Choosing the right material for your garage door extends well beyond aesthetic considerations of simply how it will look. Garador offer a variety of materials for their garage doors, including steel, timber, GRP and aluminium, each of which have merits and can add value to your property.
In this post we will look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of the different materials on offer, and which one is likely to suit your particular circumstances. It’s not just the usage of the garage that is important to consider, but the location and other characteristics such as whether the garage is attached to the main house. So let’s dive in and find out more about the different materials on offer.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a light and corrosion-resistant material that can withstand impact, scratches and dents without losing its shape or quality. Aluminium is very suitable as a material for garage doors and is used in Garador's GaraRoll roller doors as part of the curtain as it is durable and lightweight, which makes it easier to install and operate. Garador's aluminium laths are foam filled, giving them structural rigidity. Aluminium is also resistant to rust and corrosion, which prolongs its lifespan especially in coastal regions. Furthermore, it is secure and can withstand impact and intrusion attempts. Finally, an aluminium GaraRoll roller door can enhance the kerb appeal of any modern home with its sleek and modern design.
Steel
Steel is a popular material for garage doors, due to its affordability, meaning it is cheaper than other materials and lasts well, reducing the need for repairs or replacements. It is typically used on Garador’s up & over and sectional garage doors. The steel is galvanised so it is more durable and therefore resistant to rusting and because it’s supplied with a thick powder-coated paint it will stand the test of time. In addition, it is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t require an excessive amount of time to spend on cleaning and painting to maintain the material. Furthermore, it can be formed into various shapes, with swage or panel pressed styles which can add value to your home’s appearance and potentially enhance it’s resale value.
Timber
Garador’s timber up & over, side-hinged and personnel garage door models are constructed from natural solid red cedar, which is a durable and stable soft wood which can withstand moisture, insects, weather and general wear and tear better than most other types of wood, thus making it very suitable for an external building product like a garage door. Cedar wood is rot resistant, so it will last longer than other softwoods.Furthermore, it is relatively lightweight and will therefore put less stress on the lifting gear than some other heavier, denser types of wood.
GRP (Glass-Reinforced-Polyester)
GRP is a composite material that combines fiberglass strands and resin, for a lightweight, yet strong and durable garage door material. They can resist harsh weather conditions and salty sea air, making them ideal for coastal locations or areas with extreme climates. GRP garage doors do not rust, warp or rot, and require very little maintenance. Furthermore, they can also imitate the appearance of wood with realistic woodgrain textures and a variety of colourful options which look like natural timber stains. In addition, to the timber effect versions Garador also offer a silky, smooth gloss white GRP product in the form of the Arden.
Find out more about Garador’s comprehensive range of garage doors, in a variety of materials, by visiting www.garador.co.uk
