What Material Should I Choose for My Garage Door?

What material should you use for your garage door?

Your choice of a new garage door should be carefully considered. A garage door ought to last at least 20 years, so it is not something that needs to be replaced regularly. But when the time does come to buy a replacement you may find the wide array of options available somewhat perplexing. But this choice reflects the impressive variety of materials and enhanced security and insulation properties on today’s market, and with some basic information at your fingertips you can make your new garage door purchase painless. There are four materials to choose from.

Steel

The most popular choice, not only does steel give a sleek, modern look to a garage door, it combines durability with strength. It can work visually within a contemporary or traditional setting and is available in a variety of colours. These finishes can either be plastisol coating, which will give a smooth or textured non-maintenance exterior (the interior can be primed), or powder coating, a baked polyester covering with a smooth texture for exterior and interior surfaces. Plastisol coating normally has a life of about 10 years. Powder coating can be repainted. A cost-effective option, it is not as efficient an insulator as wood, but it offers toughness in both its up-and-over and insulated steel sectional versions.

Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP/Fibreglass)

GRP is a first-rate insulating material and has a strength-to-weight ratio comparable to that of steel. Its resistance to the ravages of the weather is borne out by its common use in the yacht-building industry. Panelling detail stands out very well in GRP, and this low-maintenance material is strong enough to put up terrific resistance to burglars or vandals and keep its attractive appearance for many years. Available as slide-away lifting gear or trackless canopy designs.

ABS (Plastic)

Being an impact-resistant material, ABS is very hard wearing, ideal for standing up to the force of wayward car bumpers or well-aimed footballs, and nicely complements white PVC doors and window fittings. It also demands almost no maintenance.

Timber

Wood is of course the most beautiful choice. We offer marine ply and solid cedar and source these sustainably whenever possible. Up-and-over doors are mounted on a steel chassis whereas side-hinge doors are entirely constructed from wood. Being such an effective insulator, wood is ideal for a garage which is used as a room. You can get an unfinished door or, for extra cost, one that has been ready-stained by the manufacturer. It will be necessary to treat the timber fairly regularly if it is to retain its looks and durability, but some stains come with a 10-year guarantee.

If you are looking for a new garage door come and visit our comprehensively stocked showroom in Cardiff or call one of our telephone numbers for a free survey anywhere in South Wales.