How do you choose the right garage door for your Northern Neck home? With so many choices, picking the ideal door can be difficult. With some pre-planning, though, selecting the right door can be a straightforward process that yields a valuable home investment.
Garage Door Materials: How They Stack Up
With Virginia’s varied climate, it’s critical to pick a garage door material that can withstand heat, humidity, and cold temperatures. A new garage door can be a significant expense, so it’s worth taking the time to consider the options and choose the one that’s right for your home, budget, and style.
Wood
Wooden garage doors are a classic option that can blend seamlessly with the historic look of many homes in Northern Neck. Wood is reasonably durable, but it does call for regular maintenance, including:
- Sealing
- Painting
- Repairing scratches, dents, and other damage
The temperature variations and humidity in Northern Neck can impact wooden garage doors more than they do other materials. Wood tends to swell and shrink slightly as the weather changes, which can cause more wear and tear on the structure and finish of your door.
If you choose a wooden garage door, you’ll need to commit to regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. This material can be a beautiful choice, provided you know what you’re getting into.
Steel
As a standalone material, steel is prone to rust. Northern Neck’s coastal climate makes this a particular concern when it comes to steel garage doors.
Fortunately, modern steel garage doors are typically coated with a protective layer to prevent rust and corrosion. With an attractive top layer covering the strong steel material, these doors can be an excellent investment for your Virginia home. Like wood doors, however, they require careful monitoring and timely repairs.
If the protective coating over your steel garage door is scratched or damaged, that section is immediately at risk of rusting. If left unchecked, even a small area of rust can quickly spread, compromising the look and integrity of your door.
Aluminum
Unlike steel, aluminum is not generally vulnerable to rust or corrosion. This quality makes it an ideal metal for the Virginia humidity and Northern Neck’s proximity to fresh- and saltwater.
Aluminum also has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it’s strong despite being relatively lightweight. This strength is invaluable in terms of withstanding coastal winds and storms.
While aluminum is generally strong, it is still significantly softer than steel. It can usually withstand wind and rain with no issue, but it is more susceptible to dents, dings, and blunt-force damage.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a composite material made of glass fibers embedded in a plastic resin. As a garage door option, fiberglass is a popular choice due to its strength, moisture resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, fiberglass is prone to fading over time, so it’s essential to consider the amount of sun exposure your garage receives before choosing this option.
Similar to aluminum, fiberglass is durable enough to withstand coastal weather. It requires minimal upkeep and can be customized to match a variety of aesthetic styles.
Your ideal garage door choice will depend on your style, budget, and desired level of upkeep. The above options are all viable choices for properties in Northern Neck, but only you can decide which one is right for your home.
If you need assistance picking the perfect garage door in Northern Neck, call Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC, today. With 32 years of experience behind us, our fully licensed team is here to walk you through your options and help you decide which one is best for your home. We offer a one-year warranty on all workmanship and installations, providing you with peace of mind. You can also reach us 24/7 if you ever need emergency service. When you work with our team, you’ll enjoy outstanding customer care and exceptional garage door services personalized to meet your needs. Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC—because life is hard enough!
