You have a great idea for the ceilings. You want mahogany doors for the living room. Now, it’s time to decide the kinds of vibes you’d want your garage doors to reflect.
When it comes to this choice, forget beauty alone (though a little of it wouldn’t hurt). Your dream car also needs a room where bad actors and moody weather will look and say; ‘not today, mate’.
Do you need a door stronger than Hafthor Bjornsson? You’ve got great options in handmade steel garage doors. Are you looking to go more retro? Great options in the carriage house doors lane. But it doesn’t end here. This article will open the door (pun intended) to a lot more material options that’ll work for you.
Common Garage Door Materials
Here are a few of the materials you can go for:
Wood
What do wood and The Beatles have in common? One word, timelessness. Wood’s natural texture can make your garage feel as warm and inviting as grandma’s kitchen. But, be warned, it does ask for a bit of tender love and care (TLC) to prevent it from aging like milk instead of fine wine.
Steel
Steel’s the go-to if you’re seeking a fortress for your four-wheeled friends. Why? Strength and durability are its USPs.
Aluminum
Aluminum, the lightweight, won’t rust, making it the perfect companion for those seaside retreats. But, watch out! It might get a dent or two in the school of hard knocks – handle with care.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass can stand up to the elements while still rocking a variety of finishes. For example, it can mimic wood or steel. Since it knows what it brings to the table (or garage), it’s a little on the pricier side.
Vinyl
Vinyl is the low-maintenance, easy-going friend everyone loves; versatile, durable, and doesn’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a practical choice that’s resistant to life’s little mishaps, vinyl’s your guy.
Now you know some of the options out there for you. But what should you keep in mind when selecting only the best?
Factors To Consider When Selecting Materials For Your Custom Garage Doors
So, you know the many different materials that can work for your garage door, right? But when you’re going for one, keep this in mind so you don’t get consumed with ‘what was I thinking?’ every time you come home from work.
Climate And Weather Conditions
Before you go for the first door that has your heart beating, think about the weather around your place. Extreme temperatures? High humidity? Frequent precipitation? If you said yes to all three, you’ll have a faithful friend in steel garage doors. If it’s style, they’ve got it. Hardiness? You bet.
Durability And Maintenance
True, you don’t expect your garage door to last forever. But you can make it easier on yourself by getting one that’ll serve as long as possible, allowing you to milk all the benefits before asking, ‘What do I do with you now?’
Say you choose wood. It’s classic and beautiful, but it’s high maintenance like almost everything with such adjectives. If you’re ready for the classic painting and staining on a regular, then by all means. However, if you feel like you’d rather spend that time waxing your car instead, you’ve got friends in steel and aluminum.
Aesthetic Preferences
Are you team rustic wood or team sleek aluminum? It’s like choosing between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones – each has its own vibe and fan base, that’s styles, colors, and finishes.
A good tip? Get a door that seamlessly matches your home’s overall design.
Budget Constraints
Some materials might seem cheap initially, but if you fall for their charms, you may find yourself in some rabbit hole down the road.
A good example is aluminum. They easily dent, demanding more in repairs and replacement as your relationship continues. On the other hand, vinyl will hit your pocket hard at the start, but it gets friendlier. That’s why some even come with lifetime warranties.
Security Features
Burglars will not be polite when they come for your car. Don’t make it easy for them, either. The strength of steel? Yes. Fiberglass? Good too. Better safe than sorry, right?
Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient door is like planting a tree – it contributes to lower bills and a happier Mother Earth. A good way to do this is to accompany the material of your choice with insulation. If it’s wood, make sure it wears its coat. But that’s not the end of the story. Also, energy efficiency counts on the quality of the door’s construction, and the thickness of the material.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
In Closing (ahem)
There you have it: good advice on selecting the right material for your custom garage door. If it’s love at first sight with wood, you know what to look for before making it ‘the one’.
If you love the resolve of steel, run it against what you’ve learned before placing bets. And if you find it rather difficult to make a stand, talk to the experts. They know what works.
