The grainy richness of wood, smooth durability of steel, or the versatility of vinyl are all key features of these materials. And when getting a new commercial or residential garage door, there are a lot of decisions to make. Of the six main garage door materials, there are pros and cons for each that will change depending on your needs. To make it easier, we’ve detailed the pros and cons of the different materials for you.
Fiberglass garage doors
Fiberglass is a material used less frequently for garage doors, but still represents a great option for coastal locations. This is because these doors are “more resistant to salt-water corrosion.” Aluminum often encases the panels on these doors which you can paint to complement the building’s design and color scheme. One fiberglass door option that we offer is the residential WD 9800 model.
Aluminum frame garage doors
Aluminum is a popular option for framing garage doors. In this case, these doors have aluminum panels that help to eliminate rust issues. This material is also very lightweight and is perfect for wide double doors. One downside with the materials is that it’s more likely to dent if not made with heavy-duty frames. At COGD, our aluminum frame options include the CHI 3297 for residential and WD K-AL for commercial.
Wood and wood composite garage doors
We talk a lot about wood garage doors because they’re one of our specialties. Wood is the original garage door material and still used widely today. The benefits of this option include its great insulation and curb appeal. On the other hand, wood composites consist of recycled wood fibers but have the look and feel of a wood garage door but have easier upkeep. Our wood garage doors are custom so we can find the right style and fit for your location.
Steel garage doors
Steel is a highly durable material for garage doors. The most popular option for this material is two layers of galvanized steel, which is “primed and painted with a tough topcoat finish or clad with a composite material.” Because of the topcoat options, this is one of the most versatile garage door materials. However, it’s not a recommended choice for coastal locations given its ability to corrode. We have plenty of steel options available, including the WD 9700 for residential and CHI 3222 for commercial.
Vinyl garage doors
Vinyl is tough to dent or break, so doors made with this material are often called ‘kid-proof.’ Vinyl garage doors are also very similar to fiberglass, but their upkeep isn’t nearly as involved. The downside to these doors is that they are often available in fewer designs and colors.
Commercial and residential options
Garage door materials can vary depending on your location, type of property, and overall garage door needs. If you’re still having trouble deciding, our expert technicians can help you select the right material to enhance your home or business.
