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August 14, 2020

3 Materials to Consider for Your Next Garage Door

Because a garage door purchase represents a significant investment, you want to make sure that you get the most suitable garage door material for your long-term needs. However, the sheer number of available materials can complicate your decision. Take a look at the relative pros and cons of the three most common garage door materials.

1. Wood (or Wood Composite): A Traditional Option

Wooden garage doors have graced homes for decades. This traditional material for garage doors imparts an undeniable sense of luxury to a home’s exterior. Wood also features a degree of built-in insulation while lending itself to sanding, varnish, repainting, and hand-crafted customized designs.

Before you leap into the purchase of a wooden garage door, however, you should know that wood requires regular care and maintenance. Moisture can warp or rot a wooden garage door over time, while pests such as termites can weaken it. Temperature or humidity changes can also cause wood to split.

If you prefer a more robust option still incorporates real wood into its structure, consider a composite garage door. A composite garage door combines a solid wood interior with an exterior layer of durable, rot-resistant fiberboard that retains the look of real wood.

2. Fiberglass: A Look of Wood Without the Weight or Cost

Fiberglass garage doors can make good sense when you want a wood-like product that holds up to Mother Nature better than actual wood. Today’s fiberglass garage doors usually combine a sturdy steel structure with an outer fiberglass layer. The end result resists cracking better than old-fashioned all-fiberglass doors.

Like vinyl, fiberglass (in its composite form) doesn’t dent or warp easily. It also retains its beauty for many years without wood’s need for periodic repainting and re-varnishing. You can also find fiberglass garage doors imprinted with convincing wood grain patterns, giving you the aesthetics of wood for a lower price.

Fiberglass doesn’t necessarily suit every homeowner’s budget, however. Its price, while cheaper than solid wood, can range higher than that of other garage door materials.

3. Steel: A Variety of Thicknesses

Steel offers the strongest garage door material you can get, depending in part on the gauge (thickness) of steel you select. Thinner 27-gauge or 28-gauge steel door panels can sustain dents from impacts relatively easily without additional support from insulation, while a gauge of 24 or lower can hold up quite well against the same impacts.

Budget-conscious homeowners often prefer steel as one of the more affordable materials for garage doors. Steel garage doors also require little maintenance. You can purchase steel garage doors in a variety of styles, including wood-grain textures. Steel takes paint well, so you can change its look as desired.

On the downside, steel does not offer any real insulation on its own, forcing you to add insulation separately or seek out models specially equipped with insulating fillers. Despite the material’s minimal maintenance requirements, it can rust if you let chipped or scratched paint go unaddressed.

If you still can’t decide exactly what kind of garage door best suits your needs, budget, and taste, turn to Plano Overhead Garage Door for guidance. We can help you make the ideal selection from our wide range of garage door products. Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.

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Garage doors are among the biggest moving parts in your home. When something goes wrong, it can disrupt your entire day and pose safety hazards. Homeowners searching for residential garage door repair in Dallas, TX , often notice problems during harsh weather changes or after years of everyday use. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we want to help you spot issues early and keep your garage door working safely and smoothly. Common Signs Your Garage Door Needs Attention Knowing when residential garage door repair is needed can save money and prevent accidents. Some warning signs are easy to spot once you know what to look for. If your door makes loud noises, sticks, or doesn’t open and close easily, repairs are likely needed. Unusual sounds like grinding or squeaking often mean that residential garage door repair is required for parts such as rollers, springs, or hinges. Doors that wobble or move unevenly may be off track. These and similar signs all suggest it’s time for a careful inspection. Broken Springs: A Frequent Problem Springs do the heavy lifting in residential garage door repair. They help your door open and close smoothly. Over time, Texas heat and humidity make springs break down faster. If your garage door feels very heavy or won’t open, a broken spring may be the cause. Trying to fix springs without proper tools can be dangerous. A snapped spring can cause serious injuries. It’s best to contact a pro who understands residential garage door repair and can replace springs safely. Off-Track Doors and Their Dangers Bent or blocked tracks easily lead to doors coming off track. A door that leaves its track won’t move right and could collapse. Hot Dallas summers cause metal tracks to expand, making the problem worse. If you notice your door is crooked or stuck, residential garage door repair is needed. Don’t try to force the door, as this risks further damage and injury. Opener Problems and Sensor Issues Garage door openers make modern life easier but often need repairs. When the remote or wall button stops working, or the motor grinds but the door doesn’t move, you may have an opener problem. Sensors play a crucial safety role in residential garage door repair. Texas storms or high humidity can affect sensor alignment. If the door won’t close or reverses unexpectedly, check for dirty or misaligned sensors. Professional help ensures correct repair and keeps your family safe. The Impact of Texas Weather Dallas weather is tough on garage doors. High heat, fast temperature swings, heavy rain, and storms all speed up wear. Metal parts rust faster, springs lose tension, and wooden doors swell or crack. These conditions increase the need for residential garage door repair and regular inspection. As the weather changes, inspect your garage door for signs of damage or excess noise. Routine checks and early maintenance help avoid bigger repairs. DIY Risks: Why Professional Help Matters Watching online videos might make residential garage door repair seem easy, but it’s often unsafe. Springs, cables, and heavy doors involve serious risks. Homeowners without special tools or training could cause more damage or get hurt. Hiring a licensed expert ensures garage door repair is done safely and correctly. Professional work prevents later breakdowns and extends your door’s life. How Timely Repairs Save Money Small problems become expensive if ignored. Fixing minor track issues or replacing a worn roller is much cheaper than installing a whole new garage door. Routine care and residential garage door repair protect your equipment and keep things running easily. A trusted professional catches small issues early, often before you even notice a problem. This proactive approach limits downtime and prevents your day from being disrupted by unexpected garage door failures. By addressing problems quickly, you save money and avoid sudden, costly emergencies that could impact your home and family. Choose Local Expertise for Peace of Mind Dallas homeowners benefit from working with local professionals for residential garage door repair. A trusted provider understands Texas conditions and knows how to fix problems unique to this area. Experts use the right parts and offer dependable service. Using a local company also ensures a fast response when emergencies happen, giving you peace of mind during stressful situations. Local professionals are familiar with Dallas neighborhoods, so they can arrive quickly and address your concerns without delay. Good customer support and expert repair help keep your home secure, and having someone nearby makes future maintenance and follow-up even more convenient. Get Reliable Garage Door Solutions in Dallas! For fast, safe, and affordable garage door repair in Dallas, TX, call on professionals who care about your family’s safety. Plano Overhead Garage Door has years of experience with residential garage door repair and offers local expertise Dallas homeowners can trust. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a disaster. Contact us today and protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind!
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Plano Overhead Garage Door provides expert garage door installation services for Murphy, TX. Call 972-422-1695 for custom designs and quality services.
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