All About Steel Garage Doors
There are so many types of garage doors to choose these days. First, you have to choose your material. Will you be getting vinyl, wood, or steel garage doors? Then, you have to pick the insulation type. The options go on and on.
Well, if you’re in the business of getting a new garage door, look no further than ones made of steel. Steel garage doors have a variety of types out on the market today. Specifically, Feldco steel garage doors are made from a very heavy-duty, 24-gauge steel, so that the maintenance involved is little to none over time.
But, it’s important to know how steel garage doors are created and what the different levels of quality are when it comes to these doors.
The Creation of Steel Garage Doors
From their creation, steel garage doors were built to be strong and mixed with zinc to keep rust away. They weren’t necessarily created for curb appeal, but more for a long-lasting nature.
A finalized coat of primer adds to the strength of each garage door and a topcoat to keep the unit strong and the color long-lasting. The thickness of these types of doors range from 24 to 26. For this range, the smaller number relates with more and more thickness.
The thicker the door, the more likely homes will receive a positive r-value, which is a measuring system that ranks how energy efficient steel garage doors actually are.
As production has gotten better and better, many states are now asking for steel garage doors to have a reinforcement for wind-load. This is creating a standard for local codes across the country.
However, to this point, not all states are making this mandatory. Be aware of codes in your area of residence.
Vinyl Over Wood and Aluminum
You’re probably wondering, what makes vinyl a better option than wood or aluminum for your Rockford home? One of the biggest benefits of getting a steel garage door is that it’s more energy efficient than the other options. Aluminum doors absorb heat so they’re unbearably hot during the summer. This heat will transfer throughout your home making it uncomfortable and raise your electric bills.
Wood garage doors also has their fair share of problems. Since wood absorbs moisture, rain, snow and hail can cause a lot of problems for your garage door. It’ll warp, rot and expand thanks to absorbing so much moisture.
Both wood and aluminum require a lot of maintenance, unlike steel. Wood doors need to be painted and stained every few years while aluminum dents and dings easily. Steel garage doors are durable and low maintenance, assuring it’ll look great for years to come.
3 Different Layers
There are 3 layers of steel garage doors and they vary from single, double and triple layers. Let’s start with single layered garage doors. These garage doors don’t need a lot of maintenance.
The double layer is next. This garage door has a layer that’s steel along with a backing that has thermal insulation made from polystyrene.
These doors are quieter than the single layered version and are great for people who love to help the environment and save energy. The last type of steel garage door is the triple layer. This version is as heavy-duty as they come.
A thermal insulation is sandwiched in between a steel front and back. A home can be boosted energy-wise if a garage is attached to it.
Lastly, this layer is virtually soundproof. Let’s dive into the benefits of each layer more specifically.
Single Layer Doors
Single layer doors are effective because they don’t weigh a lot and they’re very durable. Because these doors are lightweight, there isn’t a lot of wear and tear when the garage door goes up and down.
Furthermore, this door doesn’t necessarily need electricity to work, but can also use manpower. However, this may not be preferred for people who have vehicles where they need to open and close the door manually for it to exit the garage.
On the other hand, this type of door might be effective if the power goes out and you need to get in and out quickly.
In terms of durability, this type of door is great against all elements that Mother Nature throws your way. Whether these steel doors experience cold, cold winters or roasting summers, their shape will look like the first day you bought it. This can’t be said for other garage materials like wood and vinyl, which can warp and crack.
Double Layer Doors
If you’re looking for strength, look no further than the double layer steel garage doors. This type of door is great if you have children playing basketball by the garage. A ball or other objects hitting the door might bend on impact for other doors, but not these double layer doors. You’ll not see any folding or bending in this material.
Many businesses encourage this type of door for a garage that’s attached to the home because the insulation is another fantastic benefit of this product.
With increased residential value, adding this to any home will insulate the biggest entry into any home. This will help keep unwanted air out of your garage and likewise into your home, saving you money on your energy bills.
If a garage is detached and you use this layer, you may be able to store stuff in your garage and protect it from the frigid temperatures of winter or the hot temperatures of summer.
Maintenance is another benefit because the paint won’t chip over time and rusting won’t be a problem. Rust can happen with many garage door materials because it can eat away at metal, but this isn’t even a thought with steel doors. Its zinc-coating makes double layered steel doors nearly impenetrable.
Triple Layer Doors
Triple layer steel garage doors are the best of the bunch. When it comes to energy efficiency, this layer beats the rest. These doors are so well insulated that they keep out unwanted temperature drops or rises, and create a barrier against the rain, snow, hail, unwanted animals and theft.
Furthermore, this garage type keeps heated and cooled air inside, if you choose to add it to your garage, making this a livable space. Most people don’t investigate the financial impact a garage door like this one could have on their heating and cooling, but it could make a world of difference in the short-term and long-term.
The strength of this door is also unparalleled. Dents, scratches and even accidental car bumpers into this garage door won’t even leave a mark. That’s how powerful the triple layer actually is.
Lastly, this type of garage uses the quietest motor to move the steel door up and down. Noise can really ruin moments in the home, especially if it involves a garage door.
This layered garage door limits echoing and its motor decreases unwanted sound to the joy of many customers. The triple layer doors are truly the triple threat of the steel garage door industry.
Steel Carriage Style Garage Doors
If you’re looking for a unique, decorative design, check out a carriage garage door. They have the look of a wood barn door but are made of steel so you don’t have to worry about all of the maintenance.
They also have hinges on the sides but don’t swing open – those are just for decoration. If you want a beautiful carriage style garage door, get a free quote from Feldco now.
What Works for You
In the end, you’ll need to decide what works best for you, your lifestyle and your budget.
Also, don’t forget that if you’re looking to use your garage as more of a living space with a “man cave” or “workshop,” you may want to consider a thicker layer.
Whatever you decide in this process, know that steel is one of the best options for you and your garage door needs.
Feldco is Rockford, Illinois’ best garage company. Our premium steel garage doors are sure to withstand the test of time while being both gorgeous and energy efficient. All of our garage doors are installed by trustworthy, trained professionals
Get a free quote now and see why over 350,000 homeowners have trusted us with their home improvement needs.