Garage doors do much more than act as security and a place to keep your car dry, they also add value to the overall look of your home. The right garage door for your home should be easy to find considering the number of different materials available, which include wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel and even fiberglass.
Years ago, a custom garage door in Santa Ana would be a worthy consideration….but today’s garage doors in Santa Ana come in so many different materials including aesthetic options that could provide you with a custom looking door without the expense normally associated with a custom overhead door.
Here’s a rundown of the most common materials that most garage door companies in Santa Ana carry:
Wood
While driving through any nice neighborhood, you many notice a number of homes with wood garage doors. Wood accentuates the style of many homes because of the natural beauty and the different designs you can implement. They will require more maintenance, though, than doors made from other materials.
Doors made out of wood need extra care to prevent weathering and moisture damage. Because this can lead to sagging and warping, you need to check the doors regularly and paint or seal them as needed. Some professionals recommend doing this every two to three years, however wood doors in wet weather climates will require more upkeep in order to keep them moisture free.
If you are looking to insulate your garage, then you might also find that vinyl, aluminum or steel are a better option.
Vinyl
Vinyl is an excellent option because it often comes with a lifetime limited warranty which protects against denting, rusting, peeling, cracking or sagging. It is a cost-effective choice for low to mid-range homes or anyone looking for less maintenance, as they generally only need an occasional washing. Vinyl generally lasts for many years because it is so durable, which is one more reason why it is a good choice for extreme weather climates. These doors can be purchased in many different designs and colors, as well as with other options, such as windows or detailed, wood-grain patterns.
The one drawback of these doors, though, is that they often look like vinyl and you will lose some of the design quality that you may see in wood or steel.
Aluminum
Aluminum is strong yet lightweight, so you may see it in a couple types of garage doors. Because it requires little maintenance and won’t crack or fade, it is fairly common to see an entire garage door made from aluminum. Insulation can also be added to these doors so they are more energy efficient. And because aluminum is cheaper than steel, you could save up to $200 on an aluminum door as opposed to a steel one. Aluminum is easily dented, though, so if children will be playing nearby, especially if you have a basketball hoop hanging over the garage, then this may not be the best choice.
It is the lightweight feature that makes aluminum ideal for framing glass garage doors. These can add a more modern look to contemporary homes.
Steel
Steel is going to be the strongest option for your door and it can still be embossed with wood grain designs. There is no maintenance required because these doors won’t crack or decay and you can even purchase vinyl-clad steel which is often guaranteed not to rust. These can also be insulated with polystyrene foam to keep energy costs down. Because of the strength of steel, however, if the door does become dented or bent out of shape somehow, then it will require a professional repair.
Remember to choose a garage door that will enhance the overall look of your property. While aluminum, steel and vinyl are great choices in climates where temperature control is a factor, when budget, maintenance and insulation values are not an issue, wood is a beautiful choice for a home’s garage door needs.