If you’re considering replacing your garage door, you may be surprised by how many different options are available. Since the average garage door lasts several decades, it is likely that you have not needed to think about buying a garage door in a long time, if ever. One of the biggest choices that you’re going to have to make is garage door material. Different materials offer different benefits in terms of durability, weather resistance, and more. Let’s look at two of the most common options and compare steel and vinyl garage doors.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel doors have long been the standard, especially for commercial applications. Steel is sleek and beautiful. While it does require some maintenance to protect the material, it is relatively less than other materials like wood. Steel doors come in a variety of options and styles, and they have the potential to be a truly elegant addition to your home. Steel won’t splinter or crack, and while it can rust, it won’t as long as you maintain it correctly. Steel is also able to stand up to extreme temperatures easily. Steel does have its drawbacks, however. Steel garage doors can be scratched or dented pretty easily, considering how they are constantly at risk of being bumped by cars. They also are not typically well insulated, so they won’t keep your garage temperature controlled. Steel can be an excellent choice in many situations, as long as you fully understand the degree of maintenance it will require.
Vinyl Garage Doors
Vinyl garage doors are a great cost effective choice. They tend to be considerably less expensive than other garage doors and they are still very durable. Vinyl is a strong and long-lasting material. Vinyl is also a composite, meaning that the color permeates the whole material, so even if it gets scratched it won’t be as noticeable and won’t require touch-ups. Vinyl resists splintering and cracking, it won’t rust or chip, and it is durable to intense temperature extremes, both hot and cold. While the sun can sometimes cause the color to fade, this is becoming less of an issue as technology advances. The major drawback to vinyl doors is that they are not typically insulated, so they won’t keep your garage temperature controlled. Additionally, since you don’t have to paint the door routinely to protect it, it is harder to change the color once you decide on it.
Leave Garage Door Maintenance to First Choice Garage Doors
Since 2004, First Choice Garage Doors has been providing quality service in Maryland, Delaware, Northern Virginia, and Pennsylvania. We offer services like garage door installation and replacement, as well as maintenance and repair. We specialize in the repair and maintenance of garage doors and their accessories. Here at First Choice Garage Doors, we work with top manufacturers in the industry, including Amar Entrematic, Clopay, Wayne Dalton, and Artisan.