Looking for garage door repair in Austin? The choice between steel and aluminum is critical when deciding which garage door is best for your home. Several key considerations will significantly impact your purchase decision, from cost to appearance and performance.
Durability
Steel
Steel garage doors are durable and reliable, built to withstand the test of time. A steel garage door can last 50 years or more if properly maintained, cared for, and installed (try our garage door installation Pflugerville).
Most steel garage doors contain galvanized steel sheets rolled or welded together to form a panel and covered with a protective coating. Some steel doors include decorative features like panels with patterns or designs stamped into them before painting.
Steel is stronger than aluminum, so it will withstand more impacts without damage or decay. It can also withstand temperatures better than other materials, making it ideal for garages that experience extreme weather conditions like heat waves or cold snaps.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, affordable material that is highly durable. It’s also easy to work with, making it an ideal choice for DIYers who want to save money while carrying out garage door repair in Austin.
Aluminum weighs less than half as much as steel. That means it reduces the load on your garage door opener – meaning fewer repairs and longer life for your opener motor. A lighter door also makes opening and closing easier because there’s less force required to move it up or down.
“Steel is stronger than aluminum, so it will withstand more impacts without damage or decay, while aluminum is lighter and will thus require fewer repairs and updates to the garage door opener motor.”
Installation
The installation process should be quick and easy with either aluminum or steel garage doors. If you’re replacing an existing door, you’ll need to remove the old door first before installing the new one. If you aren’t sure how to remove your garage door, you’ll need a garage door contractor (Pflugerville residents can click here for more information).
Steel
Steel garage doors are heavier than their counterparts, which makes them difficult to install on your own. To install these doors, you will need help from others who know how to use tools correctly, such as a steel garage door contractor in Austin.
Aluminum
Installing an aluminum garage door does not require special skills or tools, but it requires time and patience. Aluminum panels can easily be cut with a saw or even with a pair of scissors if necessary.
Maintenance
All metal doors require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition and working correctly. But there is a difference in the amount of maintenance that steel and aluminum garage doors require.
Steel
Steel garage doors, due to their durability, are virtually maintenance-free. However, you may need to hose down the door to keep it clean every so often or give it a lick of paint to keep it looking like new. You should also check that your steel door has a special rust-resistant coating to prevent corrosion.
Aluminum
Steel corrodes quickly in natural and industrial environments. Aluminum, however, resists corrosion well. Hence, it’s a better choice for homes where corrosion is a concern. In addition, aluminum garage doors are easy to maintain and keep clean. They can be hosed down with a garden hose or pressure washer, and the dirt is easily removed by hand.
Energy Efficiency
Steel
Although steel garage doors aren’t the best insulators, they offer energy-efficiency benefits. This is because they have a solid frame that can support more weight than other materials. The frame’s strength means you can add insulation to your garage door without worrying about damaging the door or frame.
Aluminum
Aluminum is good at reflecting light and heat. That makes aluminum great for keeping your garage cool in summer, but you may need to add some insulation to keep your garage warmer in winter.
Garage Door Spring Repair
The last thing to mention: we recommend constantly carrying out garage door broken spring repairs on your Austin home. Whether you choose steel or aluminum can impact the number of spring repairs you need.
Steel
Steel garage doors are generally more durable than other garage door materials. They can last between 20 and 30 years without any significant repair work. However, this does not mean that steel garage doors never need any repairs.
The springs may lose their elasticity, making them less effective at lifting the door. Garage door spring repair, Austin, is the best way to keep your door functioning correctly.
Aluminum
Aluminum is less likely to rust than steel, which means the metal won’t expand or contract over time. This makes it easier to maintain proper tension on the springs and rollers. It’s also lighter, meaning less stress on the springs.
However, you may eventually need garage door spring repair if you use your garage door daily.
Need a Garage Door Contractor or Garage Door Spring Replacement?
The professionals at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors have the knowledge and expertise to help you make the right decision for your home.
Get in touch to learn more about our garage door installation and improvement, and we’d be happy to learn more about you and your garage.
