Garage Doors Made Of Steel Provide Both Safety And Beauty

Garage doors are usually an afterthought in the design of our homes, yet they are the largest and most visible entryway into a house. It should have curb appeal and beauty as well as providing safety and security, and now many options now also add energy efficiency. If all of these features are important to you consider purchasing a steel garage door.

Steel provides increased strength and durability over wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. This provides added security for your house.

This added strength need not come at the expense of aesthetics, though. New technology allows for embossing wood grain patterns in durable coatings that can provide the look of wood without the hassles of warping, cracking, de-lamination, or decay. Plus with the added benefit of vinyl or polyester finishes to protect against rust you do not have to repaint or maintain them as much.

In fact many manufacturers warranty against rust for as long as you own your house. On the downside aesthetically steel is apt to dent and can be more difficult to repair than aluminum.

Today's steel garage doors have insulated cores of polystyrene or polyurethane foam to provide both cold and heat insulation. This not only regulates the temperature in the house but also makes the car park more energy efficient. Additionally the foam cores allow for lighter, easier operation and quieter garage doors.

If the look of the interior wall matters it is likely you should look into getting a door that is double skin constructed. In this construction there is foam insulation sandwiched between panels both inside and outside. The less expensive single skin construction leaves the frame visible from the inside.

Although the beauty and construction are both a matter of serious interest it is also important to examine the weather stripping used to ascertain the level of quality you will be getting. The highest quality doors have vinyl bubble weather-stripping running the full length and width, conforming to the floor. They should additionally have rigid end and top caps along with weather seals between each section.

Finally look into a variety of patterns for your new garage door. Some companies can create faux wood finishes. Other common details are tiles or rectangles across the body of each panel. Still other people opt for a simple plain design. Regardless of which design you choose remember that any dark colored material is going to require more repainting or refinishing due to the effects of constant sun exposure.