If you’re in the market for a new garage door, you’ll quickly discover there are many options to choose from. Before you blindly choose your favorite one, it’s important you understand that not all garage doors are suited for all geographical areas.
For example, if you live near the ocean, choosing a wood or metal door is unwise since the salty air can wreak havoc on these materials quickly. Below, we’ll discuss the various materials commonly used in garage doors and which is best in what climates.
Fiberglass Garage Doors
If you live in an area that’s always damp or receives a lot of rain, you’ll want to resist the temptation to choose wood or even metal doors. Wood can deteriorate quickly in damp weather while metal doors will rust over time.
Fiberglass garage doors, however, are a good choice in almost any climate as they are very durable. There are many styles and color variations to choose from, so you’re sure to get something that enhances your home’s curb appeal.
The only downside to fiberglass is that it can dent or crack if hit hard enough.
Wood Garage Doors
For people living in a dry climate, wood doors are a great choice as they add a touch of sophisticated beauty to any home. As lovely as they are, however, they are just as troublesome. Wood garage doors require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. You’ll need to add a fresh coat of paint every couple of years as they fade in the sun rather quickly.
Metal Garage Doors
Metal garage doors, particularly aluminum and steel, are very popular among people living in hurricane-prone areas because they are strong and sturdy. Metal garage doors also provide added protection against break-ins, too.
The nice thing about metal garage doors is that they can be insulated to help save money on utilities, and because they are lightweight, you can forgo the added expense of an automatic garage door opener.
You have a lot of choices when it comes to shopping for a new garage door for your home. Now that you know the difference in materials and what areas they are best suited for, you should be able to find the perfect garage door for the area you live in.
