Why Choose a Steel Garage Door?

When it comes to choosing a garage door, many homeowners naturally gravitate towards metallic options. Factory-painted steel garage doors are an appealing option for many reasons, including their low maintenance requirements and the diverse array of available colours and finishes. 

This type of garage door offers such a wide range of styles and designs that it becomes a stand-out choice, regardless of the architectural style of the home. In this article, we’ll open the door to all the essential factors regarding the matter, so as to leave anyone in the dark, so to speak.
 

What are the benefits of steel garage doors?

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Steel garage doors may be more expensive than PVC doors, but they’re nonetheless more budget-friendly compared to aluminum doors while offering superior impact resistance. This is likely the reason for their popularity amongst homeowners.

Steel garage doors are lightweight, durable, and low maintenance. Their high-temperature baked paint coating makes them resilient against harsh weather conditions and scratches.

While steel garage doors are available in an extensive array of colours, they can also be custom-painted to perfectly match the siding of your home as well as the shade of your window frames.

However, at this time, the fan favourite remains the faux wood steel door. Looks-wise, it very much resembles hardwood, yet doesn’t require the same level of care and maintenance. 

For the best thermal performance, choose two-layer garage doors, which typically have an R-value of 12. These doors are injected with polyurethane, making them both robust and well-insulated, thereby reducing the likelihood of dents. Moreover, only a few materials can claim to provide such exceptional protection against break-ins, as is the case with armoured or reinforced models. 

PRO TIP: For an impact-resistant door, look for 24 gauge steel, while thinner models are 28 gauge (the higher the number, the thinner the steel panel). Galvanized steel is also a worthwhile option. 

What are the different types of steel garage doors?

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Not unlike the majority of garage doors currently available on the market, steel doors are offered in a wide range of classic or trendy designs, to suit even the pickiest of homeowners. Beyond style, here’s what distinguishes the different types of garage doors available if you’re looking to purchase a steel model. 

Single-layer garage door

Non-insulated garage doors have a single layer of 2-inch thick steel that provides the structure with a certain sturdiness. Insulation is a feature that’s typically offered by the manufacturer. This is done by adding a polystyrene insulation panel coated in a fireproof material. 

Double-layer garage door

The double-layer steel garage door is between 1 ⅜ inches and 2 inches thick. Between these layers, there’s insulation, which typically is expanded polystyrene or polyurethane. Note that polyurethane-insulated doors offer twice the level of resistance compared to a polystyrene panel of the same thickness.

Galvanized steel door

Galvanized steel garage door panels are coated in a protective primer, shielding the panel from harsh weather conditions and also preventing it from corroding. 

While a galvanized steel garage door is more expensive than other models, it however doesn’t need to be repainted and basically is maintenance-free. Also, it almost always offers superior thermal insulation.

It’s available in a vast selection of shades and sizes, an array of finishes, numerous models, and a range of pricing options. Some even come with a lifetime warranty!

Full-view garage door or with windows

Much has changed since the time when garage doors merely featured tiny square-shaped windows in the upper part of the panel serving the sole purpose of letting light in. Nowadays, windows have merged into a decorative element that’s either clear or tinted, transparent, mirrored-like, acid-etched, frosted, sandblasted, translucent, with stained glass or decorative film. That’s without accounting for fully glazed garage doors. 

New finishes are the perfect balance between privacy and natural lighting, no compromise is needed.

Full-view (glass) models are increasingly sought-after and aren’t limited to garages, they’re also used for verandas, gyms, and summer kitchens. Their modern, commercial look offers a unique look onto the outside world as it has never been seen before. Note that these doors aren’t insulated, and due to the extensive nature of their glazing, their thermal resistance value is nearing that of R-2. All things considered, think it over carefully before choosing the full-view garage door.  

Modern garage door

Naturally, the full-view garage door stands out as one of the prime choices highlighting a contemporary style. It goes hand in hand with the trend’s inclination for maximizing open spaces with large sliding glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Steel garage doors are available in an array of refined designs, with simple lines and neutral colours. Its elegance perfectly suits that of a modern aesthetic. 

Overhead steel garage door

From a mechanical standpoint, the overhead garage door has a streamlined and efficient system that’s also cost-effective. The latter benefits from a straightforward installation and doesn’t require much repair. It has a one-piece panel that effortlessly slides into the two tracks located on either side of the panel as soon as the opening mechanism is triggered. Once fully opened, the panel rests parallel to the garage’s ceiling.

For increased rigidity, consider steel panels that are at least 0.6 mm thick, with a textured surface and stamped panel design. For added comfort, and to reduce electricity bills, opt for an insulated model, while the galvanized steel will ensure its durability!

Steel Garage Door Maintenance

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To ensure the opening mechanism functions properly, and to preserve the door panel’s original beauty, it’s recommended to clean the garage door at least twice a year. (If you live in coastal, urban, or industrial areas, you may need to clean it 3 to 4 a year.)

• To clean a garage door panel, use a gentle cleaner, like one used on a car, and steer clear of abrasive products and pressure-washing. 

• Clean the tracks as well (these must be kept clean to ensure the proper functioning of the drums). 

• Remember to lubricate the hinges, stud and clevis pulleys, and extension springs every year.

• At the same time, check the door’s bolts and screws and other hardware.

• If you use an automated garage door opener, try manually opening the door. If you have difficulty opening or closing it, it may be indicative of a problem. If so, it may be wise to consult with a professional.

To learn all there’s to know about garage door maintenance, check out our article on the subject matter.  

How much does a steel garage door cost?

The cost of a steel garage door depends on its quality, design, colour, finish, size, insulation, and features. In other words, prices may vary significantly from one model to the next. 

While you can purchase a garage door for $850, you should still plan for a budget of $3,000 to $5,000. You should also consider additional fees for installation, the cost of which will differ from one company to the next.