Tips on Choosing Materials for Roll Up Garage Doors

Most new home these days have roll up garage doors because they're much easier to install and use and they take up less space.  Most driveways don't have enough room for the old style swinging doors and automatic garage door openers are so inexpensive and easy to install that it just makes roll up garage doors the most cost effective solution.

Installing a roll up garage door will also add to the resale value of your home because most home buyers prefer them for their ease of maintenance and the fact that they have an automatic opener. This allows one to pull the car directly into the garage without having to get out into the weather and open the door first.

Homeowners planning to install roll up garage doors should first consider the type of material they want the door to be made of. This will determine the type of automatic opener they need to install due to the different weight of materials. Choosing the best material for garage doors will depend on the individual needs of the homeowner with regard to appearance, insulating ability and cost.

Roll Up Garage Doors Tip #1

Most homeowners who consider wood roll up garage doors do so for their appearance and affordability. Wood doors have a very rich quality to them and can make quite an impression from the street. While wood garage doors aren't your best choice for durability, a solid wood door made of cedar or a similar hard wood will last for years. The biggest drawback with a wood garage door is that wood will expand and contract with the weather and, over time, it can warp or crack. Manufacturers recommend that you paint your wood doors, inside and out, and then repaint the outside every two years.

Roll up Garage Doors Tip #2

A steel roll up garage door won't be affected by the weather and doesn't require painting and refinishing. They're low maintenance and look very stylish on your home. Most steel doors are made of galvanized steel that is either vinyl clad or has a baked on polyester finish which means they won't rust or need to be painted every two years. Some steel doors even have a grained finish that makes them look as if they're made of wood. While steel doors are much more durable than wood and much less expensive as well, they do have one disadvantage in that steel can be dented and it's difficult to repair.

Roll up Garage Doors Tip #3

If you live near the ocean, fiberglass garage doors may be a better alternative for your home. They're not affected by the salty, humid air and they only need mild exterior cleaning to look fresh and new again. They also have the added benefits of allowing light into your garage even when your roll up garage doors are closed and they're much lighter in weight than steel or wood garage doors, too.