When it comes to home renovations or even simply securing your vehicle and other valuable possessions, choosing the right garage door is crucial. Garage doors come in a myriad of styles, materials, and mechanisms that serve different needs and preferences. To help you navigate choosing the best garage door to fit your needs, here’s a comprehensive guide to the types of garage doors, their pros and cons, and tips on how to maintain them.
What is The Best Material For A Garage Door?
Choosing the right garage door isn’t just about picking the first one you see. By carefully considering the pros and cons of each type and following basic maintenance procedures, you can secure a door that fits your needs and lasts for years. That being said the type of material you choose for your garage door will also have its pros and cons and contribute to its overall lifespan.
- Steel – Durable and low-maintenance, but prone to dents and rust
- Aluminum – Lightweight and rust-resistant, but more easily dented
- Wood – Natural look, but requires more frequent upkeep
- Fiberglass – More resistant to denting and cracking, but can break upon severe impact
Types of Garage Doors
Sectional Garage Doors
Known for their high durability and excellent safety features sectional garage doors come in various materials, like steel, aluminum, and wood. Sectional doors also require regular maintenance, needing moving parts lubricated regularly and to ensure the door is properly balanced.
Roll-Up Garage Doors
Roll-up doors offer a compact design that makes them great for smaller spaces. They are extremely strong and durable and are constructed with simple mechanisms meaning there are fewer garage door parts that may break or need repair. Because of their more simple construction roll-up doors offer limited customization options. As far as roll-up garage door maintenance the guide bars need to be regularly cleaned and the spindles lubricated. It is also important to inspect doors frequently for rust.
Side-Hinged Garage Doors
Easy to install and operate side-hinged garage doors offer classic aesthetic appeal. These types of garage doors work perfectly for garages used for storage, workshops, etc. One downfall is that these doors often require manual operation. They should also be checked regularly and any hinges and brackets tightened as needed.
Tilt-Up Garage Doors
Tilt-up garage doors offer a simple design, usually come at a lower cost, and can be installed rather quickly in comparison to other types of garage doors. These types of doors also require clearance in front of the garage and utilize less insulation which is not ideal for desert climates.The pivoting hinges and springs need to be regularly inspected for wear and tear and replaced when needed.
Proper Maintenance Tips for All Garage Doors
✔ Regular Inspection – Look for signs of wear and tear on springs, cables, rollers, and other hardware
✔ Lubrication – A little grease can go a long way in extending the life of your garage door’s moving parts
✔ Balance Test – Make sure your door is properly balanced to avoid unnecessary strain on the opener
✔ Clean and Paint – Depending on your door’s material, you may need to clean it regularly and apply a fresh coat of paint every few years
✔ Professional Check-Up – Have a professional inspect your garage door annually to ensure all parts are functioning correctly
Utilize The Sevices of A Garage Door Professioanl
It is also extremely important to note that hat you utilize the services of a garage door professional for garage door installation, sales, garage door repair, and garage door maintenance. Garage doors can cause harm to people, pets, vehicles, and other possessions due to their weight and complex parts. It is always best to leave any garage door repairs or issues to a trusted and experienced garage door repair professional.
