Selecting the right commercial garage door is important for many businesses. With so many types of commercial garage doors available, including customization options, materials used can affect the door’s functionality, energy efficiency, and security features. Each door can have advantages based on usage and environmental factors. Examining the different types and materials they are made with, ensures it will meet the needs of your company.
As a business owner, you want to make sure your commercial garage door is made of materials that will withstand the wear and tear of daily use. At Overhead Doors of Puget Sound, we understand your concerns and are here to help. We specialize in commercial garage doors and can help you find the right material for your needs.
What Materials Are Commonly Used in Commercial Garage Doors?
When it comes to commercial garage doors, there are a variety of materials to choose from. Businesses can select the right material for their commercial garage door, from steel and aluminum to wood and fiberglass, based on various factors such as budget, climate, personal preference, and purpose.
At Overhead Doors of Puget Sound, our team is able to help business owners pick both the garage door type and material that best fits their needs. We have a wide range of options tailored for commercial applications and are knowledgeable in the nuances between each material type.
Commercial garage doors are made with durable and functional materials. Some options include:
- Steel: Known for their strength and resilience, steel doors are ideal for heavy-duty applications and can be insulated to save energy.
- Aluminum: Good for humid regions or when frequently used, aluminum doors are lightweight and rust-resistant.
- Fiberglass: Used for doors where the business needs natural light or a distinctive look, fiberglass is lightweight and resists corrosion.
- Vinyl: Low-maintenance, dent-resistant, and durable, vinyl doors perform well in high-traffic areas.
Wood: Used for restaurants, retail spaces, or historical buildings where appearance is as important as functionality.
Steel
When most people think of commercial garage doors, they typically picture the popular rolling steel doors associated with a mechanic’s shop or utilized in front of an urban storefront after hours.
Steel is often chosen for commercial garage doors because it is strong, durable, and highly resistant to the harshest elements and corrosion. It is also available in various gauges depending on the size of the door you require. Galvanized steel panels provide superior protection against denting, giving you peace of mind that your commercial rolling steel doors will last.
Steel also helps maintain temperature control in garages and is often required for places that need fire-rated doors, as they have been rigorously tested to be fire-resistant. If it sounds like steel doors might be the right fit for you, make sure to contact Overhead Doors of Puget Sound today.
Aluminum
As a business owner, one of the most important decisions in selecting a commercial garage door is choosing the right material. Aluminum is an increasingly popular choice, as aluminum doors offer the unique combination of being both lightweight and highly durable. This makes for swift installation and operation, which can be especially valuable for businesses that count on high-speed doors to remain efficient.
Furthermore, these doors are less likely to be affected by changes in weather or ambient environment, meaning fewer repairs down the line. You can even find fire-rated doors made from it! Aluminum is worth considering if you’re seeking a strong but lightweight option for your commercial garage door.
Wood garage doors are an elegant addition to commercial garages, offering a unique visual aesthetic that can add character to any business. However, wood doors require a bit more maintenance than other metal materials. Because wood is prone to warping and splintering, these garage doors must be regularly maintained with wood putty, sandpaper, and sealer.
Wood
Taking the time to carefully maintain wood doors will prevent moisture from seeping into the grain and causing extensive damage over time. Although wood doors require more maintenance than other materials, their beauty makes them worth the extra effort for any business looking for a new garage door with a timeless style.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors offer a great combination of fire resistance, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. As another option for a fire-rated door, fiberglass is becoming increasingly popular for businesses of all types and sizes.
Another major benefit of fiberglass commercial doors is that they require minimal maintenance to keep them in top condition, unlike some other materials that would need more frequent upkeep. And when it comes to keeping utility costs down, you can also count on fiberglass insulated garage doors since they are highly energy efficient and help keep conditioned air from escaping your building. So if you’re looking for fire protection and low maintenance with energy efficiency rolled in, look no further: fiberglass for your commercial doors.
How Does the Material Impact the Performance of Commercial Garage Doors?
Commercial garage door material options and construction affect their durability and reliability. Consider how they will be used when you select a commercial garage door. Steel doors are well insulated for energy efficiency, resistant to impact, and are ideal for heavy-duty use. Although they may dent more than steel, aluminum doors work well in humid or coastal environments since they don’t rust. Fiberglass doors are a good choice for settings that include exposure to chemicals because they are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Vinyl doors are best for high-traffic areas because they‘re low-maintenance. Wood doors have strong visual appeal.
What Are the Security Features of Different Materials?
Steel:
- Highly durable and resistant to forced entry.
- Offers strong protection for commercial properties and is often used for Industrial garage doors.
- Often fire-resistant
Aluminum:
- Lightweight and rust-resistant.
- Might need reinforcement for security in high-risk areas.
Fiberglass:
- Provides moderate security but is less impact-resistant than steel.
- Additional reinforcement may be needed in high-risk environments.
Vinyl:
- Dent-resistant and durable.
- May lack the strength of steel for maximum security.
Wood:
- Visually appealing but can be vulnerable to warping or damage.
- Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure security.
Adding advanced locking systems, reinforced panels, or smart technology can improve garage door security and provide additional protection.
How Do Environmental Conditions Affect Material Choice?
Aluminum or fiberglass are the best commercial garage door materials for coastal or humid conditions because they resist rust, and will likely need fewer repairs due to weather conditions.
Insulated steel doors offer greater energy efficiency for places with harsh weather. Wood garage doors need regular maintenance and don’t work well in damp or humid weather but are good choices for dry, moderate climates. Vinyl doors can withstand heavy traffic, but sometimes don’t do well in high heat. Select the material for your commercial garage door that ensures durability, and the best performance for the weather conditions in your area.
What Are the Cost Considerations for Different Materials?
The cost of commercial garage doors should take price, durability, and maintenance needs into consideration. Steel doors are cost-effective, due to their durability. High-end insulated steel models may increase the price. Aluminum doors are reasonably priced and lightweight. Fiberglass doors also have reasonable prices but might need replacement more often in high-impact locations. Vinyl doors are affordable and need minimal maintenance. Wood doors can be the most expensive option because of their upkeep. Customization can add to the cost. The overall cost of a commercial garage door should take into account installation costs.
What Impact Does Material Have on Energy Efficiency?
The energy efficiency of a garage door is usually determined by its material. The most energy-efficient choices are insulated steel doors because of their thermal resistance and ability to keep inside temperatures steady. Despite their low weight, aluminum doors don’t offer as much insulation as other materials unless they have insulated panels. Although they provide some insulation, fiberglass doors may not be ideal for extreme temperatures. When combined with thermal features, vinyl’s weather-resistant qualities provide good insulation. Wood doors, although aesthetically pleasing, may not offer the same energy efficiency as other materials, unless they include insulation layers. Selecting a material with good insulation and weather-sealing capabilities can lower energy expenses in areas with variable temperature changes.
How Do Aesthetics Influence the Choice of Material?
When choosing the best material for your commercial garage door, appearance can influence the customer’s perception of your business. Aluminum garage doors are a nice addition for showrooms or modern office buildings due to their sleek, contemporary design. Steel doors come in many finishes, look good, and wear well in industrial environments. Wood doors have an upscale look that restaurants and retail stores seek. Fiberglass doors have a professional appearance and are distinctive. The right commercial garage door could add to the property value of your business. The selection of commercial garage door materials can complement a business’s identity while improving its external appearance.
How Long Do Different Materials Last?
The lifespan of a commercial garage door is determined by its material, amount of use, and maintenance:
- Steel: With proper maintenance and corrosion prevention, steel doors can last 20 to 30 years.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminum doors usually last 20 to 25 years.
- Fiberglass: Although fiberglass doors have a reasonable lifespan of 15 to 20 years, high-impact regions may need more frequent replacements.
- Vinyl: Depending on environmental exposure, vinyl doors can last from 20 to 30 years and are low maintenance and dent-resistant.
- Wood: When maintained regularly to avoid decay and warping, wood doors can last 15 to 20 years.
What Installation Considerations Are There for Different Materials?
When selecting a business garage door, consider installation and material requirements. Aluminum doors, despite being lightweight, need to be protected against dents, whereas steel doors require strengthened tracks to support their weight. Fiberglass doors require adequate sealing to survive weather conditions, while wood doors need modifications for variations in humidity and temperature. Although vinyl doors are simple to install, installation may take longer if customization is desired. Have a professional install your door to guarantee it satisfies safety regulations.
Touch the Types of Commercial Garage Materials Yourself at Overhead Door Co. of Puget Sound
Commercial garage doors are a necessary part of any business, and there are a variety of materials to choose from. Steel is the most popular choice because it is strong and durable, but sectional doors and rolling service doors can be made from aluminum or wood, depending on your business needs.
Find the best commercial garage door for your business with the help of our skilled Overhead Door commercial garage door specialists. From a single door for a small business to massive warehouses with hundreds of doors, we handle projects of all sizes. We’re dedicated to providing top-quality installation. Our integrity at Overhead Door of Puget Sound has put us above the competition since 1959. Call us today to learn more about your choices for commercial garage doors.
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