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Everything To Know About Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance when compared to other materials on the market. They can come in a variety of styles including flush, raised, recessed, and carriage house designs. With this wide range of options, homeowners can find a style that perfectly complements the aesthetic of their home. Additionally, they offer excellent insulation options and come with various weather-resistant features, such as high wind ratings, which make them perfect for areas prone to harsh conditions.

When it comes to installing a new steel garage door it’s important for homeowners to hire an experienced professional. This ensures that the job is done correctly and efficiently without any unwanted surprises down the line. Not only does this guarantee satisfaction with your purchase, but also provides peace of mind that your investment is secure for years to come.

Garage Door Steel Gauge

With steel, the number decreases as the thickness of the steel increases. This means 24 gauge will be strong compared to a 26 gauge steel

Most manufacturers use 24-gauge steel when constructing a garage door, while more cost-effective garage doors use 25 or 26-gauge steel which is more commonly used by home builders.

Single Layer Garage Door (Pan Door)

1 Layer Garage Door

A single-layer garage door, also known as a pan door, is a basic type of garage door that is made up of a single layer of steel. This type of garage door comes with no insulation at all.

A pan door is by far the most cost-effective type of garage door you can buy. Some of the negatives are less durability, no insulation, and the noisiest type of steel garage door. This is why we would only recommend getting a pan door if you are looking at getting a door for a detached garage.

Double Layer Garage Door

2 Layer Garage Door

A double-layer garage door is a type of garage door that has two layers of material. The outer layer is made of steel, which is a durable and low-maintenance material that can withstand exposure to the elements. The inner layer of the door is typically made of polystyrene garage door insulation, held in place by a vinyl backing.

Double-layer garage doors are quieter and more durable than pan doors, but they are still prone to damage. We recommend this if you are looking at getting a cost-effective garage door that is connected to your home.

Triple Layer Garage Door (Sandwich Door)

3 Layer Garage Door

A 3 layer garage door, also known as a sandwich door, is a type of garage door that consists of three layers of material. The outside layers of the garage door are made of steel that “sandwiches” the middle layer of the door. The middle layer is typically made of polystyrene or polyurethane insulation, which helps to keep the garage warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

We recommend a sandwich garage door for homeowners who want a door that is well-insulated, sturdy, and customizable. A sandwich door is the most durable compared out of all three options. Lastly, It’s a great way to reduce energy costs and enhance the curb appeal at the same time!

Types of Garage Door Insulation

Polystyrene & Polyurethane

Polystyrene – Economical Garage door insulation that is cut to size. Polystyrene offers great performance but does not insulate as well as polyurethane. This insulation is also not very resistant to denting as it’s not very dense.

Polyurethane – Garage door insulation that is “sprayed” in between the layers of the garage door. This offers great insulation, an air-tight seal within the section, and structural strength to a garage door. This insulation is very dense, as it is a spray foam, making it harder to dent the garage door. We recommend polyurethane to anyone that wants to spend time in their garage as its worth the investment

Benefits Of Steel Garage Doors

Durable

Steel garage doors are not only beneficial but are very durable. They can last for many years without any problems and will stay looking like new for a long time. Steel garage doors are made from galvanized steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion. This means they do not need to be repainted or replaced every few years like other materials might require. Additionally, steel garage doors are designed with a reinforced frame that gives them extra strength and makes them more difficult to break. Finally, the sturdy construction of steel garage doors makes them much harder to damage through impacts such as hail or flying debris. All of these features make it easy to see why steel garage doors can provide homeowners with a long-lasting solution.

Low Maintenance

Steel garage doors are like a trusted companion; they require little maintenance yet provide effective service. Their smooth operation and reliability make them an easy choice for homeowners who want to save time and money. By taking some basic steps, steel garage doors remain in top shape and continue to function efficiently over the years.

To maintain steel garage doors, this is what we recommend:

Inspecting the door is important as it helps identify any potential issues that could become worse over time. Every 6 months, check all parts of the door for signs of wear and tear such as worn hardware or rusting. Also, keep an eye out for loose components like brackets, rollers, or hinges that need to be tightened or replaced. Cleaning the tracks and lubricating the moving parts with proper lubricant also helps to reduce friction and noise from the door when opening or closing.

Aesthetic Appeal

Moving on from the low maintenance of steel garage doors, it is important to note the aesthetic appeal they offer. Steel garage doors come in a variety of colors and styles, making them an excellent choice for customizing your home. You can also paint a steel garage door to perfectly match the color of your house or other exterior elements.

In addition to providing a wide range of colors and styles, steel garage doors can be customized with windows. This allows you to increase the natural light in your garage and create a more inviting look. The windows come in various shapes and sizes so you can pick the one that best suits your style. You can even tint the windows for added privacy or curb appeal!

Energy Efficent

Steel garage doors are not only beneficial but are very durable. They can last for many years without any problems and will stay looking like new for a long time. Steel garage doors are made from galvanized steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion. This means they do not need to be repainted or replaced every few years like other materials might require. Additionally, steel garage doors are designed with a reinforced frame that gives them extra strength and makes them more difficult to break. Finally, the sturdy construction of steel garage doors makes them much harder to damage through impacts such as hail or flying debris. All of these features make it easy to see why steel garage doors can provide homeowners with a long-lasting solution.

Value For Money

Steel garage doors are not only beneficial but are very durable. They can last for many years without any problems and will stay looking like new for a long time. Steel garage doors are made from galvanized steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion. This means they do not need to be repainted or replaced every few years like other materials might require. Additionally, steel garage doors are designed with a reinforced frame that gives them extra strength and makes them more difficult to break. Finally, the sturdy construction of steel garage doors makes them much harder to damage through impacts such as hail or flying debris. All of these features make it easy to see why steel garage doors can provide homeowners with a long-lasting solution.

Disadvantages of Steel Garage Doors

  • Over time, your steel garage door is going to either rust or corrode, whether you live somewhere salty, or your water builds up by your garage door. On seasoned garage doors, you tend to find rust at the bottom section of your garage door.
  • Compared to a thick full wood garage door, a steel garage door is going to be easier to dent and damage
  • Steel is not considered a “natural insulator” meaning that your steel garage door needs to have insulation installed if you want to get any sort of insulation out of it.

Cost of Steel Garage Doors

Steel Garage Door Pricing

Steel garage doors usually cost anywhere from $1500 all the way up to $10,000+. As you can see in the infographic, depending on the options and materials you use, a new steel garage door will impact the price. The cost of a garage door is unique to every customer, so if you want a personalized quote, contact your garage door professional!

Conclusion

Steel garage doors offer a variety of benefits, making them an excellent choice for homeowners. Their durability ensures they will stand the test of time and last for years to come. They require minimal maintenance which makes them a great option if you don’t want to look after the door. Steel garage doors also can be designed specifically for your home increasing curb appeal. Lastly, steel garage doors are energy efficient, helping to reduce energy costs in the long run; thus, providing homeowners with value for money.

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