A garage door can add style and security to your home. But there's no shortage of garage door options, and you'll need to spend some time researching your choices. It's often best to start by examining the different types of materials. So, let's weigh the pros and cons of steel garage doors and fiberglass options.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel garage doors are extremely popular throughout the United States. This is due to their ability to reliably withstand all sorts of climates. The durable design can be further enhanced with a special coating to prevent fading. In addition to their flexible design, steel garage doors tend to be one of the most affordable options.
In terms of style, you can find steel doors in various finishes, and they can mimic popular wood textures. This allows you to enjoy a wood grain appearance without actually buying a wood door, which tends to be more expensive. Real wood garage doors also tend to require more maintenance and are overall harder to install.
Steel garage doors have their fair share of disadvantages. Perhaps the biggest issue is that the material may corrode or rust. This can be especially problematic if the door is exposed to salt during winter. With that in mind, remember to wash your door on occasion. In addition, despite its high durability, a steel door can suffer from dents and scratches.
Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass garage doors aren't as common as steel doors, but they do have their benefits. For starters, these doors have a light design. They're composed of layers of molded fiberglass with a steel door acting as a core.
Similar to steel doors, you can find fiberglass doors with finishes that mimic wood. Again, it's a great way to benefit from the appearance of wood without the high price tag or maintenance concerns. Fiberglass' semi-transparent design can also permit light to filter into your garage space. Unlike steel, it can stand up to corrosion from salt and moisture.
Fiberglass does well in warm, humid climates, which limits the benefits for Colorado. You won't have to worry about it warping, contracting, expanding, or cracking due to temperature fluctuations. However, that doesn't mean fiberglass is suitable for all areas. High winds can damage the material. It may also simply crack or experience discoloration as it ages. Perhaps the biggest downside to fiberglass garage doors is that you may not be able to repair any damage it suffers. Instead, you'll have to spend money on a replacement.
Cost Comparison
For many homeowners, the choice between steel and fiberglass garage doors in Denver comes down to budget considerations. So, which type of material is more expensive?
According to FIXR, you might spend anywhere from $1,100 to $1,480 to have a 7-foot by 8-foot fiberglass garage door installed. Installation of a steel garage door of the same size may cost around $740 to $1,140.
For a more accurate specific assessment, you can reach out to Chris' Garage Doors and schedule a free estimate.