Which Garage Door Material Is Best?
When you decide to purchase a new garage door, you’re faced with a number of choices. One of the biggest decisions you will need to make is selecting the material of the door. There are many types of garage door materials and there are few things you should factor in when making a choice. Today we will cover some of the different materials garage door builders use and what to consider when purchasing a new door. Wood Wood was once the mainstay material of garage doors but has taken a backseat to newer, cheaper materials. Wood doors used to require a lot of maintenance and they would need to be repainted often. Today, longer lasting paint or stain makes this requirement less of a concern. Most wood doors are built with a hemlock frame and hardwood panels but custom wood doors are often made with douglas fir. While wood doors are pricier than their counterparts, they look great and are often the choice for high-end home builders. Steel The most popular choice for garage door builders these days is steel. Steel is a very strong, durable material and requires low maintenance. The face of a steel garage doors can be embossed to look like wood grain or have a smooth finish. Steel doors are often padded with insulation to help with weatherproofing. The downside to steel doors is that they can rust if not properly treated. Aluminum Aluminum is a lightweight material that can be used to create doors that have a painted wood look. They are more resistant to rust than steel doors and are built to be dent resistant. The disadvantage for aluminum doors is they can be costlier than other doors. Fiberglass For those wanted their door to resemble a wood door but is resistant to moisture and insects, fiberglass is the way to go. A big advantage of fiberglass garage doors is that they are very flexible which means they have less chance of warping with weather changes. However, they are not suggested for colder climates has they tend to break down when temperatures drop below freezing. Plastic Probably the least used material for doors is plastic although they are gaining in popularity. The fact that it is such a light weight material means it will put way less stress on the garage door opener. They are also won’t rust or rot which can happen to steel or wood doors. The plastic used is high-density much like truck bed liners and they carry the longest warranties in the market. Besides the style and look of your garage door, you should also consider safety, durability, and strength before buying a new garage door. Where you live also should be a factor as weather can effect materials differently. We strongly suggest consulting with professional before deciding on which door material to use.
Garage Problems – Know The Symptoms
When your garage door breaks, it can be an incredible inconvenience for you and your whole family. It generally either means you are unable to leave the house or unable to get back into your garage. In cases where you door gets stuck open and you have to leave your home, the property in your garage is at risk of being stolen or criminals have easier access to your home. In any case, it’s imperative that you have your garage fixed quickly. But if we back up a few steps, maybe there is a way to prevent you garage from breaking in the first place. In most instances of broken garages, we find that there were symptoms leading up to the final catastrophe. Recognizing and addressing those symptoms are key to avoid putting yourself in position of dealing with a broken garage door. Here are a few things that may indicate your garage needs servicing: Noisy Operation Probably the most common symptom that your garage door needs maintenance is noisy operation. A high pitch squeal or a grinding sound is a good indication something needs to be looked at. Sometimes it’s just a simple matter of lubrication. Or it could mean you have a bent railing or that a spring is about to give out. If your door suddenly starts making a noise you haven’t heard before, it’s a good idea to have someone check it out. Door Wobbles or Misalignment If you notice that your door vibrates or wobbles when you open or close it, or that one side of the door touches the ground before the other, it might be time to call a professional. This is a major symptom that a lift cables stretching or about to break. It could also mean a spring is losing tension on one site. It might also mean a railing is bent or knocked out of alignment. Taking care of these issues before a major mishap can save you from buying a whole new door. Hesitation When Opening or Closing Another indicator of a problem is if your door hesitates when you hit the button to open or close it. It could just mean you sensors are out of line or even that the batteries in your remote need replacing. In more serious cases, wiring may be the issue which could result in replacing the entire opener. Smells Like Somethings Burning If you smell something burning you will want to have your opener checked immediately. This is a good indication that wires have become exposed and are touching something they shouldn’t. Could also be the motor is about to give out. There are other instances where bird or critters have built their nest inside an opener creating a major fire hazard. This is a symptom you do not want to wait on. Even if your garage is not exhibiting symptoms, it’s a good idea to have a professional tune-up and inspect your garage functions at least once a year. By taking a few simple steps, you can insure you garage door will operate safely and properly for years to come.