, but most homeowners opt for a remote controlled electric door opener.

Roll Up

A good option when ceiling space is unavailable or limited. This design is made of steel sections that can roll around a drum above a door opening. This type of garage door is usually used for commercial buildings rather than residences due to its industrial look.

Hinged

Also, known as carriage doors, hinged barn-door style doors consist of two vertical panels that swing outward from the middle.

This type of garage door can be difficult to open manually and often requires an automated opener. It tends to be the least waterproof even with weatherstripping.

Slide-to-the-Side

The operating mechanism is simply explained by the name, this type of garage door bends to one side of the wall and sits parallel to it. They are equipped with lower trolleys that allow movement and are comprised of panels sufficiently flexible to mold on the walls

As one of the first garage door designs, it is quite old and is generally considered as an alternative in garages that do not have enough ceiling space.

Bi-Fold

Another type that opens horizontally, a bi-fold door consists of two panels each with two sections joined by hinges. The door opens just like a closet door, with the hinged section folding back into the garage as you pull the front of the door toward the frame

These doors aren’t more popular because you can only open and close them manually. They’re lighter and easy to operate than other swing out doors but don’t seal tightly even with insulation.

Tilt-Up Canopy

These garage doors are made of one solid piece attached to a pivoting hinge mechanism that makes tilting into the garage possible. The tilt-up canopy garage door sits parallel to the ceiling partly in the garage interior and partly outside

They are the most budget friendly but can be difficult to open manually, although you won’t have to worry about that if you get an automatic door opener.

Tilt-Up Retractable

Similar to the canopy design, this door also lifts up and retracts into the garage. The difference is that this design is suspended independently from the frame so it does not sit outside the garage. It’s a bit more expensive than a tilt-up canopy door because the track is longer and more sophisticated.

This type of door requires more headroom than a canopy door, but it also works better with an automatic door opener.

Garage Door Materials

Choosing the right garage material isn’t something that you should decide on a whim as there are many factors that go into an informed decision. Let’s examine some factors to help you take the next step.

Steel Garage Doors

The most common garage door material is steel. Steel is popular because it offers some valuable benefits and comes in such a variety of options.

Pros

Value Efficient: Steel garage doors are often budget friendly without skimping on quality or durability.
Low Maintenance: Steel is a low maintenance material and does not require regular care, aside from a routine inspection of your garage door to ensure it’s working properly.
Durable: Steel is an exceptionally strong and durable material, especially when it is galvanized and otherwise coated to protect it against rust.
Design Options: Wide range of durable finishes, designs, window options, and sizes/configurations

Cons

Susceptible to Dents: Metal is susceptible to denting. Opt for heavier gauge steel to minimize. Protective overlay will also fortify your steel garage door against denting.
Rust: Since steel is a metal, it’s inherently prone to rust and moisture when exposed to the elements. Choose galvanized (dipped in molten zinc) which leaves it with a protective coating.
Insulation: Steel is a better insulator than wood, but still isn’t a good insulator on its own. Choose a garage door model that includes insulation between the layers of steel.

Aluminum and Glass Garage Doors

Steel isn’t the only metal used in the construction of garage doors; aluminum is also a viable option. Though these doors can be full metal, in most cases they’re composed of an aluminum frame that holds glass or fiberglass panels.

Pros

Rust Resistant: If you live in a coastal area, especially with high humidity, you may want to consider aluminum garage doors.
Lightweight: Aluminum is an excellent option for garage doors that are extra wide because it won’t put as much strain on your opener and tracks as a heavier material would.
Low Maintenance: They are resistant to rust and require minimal upkeep.
Affordability: Aluminum garage doors are often more budget friendly than steel, making it a great option for homeowners working with a tight budget.

Cons

Damage: Because aluminum is weaker than steel, it’s prone to denting. Double-paneled aluminum doors will resist denting better than single paneled ones. The glass panels are also susceptible to cracking or breaking if impacted with enough force, though it’s unlikely for them to do so.
Insulation: Aluminum is a poor insulator so choose a model that includes a layer of insulation between panels of aluminum.

Vinyl Garage Doors

Vinyl garage doors are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a low maintenance and customizable solution.

Pros

Low Maintenance: Vinyl doors are resistant to rust, corrosion, and fading and require minimal upkeep. They are virtually maintenance free as they do not need painting, staining or protective coating.
Durable: Vinyl garage doors are sturdy and highly resistant to damage. If, however, scratches occur they are less likely to be noticed than with other materials.
Customization: They come in various colors and styles, allowing for customization to match your exterior. Vinyl doors can mimic the look of wood and have a unique appearance.

Cons

Insulation: Generally, they are not very good insulators, but some vinyl doors offer insulation options.
Design Limitations: While customizable, vinyl doors may not offer the same design variety as wood or steel. Their appearance can be somewhat limited compared to other materials.

Fiberglass Garage Doors

If you want a garage door that offers many of the strengths of metal with the appearance of wood, consider a fiberglass garage door.

Pros

Corrosion Resistance: Fiberglass garage doors are highly resistant to corrosion and rust making them suitable for coastal or humid environments where other material may deteriorate.
Lightweight: Fiberglass is one of the lightest materials you can use for a garage door. This makes fiberglass garage doors easy to manually pull up and down and also means they’re easier on your automatic opener and tracks.
Aesthetics: Some fiberglass doors mimic the appearance of wood, providing an elegant look without the maintenance requirements.
Affordable: Fiberglass garage doors are also very affordable, especially if you’re comparing them to wood doors with a similar appearance. They can be even more affordable than steel garage doors.

Cons

Cracking: Though fiberglass is overall a very durable material, in extreme weather, such as high winds and very cold temperatures, fiberglass can become brittle which can lead to material cracking.
Resistance to Paint: Because their surface is nonporous and also sometimes completely smooth, fiberglass garage doors don’t hold onto paint or primers well. This can be a disappointment to homeowners who want to try a new color on their garage door. Before painting a fiberglass door, you must prepare the surface so the paint won’t flake off.

Wood Garage Doors

If you are a strong believer in traditions and love the traditional styles, then a garage door made of wood material will be a good option.

Pros

Aesthetics: Wood garage doors are highly regarded for their material and timeless appearance. They can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home, providing a warm and inviting look.
Customization: You can paint or stain wood doors to match your home’s exterior and your style preferences, allowing for a unique and personalized appearance.
Long Lasting: Wood is also a strong durable material. As long as it’s properly maintained, a wood garage door can last 75 years or more!
Easy to Repair: It’s easy to repair scratches on wood doors, which means your door will look great for years to come.
Able to be Fixed: You can easily change an affected rotten panel instead of replacing the whole garage door.

Cons

Maintenance: Wood garage doors require regular maintenance including staining or painting to prevent rot or insect infestations, and to maintain their appearance. Failure to maintain them can lead to warping, cracking, or other damage.
Insulation: One thing metal and wood garage doors have in common is that they are not very effective insulators. Like metal garage doors, wood garage doors can be outfitted with a layer of insulation, which will help your garage maintain a more temperate internal temperature.
Cost: They tend to be more expensive than other materials, both in terms of the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance.

Wood Composite Garage Doors

Wood composite garage doors usually consist of a wood frame covered with sheets of fiberboard and a polystyrene core.

Pros

Durable: This material is long lasting and is resistant to cracking, moisture and termite damage. That said, wood composite doors are highly dependent on the quality of the fiberboard sheets. If their quality is low the door may be susceptible to cracks and dents.
Lower Maintenance Than Wood: Real wood garage doors require regular refinishing, but wood composite doors don’t require the same amount of maintenance.
Customization: Wood composites can be routed, carved, and machined to your specifications so you can create a true custom door.

Cons

Heavier Than Wood Doors: Wood composite garage doors can be heavier than traditional wooden doors requiring a sturdy and properly balanced opening mechanism.
Material Can Be Expensive: Wood composite doors can be more expensive compared to doors made from other materials.

What Is The Best Material for a Garage Door?

As we have seen, many options are available when shopping for a garage door. It is up to you to decide which is best for you based on your situation, preferences, and budget. Keep in mind that the climate you live in can affect your garage doors and it is a good idea to take this into account if you want your door to last a long time.

After learning about each type and their pros and cons, you now have a better idea of what material to choose from. Consider each option carefully and consult a professional garage door company to help you select the one that meets your specific property needs.