How to Choose the Right Garage Door Material for Your Climate

When you’re picking out a new garage door, there are several things to consider: style, cost, and opening mechanism generally top the list. However, a smarter tactic may be to start with the material. What your garage door is made of is more important than you think. Some materials hold up well in hot, dry weather, while others are better suited to cold or damp climates. Picking the wrong material can mean more repairs, noise, or a door that just doesn’t last. Here’s how to choose the right garage door for your local weather. 

Steel

If you’re looking for something economical,  a steel garage door can be a great choice. It’s affordable, strong, and easy to find. You can also add insulation for better temperature control if you want to use the space as a functional living area, like an office or extra bedroom. Steel is pretty heavy, but the main drawback of this material is the fact that it rusts in wet or humid climates. 

While many steel garage doors come with a rust-resistant finish, it’s probably safer to consider something else if you live near the ocean. If your door already has rust spots, it may be time to get a replacement or look into garage door repair services. Not only does rust look unattractive, but it could also cause the door to seize up, posing a security risk. 

Wood

Wood doors are often considered the most aesthetically pleasing. However, their beauty comes with a bigger price tag and a fair amount of upkeep. This high-maintenance material needs regular sealing and painting to keep it in good shape, otherwise it can crack in dry climates or swell and rot in wet ones. If you love the look, make sure you’re ready for the work that comes with it. 

Aluminum 

Aluminum is a brilliant option for coastal areas, since it won’t rust even when exposed to salty air. It’s also lightweight, which means less strain on your opener. However, if you have warm summers where your kids like to play ball games on the driveway, be warned that aluminum dents easily. Severe hail or flying debris can also cause damage, so bear this in mind if you live in an area that gets a lot of storms.

Fiberglass and Vinyl

Fiberglass is another garage door material that does well in coastal air. It’s also suitable for places with a mix of temperatures. It withstands hot summers and cold winters without warping, and is resistant to damage from moisture. It can even mimic the look of wood, but without the tedious upkeep. It’s not the best insulator on its own, so unless you install proper insulation along with it, you won’t have much protection from extreme temperatures. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, vinyl is one of the toughest garage door materials. 

Endnote

Your local climate is incredibly important when it comes to picking the right material for your garage door. Whether you want to go natural or synthetic, you must understand how the material will behave once it’s in place and whether it will function as you want it to. The key is to think long term, match the material to your region, and remember proper maintenance. That way, you’ll have a sturdy garage door that protects your home, come rain or shine.