Shopping for a new garage door can be exciting. You can start picturing the added curb appeal. But with so many materials and styles, making a decision can get overwhelming. You don’t want to make the wrong choice. One of the most important factors to consider is durability. After all, you need a garage door that can stand up to the elements and provide reliable performance for years. This means understanding the elements of durable garage doors and the door options they offer.
What Makes a Garage Door Durable?
You expect your garage door to work when you need it. But frequent use, weather, and time can wear a door down. So how do you find a durable door that lasts? Choosing the right garage doors for your house is key to making your home everything you want it to be.
Construction and Materials
When it comes to garage door durability, it all starts with high-quality materials and construction. The type of material used greatly affects how well a door stands up over time.
Steel is known for its strength, making it a very common garage door material. It’s resistant to dents, cracks, and other damage that can occur with regular use. Some steel garage doors feature different construction methods, from single-layer to triple-layer. This impacts insulation levels and noise reduction in addition to overall durability.
Aluminum garage doors have gained popularity as a modern choice. Aluminum garage doors are also naturally rust-resistant. This makes them a good choice for areas with harsh weather, including salty air near coastlines. Although not as strong as steel, aluminum doors require little maintenance.
Wood is another material prized for its beauty and strength. Choosing a durable wood garage door requires attention to the type of wood used. You’ll want to ensure you select a door crafted with weather-resistant woods, such as faux wood garage doors. Faux wood garage doors are a great option that looks just like wood.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | Durable, low maintenance, cost-effective | Susceptible to rust if scratched or dented |
| Aluminum | Lightweight, rust-resistant, modern aesthetics | Can be dented more easily than steel |
| Wood | Classic aesthetic, strong depending on the wood type | Requires regular maintenance to preserve its beauty and durability |
Hardware and Components
Even with the strongest material, you need quality hardware and components for long-term durability. This means paying attention to elements like:
- Springs (torsion or extension): Durable garage door springs ensure smooth opening and closing.
- Tracks and Rollers: Choosing sturdy tracks made of galvanized steel or aluminum is key to reducing wear over time. Quality rollers impact how quietly and smoothly your garage door functions. Nylon rollers tend to offer a good balance of durability and quiet operation.
- Hinges: Strong, rust-resistant hinges are vital for supporting the weight of the door. Look for hinges made of galvanized steel or aluminum.
- Weatherstripping: This keeps out drafts and moisture, which protects the interior of your garage and helps with energy efficiency.
Maintenance
Just like your car needs an occasional tune-up, durable garage doors still need a little TLC. Implementing a few maintenance practices goes a long way in how your carriage house garage doors look. Some key tasks include:
- Inspecting for Damage: Checking the door for any dents, cracks, or loose hardware. This can help prevent small issues from becoming larger repairs.
- Testing the Balance: Ensure the door is balanced by periodically disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it. If the door feels heavy, it’s important to get it serviced and rebalanced by a professional garage door opener service. This prevents strain on the opener and other components.
- Lubricating Moving Parts: Lubricate moving parts such as the hinges, rollers, and springs regularly. It is advisable to have an expert technician from a garage door service come out to service your garage doors.
When looking for a local dealer, look for companies that offer a warranty for their products. It’s important to have a garage door professional you can call if there is ever an issue with your door or garage door opening that is covered under your warranty. You will also want to have a company that offers door maintenance so that you can prolong the life of your door as long as possible.
Climate Considerations
Even durable garage doors need a bit of consideration regarding your local climate. For homeowners in areas prone to strong winds, choosing a wind-rated garage door is critical. Look for a door that can withstand a high wind load. This helps prevent damage from wind uplift during storms.
Consider the amount of natural light you want in your garage. Glass options for garage doors have really come a long way, and there are a plethora of options for glass garage doors these days. You can customize the look of your house garage door with different glass options that match the rest of the windows in your home.
Conclusion
Choosing durable garage doors gives you peace of mind about your home. While there’s a lot to think about during the selection process, using this guide helps you make a good choice. Taking into account these key factors ensures you have a garage door that can withstand daily use, diverse weather conditions, and the test of time. For all your garage door needs, call Superior Overhead Doors to discuss options that best suit your requirements!
