Fibreglass Garage Doors
Fibreglass doors occupy a small percentage of the garage door market. The greatest benefit of the fibreglass garage door is its durability.
Garage doors can take a lot of stress and strain over their lifetimes, and the fibreglass door is more resistant to dents than its steel counterpart.
The door is constructed of a steel or aluminium casing with fibreglass inside which makes it very light. The downside is that the fibreglass does not insulate very well. Extreme sunlight or adverse weather conditions can cause this type of garage door finish to fade.
Advantages
Fibreglass is lightweight and resistant to salt water corrosion, making it a good choice for coastal areas. It's also very low-maintenance.
Disadvantages
It can be more expensive than other materials and may not offer as much insulation as wood or steel.
Aluminium Garage Doors
The greatest benefit of aluminium is that it’s a lot cheaper and not as heavy as its steel counterpart.
Aluminium is a very versatile material, but it can dent easy.
Aluminium garage doors can come in many different finishes such as faux wood and other protective finishes
Advantages
Aluminium is lightweight, resistant to rust, and generally more affordable than other materials. It's also flexible, meaning it can be used to create a wide variety of door styles.
Disadvantages
Aluminium is not as durable as some other materials, so it may be more susceptible to dents and damage.
Wood Composite Garage Doors
For composite wood finishes, wooden fibres are collected and re-used.
The finish of this material is very realistic, it looks like real wood but it is also a strong, versatile material, perfect for the garage door.
If you live in an area that is prone to harsh weather conditions, then your composite wood garage doors offer increased durability.
Advantages
Wood composite doors offer the look of wood with less maintenance. They're also more resistant to rot and splitting than solid wood.
Disadvantages
They can be more expensive than solid wood doors and may not look as natural.
Steel Garage Doors
The material that’s mostly used for garage doors and is the most popular is steel. The reason for this is the fact that steel is very easy to resource, is inexpensive, and it can withstand the wear and tear of heavy usage that a garage door experiences.
Although steel garage doors are relatively cheap most, steel doors are not insulated. It may be worth spending a little more and upgrading to an insulated model.
Advantages
Steel is very durable and requires little maintenance. It can be painted in a variety of colours to match your home exterior, and is often less expensive than other materials.
Disadvantages
Steel doors can be susceptible to rust if they are scratched or dented. They also do not provide as much insulation as some other materials, which could be a concern in colder climates.
Wooden Garage Doors
The garage door was first created using wood. Wood is a fantastic material both in its natural look and its inexpensive cost.
The great thing about wood is that you can change the colour and finish of your garage door, but you may have to maintain the health of the wood as it’s impacted by the weather.
Wood outperforms steel as an insulator but like for like, steel is better at conserving energy.
Advantages
Wood offers a classic, attractive look that many homeowners love. It can also provide good insulation.
Disadvantages
Wood requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best, including regular staining or painting. It is also more susceptible to damage from the elements and pests.
