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Admin • Jun 29, 2017
Wood, Aluminum or Steel? Finding the Right Garage Door for Your Home
Your garage doors add curb appeal to your property and can be beneficial in allowing you to park your car safely in an enclosed space. And like many other home design decisions, buying a garage door isn't as simple as just wanting one installed; you really need to put some creative thought into the process.
You want to consider price, durability, longevity and beauty when buying a garage door, and the materials used to create garage doors have a lot to do with all these factors. So, should you choose wood, aluminum or steel? This guide will help you decide which garage door is best for your needs using information about each type of door and the above factors.
Price
If price is the biggest motivator in your purchasing decision, then you may want to go with steel. Steel doors typically begin at a cost of around $750, but expect to pay more for insulated steel that drowns out noise and makes your garage more energy efficient by controlling temperature changes. Steel is popular and can be cost effective in the long run due to its low maintenance requirements, its resistance to rust and dents and the low cost of installation.
Another option is aluminum, which isn't as durable as steel but does come with a low impact on your budget. Single-piece doors that are of the thinnest aluminum material can be as cheap as $400. However, aluminum can dent, tear or scratch easily, especially if you plan on using your garage doors often. Talk to your garage door install specialist to see whether basic steel or aluminum doors are better for your budget and needs.
Durability
If durability is your biggest concern, then you will again want to opt for steel or aluminum. The reason for this is simple: neither material is prone to rust or corrosion. With steel or aluminum, repainting your doors may be your main form of maintenance.
Steel is less susceptible to denting than aluminum, but aluminum can be easier to repair, so the choice between the two is a toss-up. Don't forget about wood, either: it is highly durable and won't dent. However, wood will require frequent refinishing to maintain its allure, so a wood door would require more maintenance than its metal competitors.
Longevity
The average garage door, regardless of what material it's made out of, lasts between 15 and 30 years. Regular inspections of your garage door will help extend your door’s regular life, and how often you use the door will affect how long the springs last.
No matter what type of garage door you choose, you need a professional garage door technician
to inspect your garage door and make replacements or repairs as needed if you want to get the most life out of your purchase.
Beauty
Wood garage doors offer a rustic, welcoming appeal to the garages they adorn and can be customized to fit any home's style. Steel and aluminum doors, on the other hand, can vary in color but may be limited in design.
If you want garage doors that really take peoples' breath away and add amazing curb appeal, then wood may be your best option. Be prepared to pay for the luxury of wood garage doors, as they start at around $800 for a basic style and can cost upwards of $2,500 if you get a custom design.
Garage doors can benefit your home greatly, no matter what material you prefer. Talk to your garage door technician about the options available to you based on your needs and budget. At Garage Door Factory, we can help you find the best garage door for your home.
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When it comes to garage doors there are a lot of options to choose from. This post lists the various reasons wooden garage doors are always a good choice.
When updating the curb appeal of your home, investing in a new garage door is a simple and cost-effective way to achieve that wow factor you're looking for. You may think you need to spend a lot of money on a steel or wooden door, but in reality a classic aluminum garage door can meet all your upgrade needs while saving you money at the same time. Here are reasons why you should give aluminum garage doors a second look. You just may find that a classic door is all you need to make your property look amazing. Aluminum Garage Doors Are Versatile The average minimum cost for a traditional aluminum garage door is just over $800, leaving you plenty of room to spend your budget on other exterior improvements. The versatility of a basic aluminum garage door is impressive: you can paint the door nearly any color you wish to make it more unique if its original style doesn't appeal to you, or you can invest a bit more money and buy an aluminum door that has a glass insert. Aluminum can also be purchased in a texture that mimics wood or stamped steel so you can achieve the appeal of pricier garage doors without the cost. Classic aluminum garage doors can be customized to fit your current home's style. You can choose to upgrade to a thicker aluminum garage door that has greater insulation for sound control or stick to a basic style that has simple lines for a streamlined appeal. Your garage door installer can help you choose the best aluminum garage door for your budget. Aluminum Garage Doors Are Long Lasting The average garage door, including aluminum, lasts around 20 years maximum. The number of times you use your garage door in a day and how you maintain your door greatly determine how long you can expect yours to last. If you are simply getting a garage door on your property to enclose your garage and keep storage safe, then aluminum is a wise investment as the material lasts as long as steel or wooden doors do without the additional costs. Aluminum Garage Doors Are Easy to Care For Invest in rust-resistant aluminum garage doors for a low-maintenance upgrade. While aluminum is more likely to dent than steel, it is a durable material that bends well so it may not break as easily as other materials. You simply need to keep the tracks lubricated and wash the aluminum doors now and then to keep them looking and functioning like new. If aluminum doors get stained or begin to fade, you can simply have your garage doors repainted with a fresh, new hue. Easy maintenance allows you to enjoy your garage doors more wholly, knowing you will not have to invest a lot more money to keep them looking attractive and operating as they should. Whether you are installing garage doors for the first time or thinking of replacing your current doors for something more modern and attractive, consider basic aluminum doors when shopping. You'd be surprised the many ways an aluminum garage door can look and operate as beautifully as more expensive wood or steel doors do. Your garage door specialist will work with your budget to help you choose the style and material that works best for your needs. If you are unsure whether you want aluminum garage doors or another style, allow your specialist to show you the pros and cons of different materials on the market. Our team of garage door specialists can show you a trending collection of garage doors in various materials to help you choose the best one for your home and budget. Call us at Garage Door Service today.
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