There are a few things to consider when choosing the style and material of your garage door for your climate. One is the R-value, which is a measure of the door’s insulation. A higher R-value means better insulation and can help keep your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Another thing to consider is the door’s material. Some materials, like steel, are more resistant to weathering than others. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, you may want to choose a garage door made of more durable material.
Finally, it would be best if you also considered the door’s warranty. Some manufacturers offer warranties that cover damage from weather conditions, so be sure to read the fine print before making your purchase.
Some materials will function at their peak in certain regions while others won’t be as accommodating. So which type of garage door material is most suited for your climate? Let’s take a look…
What Is the Best Garage Door Material for Your Climate?
The best garage door material for your climate is the one that’s most suited for your home, but it may also not be the least expensive. This is because materials have different purposes, so if you’re not sure which one is best for your climate, you could end up wasting your money.
When choosing a garage door, it’s important to first understand why certain materials are used over others. You might be surprised by some of the common answers we’re going to lay out below.
Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors are a great choice for many homeowners because they are durable and low maintenance. Aluminum is a strong material that can withstand the elements, so your garage door will not be easily damaged by wind, rain, or snow. Additionally, aluminum is a non-rusting material, so it will not require painting or staining like other materials.
Aluminum garages are lightweight, cost-effective, and durable. However, they don’t block out heat nor cold well, so they’re not an optimal choice in harsh climates with severe hot or cold weather patterns.
R-value: An aluminum garage door has an R-value of 2.0. This means that it is slightly less energy efficient than other types of garage doors, but it is still a good choice for many homes.
Wood
Wood and wood composites are a popular option for garage doors because it’s both attractive and functional. As a natural material, it’s also cost-effective and sustainable. With the right wood species, you can expect your door to last 50 years or more.
Natural wood is also very good at resisting temperature changes. This means that your wood garage door will not shrink or expand in extreme heat or cold. This can be a real advantage in areas where the temperature fluctuates widely throughout the year.
Finally, wood is a very strong material. This means that your wood garage door will not be easily damaged by high winds or other impacts.
However, wood does require more maintenance than other materials, and it can be susceptible to damage from insects and weather. If you find that you frequently have wood rot in your region due to high humidity, you might want to consider an aluminum or steel garage door.
R-value: Wood garage doors can have an R-value as high as R-20. This means they can keep your garage up to 20 times more insulated than a garage door made of aluminum.
Fiberglass
There are many reasons to choose a fiberglass garage door. They are durable and low maintenance, and they can provide good insulation values. Fiberglass doors can also be made to resemble wood, giving you the look of wood without the high price tag or the need for regular maintenance.
Fiberglass garage doors are a popular modern option. They’re extremely durable and low-maintenance, and they won’t warp or rot like wood can. They’re also a good insulator, making them ideal for warm climates. The only downside to fiberglass doors is that they can be more expensive than other options.
R-value: Fiberglass garage doors have an R-value of 4.3 to 6.5.
Steel
Steel is another cost-effective option that’s durable and lasts for many years. It’s also a good option for homeowners who live in a cold climate since it resists the harshest weather conditions. They are also low maintenance and easy to keep looking good.
There are several reasons why people might choose steel garage doors for their homes. Steel doors are a common choice because they are very durable and secure. Additionally, steel doors offer good insulation against both heat and cold, which can help keep your energy bills down.
R-value: Steel garage doors typically have an R-value between 6 and 9.
Glass Panel
Glass panel garage doors have become increasingly popular in upscale neighborhoods. This type of garage door is expensive to install but it looks stunning and lasts for decades. One reason these doors are popular is that they provide good insulation and can help keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They also allow natural light into the garage, which can save on energy costs.
This type of garage door generally includes a heavy-duty steel frame with glass panels, making them heavy but low maintenance. Also, they look stunning and rarely break down. If you live in a warmer climate, it’s the best option.
R-value: Glass panel garage doors have an R-value of about R-12, which means they do a pretty good job of keeping the heat in or out of your garage.
Conclusion
There are several different types of garage doors, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. In warm climates, the best garage door material will typically be either wood or fiberglass. But your ultimate decision comes down to what is aesthetically pleasing and best accents the look of your home.
We hope that you now know which type of garage door material is best for your climate. It should help you make a more informed decision when choosing a new garage door. If you have any other questions or need help deciding on what garage door is best for you, call The Door Company for a free consultation and quote.