Your garage door not only keeps your vehicle and home safe, but it also provides privacy and enhances your property’s curb appeal. Before you buy a new door for your garage, you'll first want to consider which materials will best suit your needs. To help you decide, listed below are some of the common types of materials used for garage doors along with the respective benefits they offer.

5 Types of Garage Door Materials

1. Steel

Steel garage doors are relatively low in price and are easy to maintain, which makes them a suitable option for many homeowners. Steel, however, is prone to dents and susceptible to corrosion. So, if you choose this material for your garage door, make sure it is 25 gauge or higher. At that thickness, it is more resistant to a collision with your vehicle. You can also choose a garage door made of galvanized steel or one that’s coated with anti-rust paint to protect it from the elements.

2. Aluminum

Like steel, aluminum is affordable in price and low maintenance. But because it is a softer metal, it is also prone to dents. On the upside, it's easy to emboss designs into an aluminum garage door to give it more visual appeal. Aluminum weighs less than most garage door materials, making it easy to install and less stressful on the mechanical components of the door. 

3. Wood

Wood or wood composite garage doors are easy to customize and can offer a contemporary, traditional, or classic look. Aside from being visually pleasing, wood also provides superior insulation when compared to other materials. There are also many varieties to choose from, including oak, pine, hemlock, and mahogany. The drawback to using this material, though, is that it requires frequent refinishing and is usually at the higher end of the price scale.

4. Fiberglass

Fiberglass is one of the lightest materials you can use for garage doors. It is also very resistant to dents and does not rust or corrode.  If you live in a cold area, however, this may not be your best option, as it does not provide the best insulation and will become discolored or crack with prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

5. Vinyl

Vinyl garage doors are durable and practically break-proof. The material doesn’t rot, swell, or rust, and can be cleaned easily with detergent and a garden hose. Though the material comes in many colors and designs, you’ll have fewer aesthetic options compared to most other garage door materials.

If you need advice on garage door materials or services in Kalispell, MT, turn to American Garage Door. This company has been offering garage door repair and installation to homes and businesses in the area for over a decade. Give them a call at (406) 752-2662 for inquiries or visit their website for more information.