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Aluminum garage doors have become increasingly popular because they offer lightweight construction, a sleek appearance, and natural rust resistance. Additionally, they offer a balance of style, durability, and affordability; so, whether you’re upgrading your current garage door or installing one for a new home, aluminium garage doors are a smart investment.
Average Cost: $700-$5000. The cost of aluminum garage doors varies based on size, design, customization, and insulation with higher-end doors with glass panels and customization costing up to $5000.
Benefits of Aluminum Garage Doors
Style
Aluminum garage doors are known for their modern, slee appearance which makes them a great choice for contemporary homes or for homeowners who like that aesthetic. They are also versatile options and can be customized with a variety of finishes, colors, and panel configurations. Some of the most popular customizations include:
- Full-view glass panel doors which feature large glass sections framed with aluminum. These are particularly popular in urban and modern home designs.
- Powder-coated finishes which allow the doors to be a wide-range of colors, from neutral tones to bold, statement colors and resist chipping, fading, and corrosion with minimal upkeep requirements.
- Woodgrain-textures which give the door the warmth of wood with the durability of aluuminum.
Functionality
Unlike heavy steel or wood doors whose weight can put extra strain on garage door openers, aluminum doors are lightweight and therefore offer smoother, easier, and quieter operation, especially over time. Insulated aluminium doors also improve energy efficiency by minimizing heat transfer which is particularly helpful for attached garages.
Durability
Their natural resistance to environmental damage like rust, rot, warping, and cracking is one of aluminum garage door’s key advantages. As a result, these doors are an excellent choice for homes in areas with high humidity, salt exposure, a lot of precipitation, and temperature fluctuations. However, aluminum doors are softer than steel and can be prone to denting from impacts. Some aluminum door models, though, can be reinforced with thicker aluminum panels or additional framing for added strength.
Safety Features
Modern aluminum garage doors come equipped with several safety features, including pinch-resistant panels, tempered glass panels, and reinforced frames. Tempered glass is stronger than standard glass and, upon impact, shatters into small, less hazardous pieces. Reinforced frames add structural strength and reduce the risk of forced entry. Additionally, since modern garage doors often conveniently operate from remote clickers or smartphone apps, automatic openers often feature sensors that can detect objects or people in the door’s path and trigger an automatic reverse mechanism to prevent accidents. Some of the more modern models also incorporate smart technology not just for operation but also for remote monitoring and control which enhances home security. These features can be especially important for families with children or pets.
Added Home Value
Aluminum garage doors can significantly boost the curb appeal of your home and attract potential buyers. These doors offer style, durability, low-impact, and low-maintenance functionality which add value to any new or existing home.
How to Choose the Right Aluminum Garage Door
Consider the Climate
As you consider aluminum garage doors, be sure to factor in the local climate as different climates require different priorities for your garage door. For example, in colder climates, consider an insulated garage door to improve energy efficiency and indoor temperatures. For coastal areas, even though aluminum is naturally resistant to rust, prolonged salt exposure can still cause oxidation. For homes in these areas, consider a powder-coated door for an added layer of protection. And, for hot and sunny climates, aluminum doors are a great fit because they reflect heat better than steel doors, but consider a UV-resistant coating to further reduce heat absorption.
Pick the Right Design
Since aluminum doors come in a wide range of styles, you are able to choose a style that complements your home’s architectural design and your aesthetic preferences. Some common options include glass-paneled aluminum doors that feature full-view glass panels that can be clear, frosted, or tinted, framed by aluminum to create a contemporary look. You might also consider embossed aluminum panels in woodgrain textures if you prefer a more traditional or rustic aesthetic but don’t want the risk of warping, rotting, or pests that comes with wooden doors.
Gauge Thickness and Frame Strength
Like steel doors, aluminum garage doors come in different gauges that refer to the thickness of the door. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker and stronger material. Thicker gauged doors offer superior durability and dent resistance so they are ideal for high-traffic garages, commercial properties, or homes in areas with strong storms and winds. Thinner gauged doors are more lightweight and affordable but are more susceptible to denting. These doors work well for garages with minimal impact risk. You may also want to consider the frame strength of the garage door to provide structural integrity, reduce flexing, and increasing the door’s lifespan.
Maintenance Tips for Aluminum Garage Doors
Proper maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your garage door. Some tips include:
- Regularly inspect and clean the door: Check for dirt and other buildup or physical damage, especially around the seals. Consider using a mild detergent and water to clear the door every 3-6 months, but be sure to avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the wood’s surface.
- Inspect for dents or scratches: Aluminum doors are more resistant to rust but can still dent. Check for dents or scratches and use an auto-body filler or aluminum repair kit for minor fixes.
- Inspect weather stripping: Check the bottom seal and side weather stripping for wear and tear and replace if damaged in order to maintain energy efficiency and keep out moisture and pests.
- Lubricate the moving parts: Keep hinges, rollers, and tracks lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
- Schedule professional inspections: To ensure your garage door is in good working condition, have a professional inspect your door annually.