Sunday 27 March 2016

Garage Doors: A Comparison of Materials

The main function of a garage door is to secure the space so that the vehicle remains safe inside. Security should always be the primary consideration given the value of a car these days and their importance in our daily lives. Other factors during selection include aesthetic value and price. The door, after all, will take up a large area of the façade. Its prominence demands that it look good to add to the curb appeal. Of course, the price must fit the budget otherwise it will not be a viable purchase. Here are the most common materials that you can choose from:


Wood

This is the classic material that started it all. In the old days, wooden doors were the default for virtually every home. The best ones were finely crafted and had ornate carvings. These are still extremely popular today because of their beautiful grain, warm color, and impressive versatility. They can be painted, varnished, or left in their natural state. The problem with these is that they require a high degree of maintenance work. The material is prone to damage due to moisture so it is not ideal for areas that receive a lot of rain and snow, as well as those that are situated near the sea. Sunlight can cause warps and cracks as well.

Steel

If you are not keen on continuous maintenance, then go for a more durable material such as steel. This metal is proven to be tough against any form of pressure. You can have peace of mind knowing that you door will stand guard for your car and no one can break in. It has surpassed the popularity of wood in most places thanks to its durability and reasonable price. They can also be painted to protect the surface from corrosion. Just be sure to opt for a thick one from a manufacturer known for high quality doors so that you won't have problems with dents.


Aluminum

This is another metal that makes a viable alternative to steel. The great thing about aluminum is that it is much lighter so the doors are easier to transport, install, and lift for automatic controllers. It is also resistant to corrosion so there will be no worries about rust even in harsh conditions. It can also be painted and styled in any way you like since aluminum is quite malleable. However, these are not as strong as steel so they tend to collect a lot of dents throughout their lifetime and look unpleasant after a while.

Vinyl

Vinyl is essentially plastic with a high grade used for garage doors. It can be a decent insulator which is good for cold areas as the cars are protected from the freezing temperatures to a certain degree. Doors using this material are also inexpensive so they get snapped up by those with a limited budget. People with cash to spare would rather shy away from them, however, because they tend to look cheap and are not that durable. We have provided most of the information above, but you can get additional information here.