Garage Door Materials: Which Is Right for You?

With the advent of the automobile came a need for a private facility where owners could shelter or protect their vehicles; hence, the concept of a dedicated garage rather than a more multi-purpose structure such as a barn or carriage house. It would naturally follow that the often heavy, awkward and inflexible doors of barns and carriage houses would evolve into more aptly designed garage doors.

Initially, garages were often built separately or detached from the home, and the garage doors were primarily made of wood. As time progressed and attached garages became the preferred residential design, garage doors became an integral part of the exterior appearance or aesthetics of the home. Add advancements in technology with respect to garage door construction into the mix and, to paraphrase an oft-used expression, what is available today ‘is not your grandfather’s garage doors.’

Residential property owners today can select from many different types of garage doors. Each material offers a number of advantages based on specific homeowner needs. Understanding how various garage door options compare to one another will help you make an informed decision and find the best-suited system for your home.

What Is the Best Material for a Garage Door?

Many factors go into choosing a new garage door system for your house. Your style preferences, lifestyle, budget, and needs can all influence which garage door is best for you. One of the most important considerations is the door’s material.

Steel

Steel is the way to go if you’re looking for a popular garage door material that works well in all climates. Steel garage doors come in various design options and finishes, making it easy to find a style that complements your home. Some finishes can even replicate the look of natural materials like wood, offering a more affordable way to bring your design vision to life.

Steel garage doors are easy to maintain and feature multiple insulation options to create a more energy-efficient design at a cost-effective price.

Some of the key benefits of steel doors include:

• High durability
• Best insulation values
• Reasonable price
• Low maintenance

Wood

Wooden garage doors offer a traditional aesthetic that works well with all kinds of exterior styles and designs. With several different types of wood to choose from, homeowners can customize the look of their garage door, adding a charming touch to their property.

Custom wood doors are usually very expensive as they are handmade and built to complement or match your home’s exterior aesthetics. While the other types of wood doors are composed of very inexpensive wood and wood by-products that builders use to keep costs down.

Keep in mind that weather and outdoor conditions can have an impact on your garage door — especially if you don’t regularly maintain it. Changes in temperature or wet, cold, and humid environments like we experience in Ontario, can cause your door to expand, shrink, split or warp, so wooden garage doors typically work best in mild, dry climates.

When properly cared for, you’ll be able to preserve the appearance and integrity of your wooden garage door and enjoy customization features that enhance the beauty and function of your home.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass garage doors are the lease common option with little to no suppliers in Canada. Unlike entry doors, where fibreglass is a very common option, the size of a garage door to be constructed similar to an entry door would be too heavy and the cost unaffordable. Due to this lack of quality, most fibreglass doors exterior top finish will start to deteriorate in as little as 3-5 years.

Aluminum

No matter your design preferences, you’ll likely find an aluminum garage door that suits your unique aesthetic vision. This garage door style is easily customizable and gives homes a contemporary look that will turn heads. Along with plenty of design capabilities, aluminum doors with window panels will allow natural light in, adding a bright and beautiful appearance.

These doors are lighter than materials like steel. Aluminum does offer the benefit of being rust-resistant even when exposed to high humidity. While aluminum garage doors work well in all climates, extreme heat can impact their durability.

Wood Composite

If you want to achieve the same classic look of a wood garage door but want a stronger and more durable design, wood composite is a great alternative. As a faux wood, this material is especially beneficial for wet, humid climates that would cause real wood to weather and rot. They are manufactured from recycled wood fibers that you can paint or stain to meet your style preferences.

These doors are constructed of sustainable materials and offer as many customization options as traditional wood. Even though they have a higher upfront cost, you’ll pay less in the long term because wood composite doors are strong and easy to maintain.

How to Choose the Best Garage Door Material

With all kinds of garage doors available, narrowing down the best option for your home can take time. Every material has unique pros and cons, which is why you want to evaluate a few key factors before making a decision:

Aesthetic and Style

What is your overall exterior design vision? Whether you want to achieve more of a traditional or modern style, certain garage door materials will fit your architecture and style better than others. Because your garage door is one of the most noticeable elements of your home’s exterior, you want to choose the right colour and finish to boost your curb appeal.

You can work with a professional to determine the right material that coordinates with your home’s unique design features and aesthetics.

Budget

When it comes to your budget, you need to consider a garage door’s initial and long-term maintenance costs. Are you more willing to pay a higher price upfront to have a low-maintenance, long-lasting garage door, or would you rather get a cheaper option that will likely require maintenance more frequently throughout its life span? In many cases, investing in high-quality materials will be more financially advantageous in the long term.

A garage door expert can help you find a material that suits your style preferences and budget.

Climate

Your local climate should also guide your decision-making process. For instance, wood may not be the best option if you live in colder climates that will benefit from selecting more durable materials with added insulation.

For homeowners in the Markham, Ontario, area, having an insulated garage door is a must for maintaining top energy efficiency and keeping your space feeling comfortable in colder weather.

Maintenance

Some types of garage door materials will require more upkeep and maintenance than others. Working with a garage door provider that offers service and repairs is best for ensuring your system is always working as intended and looking its best.

Safety Features and Technology

Safety should always be a top priority when selecting a new garage door. There are all kinds of add-on features you can utilize to enhance your system. From locking mechanisms to smartphone control, implementing advanced technology is easier than ever.

When exploring garage door upgrades for your home, ask about top-performance openers that have modern safety features to keep your home and family secure.

Markham Garage Doors Offers an Extensive Inventory From Top Manufacturers

Choosing new residential garage doors can be a daunting and exhaustive process and should be based on more than just their composition/material. To assist homeowners in the buying process, Markham Garage Doors has an extensive inventory of residential garage doors on full display in its 1000+ square foot showroom, located at 176 Bullock Drive, Unit 11, in Markham. 

Markham Garage Doors carries and installs garage doors from major manufacturers such as LiftMaster, Clopay, Equal, Haas Door, Richards-Wilcox and Steel-Craft. We’ll help you explore different garage door materials to find the perfect option for your home. 

If you are in the market for new or replacement residential garage doors, check out our extensive inventory or contact us online to request a quote for today!