If you’re in the market to buy a new garage door, it’s important, of course, to carefully consider how it fits into your home’s curb appeal and functionality. However, some often overlooked factors include its security, insulation, materials its made out of and more.
So, in this blog we’ll break down:
- Garage door materials
- Insulation
- Security and safety features
- Design
- Professional installation vs. DIY
Garage door materials
Choosing the right garage door material for your new garage door is essential for durability, aesthetics, and functionality. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so understanding your options can help you make the best decision for your home. Below is a breakdown of the most common garage door materials and their pros and cons to help you find the perfect fit.
Steel garage doors
Steel garage doors are best for durability, affordability, and low maintenance.
The pros are:
- Highly durable – Can withstand harsh weather and heavy use
- Low maintenance – Requires minimal upkeep compared to wood
- Affordable – Offers a good balance of cost and longevity
- Variety of styles – Available in multiple finishes and designs
- Insulation options available – Can be fitted with insulation for better energy efficiency
The only cons are:
- Prone to dents or scratches
- If not properly coated or maintained, it may rust over time
Wood garage doors
Wood garage doors are a consideration for those looking for traditional and luxury aesthetics.
Their pros:
- Classic and elegant appearance – Enhances curb appeal
- Customizable – Can be painted or stained to match your home
- Strong and sturdy – Provides solid insulation and soundproofing
Their cons:
- High maintenance – Requires frequent painting or staining
- Expensive – Typically costs more than other materials
- Heavy weight – May require a more powerful garage door opener
Aluminum garage doors
Aluminum garage doors best for modern designs and lightweight operation.
Their pros:
- Lightweight – Puts less strain on the garage door opener
- Rust-resistant – Great for humid and coastal areas
- Sleek modern look – Available in a variety of contemporary designs
Their cons:
- Less durable – Can dent easily from minor impacts
- Higher cost for premium designs – Glass and custom finishes can be pricey
Fiberglass garage doors
Fiberglass garage doors are best for coastal homes and moisture resistance.
Their pros:
- Resistant to moisture and cracking – Ideal for humid environments
- Lightweight – Easier on garage door openers
- Mimics wood appearance – Available in wood-look finishes without the upkeep
Their cons:
- Can fade over time – Exposure to direct sunlight may cause discoloration
- Not as impact-resistant – May crack under heavy force
Vinyl garage doors
Vinyl garage doors are best for durability and low maintenance.
Their pros:
- Extremely durable – Resistant to dents, cracks, and rust
- Minimal maintenance – No need for painting or refinishing
- Weather-resistant – Holds up well in extreme temperatures
Their cons:
- Limited design options – Fewer color and style choices compared to wood or steel
- Higher upfront cost – More expensive than steel but may save on maintenance costs
Which Garage Door Material Is Best for You?
When selecting a new garage door, consider factors such as climate, budget, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics. If you want a durable and cost-effective option, steel is a great choice. For a high-end, classic look, wood offers timeless appeal albeit with lots of maintenance required. If you live in a humid or coastal area, fiberglass or aluminum may be the best fit. For those seeking low-maintenance durability, vinyl is an excellent option.
Garage door insulation
An insulated garage door offers lots of benefits besides the obvious – temperature regulation. An insulated garage door also provides:
- Noise reduction
- Increased durability
- An increase in home value
When it comes to energy efficiency, you’ll compare the R-Value and U-Factor. R-value measures thermal resistance while U-value measures insulating performance. As such, you’ll want a higher R-value and lower U-factor.
If your garage is detached, this becomes less of a necessity as you’ll not need the energy efficiency.
Security and safety features
The security and safety features, mainly the add-ons you choose, are an important consideration whether it’s preventing break-ins or keeping your family safe during the operation of your garage door.
Some options you can consider:
- Smart garage door technology (Wi-Fi connectivity, remote access, security cameras)
- Rolling door code technology to prevent hacking of garage door openers
- Manual emergency release for power outages
- Importance of safety sensors to prevent accidents
- Motion-sensing lights and cameras
- Garage door shield that prevents garage break-ins by blocking access to the garage door’s release mechanism and emergency rope
- Sensors to prevent the door from closing if there is an obstruction
Garage door design
This is the fun part! When choosing the design of your new garage door you’ll choose features that complement your home’s aesthetic while still meeting your functional needs and budget. Aspects you’ll look at are:
- Architectural style of your home
- Garage door material
- Color and finish
- Windows
- Hardware
Matching your new garage door to your home shouldn’t be too difficult as there’s lots of customizable options. Here at Garage Door Guy, we even give you the ability to upload a photo of your home and garage so you can virtually “try on” different door styles!
Professional installation vs. DIY
We get it. You want to save money. So, you might think that you can get your new garage door installed by utilizing some YouTube videos and mechanical knowhow. However, there are some significant drawbacks to trying to do this part yourself:
- Risk of misalignment which would cause damage to the door
- Serious safety hazards
- Most manufacturers will void the warranty if the garage door is not installed by a certified professional
A professional garage door installation is well worth the investment. It will ensure your new garage door is properly installed, function properly, last as long as possible, and maintain its warranty so if something does break it could be covered by the manufacturer.
Get your new garage door from Garage Door Guy!
Garage Door Guy is a reputable dealer for both Clopay and Haas Door, both leading manufacturers of garage doors with solid warranties and plentiful design options. Further, our garage door techs are certified, friendly, and professional. Check out our Google reviews to see what other people just like you have to say about them!
