A garage door is both a functional and an aesthetic element of your home or business. You’ll need to determine not only what will look good with your exterior design, but what will suit the needs of your daily use, weather conditions, and time for maintenance.
At Lakeside Doors in Puyallup, WA, we specialize in finding or building the perfect garage door for your unique needs. Our team works with you to help you decide on the best types of garage doors, including material and style, from rustic wood to durable steel. Let’s explore the factors to consider when choosing a garage door and the pros and cons of each material.
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What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door
Choosing a residential versus commercial garage door is a little different, but the aspects you’ll need to decide on are the same. How should it open? What should it be made of? What do you want it to look like? Let’s look at each of these considerations for types of garage doors.
Opening Type
There are many types of garage doors. Sectional garage doors are the most common, though roller doors are also popular for commercial buildings. How your garage door opens is partially an aesthetic choice; for example, side-hinge doors offer a classic, elegant look. However, how the door opens is essential to its functionality, too.
A side-hinge door requires lots of space in front of the door, while a sectional garage door requires ceiling space. How much space your garage has and where will be the primary factors in what type of door works best.
Material
Most garage doors are made from steel, wood, or aluminum, though vinyl and fiberglass are options also. Wood and metal each have advantages and disadvantages, such as durability versus appearance. We’ll discuss these more later on.
Insulation
Different types of garage doors have different insulation options. Depending on what you’re storing in your garage or how much time you’re spending there in the winter months, sufficient insulation may be a deciding factor.
Garage Door Materials: Wood vs. Metal
Most likely, your garage door will be made of wood or metal. These materials are popular for a reason–they’re practical, efficient, and still come in various designs to match your home or business’ aesthetic. Let’s consider the pros and cons of each.
Wood
A wooden garage door is a classic choice for residential garages. It’s elegant, giving a natural, warm appeal to your home. Wood garage doors are especially fitting for rustic, traditional designs.
Pros
- Beautiful design: It’s hard to beat the curb appeal of a wood garage door. Various styles of wood doors work for different home aesthetics, all with that touch of natural elegance.
- Customization: To change the style of your garage door and refresh the appearance of your entire home, simply apply a new layer of stain or paint.
- Insulation: Most wood garage doors offer good insulation.
Cons
- Cost: A wood garage door is typically more expensive. Since it may also require more maintenance, it can have increased costs over time, too.
- Maintenance: Wood garage doors must be properly maintained to prevent warping, rot, and insect infestations. You’ll need to keep it sealed with stain or paint.
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight and low-hassle. This often makes it an ideal choice for automatic openers, putting less strain on the mechanism and helping it last longer. Aluminum doors are affordable and easy but may come at a cost on durability.
Pros
- Lightweight: A lightweight door is much easier for an automatic opener to operate. This means smooth operation, lower risk, and a longer lifespan for the opener.
- Affordable: Aluminum garage doors are typically less expensive than other materials, both in the upfront cost and ongoing maintenance.
- Low Maintenance: Aluminum needs little maintenance. It’s rust-resistant and doesn’t need protective coatings like steel or wood.
Cons
- Limited Durability: The lightweight advantage of aluminum also means these doors are less durable. Dents and damage are more likely with an aluminum garage door, which may be especially noteworthy for commercial properties with large machinery going in and out the door.
- Less Insulation: Aluminum doors typically don’t offer much insulation. This can make for a chilly garage or higher heating costs.
Steel
Steel offers a modern, sleek look paired with tough reliability. A steel garage door requires minimal maintenance for long-lasting function and security you can count on. With a variety of styles, steel doors can match many aesthetics without compromising performance.
Pros
- Durability: Steel garage doors are typically the most durable option. They are a sturdy, secure option often ideal for commercial properties, and withstand harsh weather well.
- Insulation: Many steel doors are well-insulated, keeping your garage warm and energy-efficient.
Cons
- Rust and Dents: Steel doors can rust, especially if not properly maintained. And though they are sturdier than aluminum doors, steel doors can still dent easily from impacts.
Find the Perfect Garage Door at Lakeside Doors
If you need a new garage door for your home or business in the Puyallup area, you’ve come to the right place. Lakeside Doors offers expert installation, repair, and maintenance for all types of garage doors, commercial and residential. Whether you know exactly what kind of door you want or aren’t sure where to start, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Contact Lakeside Doors today to get started and find your garage door!