garage doors

Top Garage Door Materials for Longevity

Home remodeling projects are both fun and frustrating. There’s a lot of work that goes into making your house into a home, even if you’re not going the DIY route. Upgrading your garage and garage door is one of those projects that’s exciting but a lot of stress.

There’s researching companies, deciding if you want to expand the space, figuring out if adding electrical to the garage is worth it, and more. That’s not even including the stress behind choosing the right door for your garage. A lot of people go with the first thing they’re recommended, but doing your own research will assure that you get a product you’re actually happy with.

We’ve broken down six of the most popular garage door materials for you so you can make an educated decision. No material is the absolute best. It all depends on your specific needs, the climate in your area, and personal taste and aesthetics. We hope this list will help get you started finding a garage door that stands the test of time.

Wood or Wood Composite for the Garage Door

Wood is a timeless material that many homeowners love for their garage door. This is because it provides a classic look that signifies elegance and status. Homeowners have been installing wooden garage doors for decades now, and it’s unlikely to go out of style anytime soon.

The most popular options are redwood and cedar. These woods need to have a few coats of finishing added to them to make them weatherproof, but they should last a while if they’re properly maintained. They’re not the best choice if you want the garage to remain toasty and warm, since they don’t insulate from the cold, however.

A garage door that’s made of wood material can last around two decades. A composite wooden door, which has similar qualities to wood but often costs less, can survive longer: sometimes upwards of 30 years.

Steel Doors

Steel has grown in popularity over the past few decades. It’s now a common building material, and for good reason. Steel is strong and stands the test of time, making it a great material for a garage door. Not only is it tough, it’s harder to damage, meaning less garage door repairs over time.

Steel is great for large structures. If you have a machinery building that needs an oversized garage door or two, steel is a great choice. It should last 15 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.

Vinyl Garage Doors

If you’re looking for something quick and low maintenance, vinyl is a good choice for a garage door material. Vinyl doesn’t dent easily, cutting down on expensive garage door repairs and eyesores. It’s also quite low maintenance, meaning you can mostly have it installed and then forget about it.

Vinyl tends to stay vibrant throughout the years, so no worries about repainting every few years. It’s also great with snow and salt, making it a good choice if you live near a lake, river, or ocean. Since they’re built on a steel frame, these doors last a good 20 to 30 years.

A Fiberglass Garage Door

If you’re looking for something that won’t rust in a wet climate, fiberglass is a great option. It’s also a great insulator, which is ideal if you’re looking to keep the garage warm all year round. However, this only applies if you’re climate isn’t extreme. Frigid cold temperatures like that seen in the very northern parts of the country can make the fiberglass crack, leading to expensive and scary garage door repairs.

These also don’t dent easily, making them a great option if the climate is right. They typically last 20 to 30 years.

Aluminum Doors

Just like steel, aluminum is a more premium option when it comes to materials for garage doors. Though the price is a bit steeper, it can be worth it if you want a high-quality piece of workmanship.

These doors won’t rust from rainstorms or snow, and you can make them dent proof by laminating them. Otherwise, they can be prone to denting if you’re not meticulously carefully. They’re very lightweight and easy to open, even without a garage door opener. They typically withstand for 20 to 30 years.

Glass for Garage Doors

Glass garage doors are unique and sophisticated. They allow lots of natural light to stream into the garage, creating a welcoming atmosphere. They can be frosted as well for a classier look that allows you to have a bit of privacy. If you don’t have young kids or pets that could shatter your garage door, glass can be an elegant option to choose. Though not as durable as some other options, glass can still last 15 to 20 years or so if it’s well taken care of.

Different materials for your garage door project last differing amounts of time. Just because a material has a longer lifespan, however, doesn’t mean it’s right for your needs. If you want to learn more and make the decision that’s right for you, professionals can help you.