Is an aluminum garage door the right choice for your next home improvement project? Perhaps you need a new door, but you're not sure which material to choose. Take a look at the pros and cons of
aluminum and what you need to know before you select a new garage door.
Pro: Aluminum Is Lightweight
Aluminum is a lightweight material - especially when you compare it to other types of garage doors, such as steel. Weight may not seem like a major issue for your next garage door purchase. You won't put the door on a scale, and you won't likely need to lift the door yourself. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't consider the lightweight benefits of an aluminum option.
An aluminum garage door is often easier for the contractor to install. The lightweight material won't require as much heavy lifting, making the installation process shorter and potentially less expensive. Not only can a lightweight door make installation easier, but it may also decrease the workload for a repair technician. Like installation, a shorter and easier repair can impact the overall time and costs.
Pro: Aluminum Is Budget-Friendly
Do you want a durable door, but you're on a budget? Garage doors are available at a variety of price points and can fit a wide range of home improvement project budgets. Even though doors range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, you won't find an inexpensive model in every type of building material.
Unlike some of the pricier choices, such as wood or wood composite, aluminum can fit into a slimmer garage door budget. The lower price point may make some homeowners wary of the quality. While you do get what you pay for, you can get a durable aluminum door on a slim budget.
Before you choose a garage door, consider the extra costs. A plain, base model may fit a smaller budget. But you may want a more ornate style, windows, or stylish hardware add-ons. These upgrades will increase the price of any door, including aluminum models.
Along with upgrades, you will also need to pay for installation costs. Garage doors are challenging to install and require an expert-level knowledge of the technology and safety practices. This makes installation a job for a professional contractor.
Pro: Aluminum Comes In a Variety of Styles
Garage doors combine form and function. This means you need a quality door that's durable and works well. But that's not all. You also need a door that has plenty of style and complements the rest of your
house.
Aluminum doors are available in many styles to meet almost every home decor need. Create an exterior aesthetic with curb appeal, and choose a color, finish, and overall look with aluminum. Discuss the
options with a qualified contractor to find the right aluminum door for your home. This may include a faux wood finish, designer color, raised panel design, or glass and aluminum garage door.
Con: Aluminum Can Dent
This popular pick is durable and will stand up to elements. Even though you shouldn't expect your door to fold under the weight of a heavy rainstorm, it may dent more easily than some of the other common
garage door materials. If strength and the ability to stand up to an impact are important to you, a steel door is a better option.
Steel is strong, durable, and available in a variety of styles. The price is comparable to an aluminum door - if you choose a base model or thinner gauge. To increase the insulation properties of the door, you
may need to pay more for a thick gauge or multi-layered option.
