4 Reasons To Choose Fiberglass Over Wood For Your Garage Door
One of the main things you're going to have to think about when choosing a garage door is what type of material to use. Your final decision can make a big difference to everything from maintenance to security, so it makes sense to give this plenty of thought. For many homeowners, the final decision comes down to wood vs. fibreglass.
While both options have their own benefits and drawbacks, here are just four reasons you should choose fibreglass instead of wood for your new garage doors.
1. Lower Cost
Probably the most compelling reason to choose a fibreglass garage door is the lower costs. This is one of the most affordable garage door materials available, whereas wood tends to be one of the most expensive. You can save a significant amount by choosing fibreglass instead of wood, and you can then either spend that money on something else or simply not spend it at all.
2. Lower Weight
The weight of your garage door is going to be important whether you go for a manual or an automatic system. With a manual system, added weight means you'll have to put more effort into opening and closing the door. With an automatic system, you'll need to worry about the tension placed on the motor. In both cases, the added weight can impact other lifting parts. Fibreglass garage doors are generally much lighter than those made from wood, so they're easier to open and less likely to cause wear over time.
3. Less Maintenance
One of the main problems with wood is that it isn't always great at standing up to the elements. Wood will expand and contract based on the amount of moisture in the air, and it will need to be sealed to help avoid rot setting in. It can even warp under strong temperatures, which can mean needing to replace it completely. Fibreglass doesn't present those issues since it is resistant to moisture and won't expand or contract with changing temperatures. That means it offers exceptional durability with minimal maintenance required.
4. Brings In Natural Light
One thing that often surprises people is that even substantial fibreglass doors can be semi-transparent. They still provide privacy, but they can also bring natural light into your garage. This means you'll save on artificial lighting costs whenever you're inside, and the fact that some natural light can get in means that mould and mildew will be less likely to develop. Since wood is entirely opaque, it doesn't offer those benefits.