Best Garage Door Materials for Your Climate

A garage door is your property’s first line of defense against intense weather elements. This is why choosing the right garage door material is crucial to ensure that your property will have optimal and long-lasting protection.

In this post, we’ll help you choose between vinyl, steel, wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and other garage door materials. Keep reading to get the best material and avoid repetitive garage door repair in Los Angeles, CA.

Garage door material options

Aside from its different appearances, garage door materials also vary in terms of durability, weather resistance, and price. Below is a quick rundown of some of the most popular garage door materials and how they compare to different climates:

Vinyl garage door

Vinyl garage doors are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), resistant to moisture, corrosion, and salt air. It performs well in climates with temperature fluctuations and high-moisture environments, but not under extreme conditions.

Also, vinyl materials tend to fade faster under prolonged exposure to sunlight. The upside is that this garage door material is affordable and easy to repair.

Pros

Moisture and rot-resistant
Low maintenance and no need for sealing
Resistant to rust and corrosion
Durable and long-lasting

Cons

Limited color and style options
Can become brittle in very cold climates

Steel garage door

Steel garage doors are made of one or more layers of galvanized steel. It‘s more resistant to impact and suitable for almost all climates, especially when insulated.

However, steel is prone to rusting, so make sure you get one with protective coatings. Also, steel doors can be noisy, so make sure you install insulation to dampen the sound.

Pros

Tough against impact
Low maintenance and resistant to warping
Can be repainted to refresh its look
Wide design options

Cons

Prone to rust and corrosion
Can be noisy without insulation

Wood garage door

Wooden garage doors are aesthetic and available in various colors, finishes, and grains. You can also choose between solid wood boards or wood veneers installed on a core frame.

Overall, wood is suitable for moderate climates. It’s not the best choice if you live in an area that experiences extreme humidity or major temperature shifts. Also, wood doors are not ideal for wet climates because they are more susceptible to warping and rotting.

Pros

Naturally aesthetic appearance
Can be painted or stained for added curb appeal
Boosts your property value
Customizable and available in various designs

Cons

Prone to warping and rot when exposed to moisture
Tend to be high maintenance
Heavier than other materials

Fiberglass garage door

Fiberglass garage doors are made of plastic panels reinforced with a layer of fiberglass material molded into a solid frame. It’s lighter than steel or wood, so it’s easier on your automatic openers.

In terms of performance, fiberglass garage doors are suitable in humid and coastal climates since they’re highly moisture resistant. However, it’s not ideal for very cold climates as the fiberglass material can become brittle at low temperatures.

Pros

Lightweight and easy on your opener
Resistant to corrosion and rot
Can mimic wood grain appearances
Low maintenance and easy to clean

Cons

Can become brittle on cold climates
More expensive than steel

Aluminum garage door

Aluminum garage doors offer the durability of metal with the added benefit of being rust-resistant. This material is ideal for humid and coastal climates since it resists corrosion better than galvanized steel.

However, aluminum garage doors aren’t an ideal choice if you live in a hail-prone area. It’s softer than other metals and can easily dent upon impact.

Pros

Light material that’s easy on your opener
Modern and sleek appearance
Resistant to corrosion and rot
Ideal for coastal and humid climates

Cons

Prone to dents and scratches
Can be noisy without insulation

Which garage door material suits your climate?

Choosing the right garage door material will give your home long-lasting protection. At the same time, it will prevent premature damage and repairs.

If you live in a place with a humid or coastal climate, you should consider a garage door made of aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl.

Meanwhile, if your location has a cold and snowy climate, insulated wood and steel would be good options. Just make sure that these materials have protective coatings and seals to avoid rot.

For those who live in areas with hot or arid climates, insulated steel and fiberglass would be ideal. These are resistant to warping and fading when exposed to UV rays.

Lastly, if you’re experiencing mild and temperate climates, you have the luxury of getting just about any garage door material. Just make sure you practice proper maintenance to avoid early signs of damage.

Need help choosing or installing the right garage door for your home? RockGarageDoorRepair Company in California offers expert guidance, installation, and repair services to ensure your garage door is built to handle your local climate.

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

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