Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass garage doors have become increasingly popular in recent years since they offer a variety of architectural styles. They capture the beauty and detail of natural wood and offer a range of benefits that make them a practical and attractive choice for homeowners.
In this article, we will explore what fiberglass garage doors are, their cost, benefits, and things to consider when choosing a fiberglass garage door.
What Are Fiberglass Garage Doors?
Fiberglass is a type of reinforced plastic material that is made by weaving together thin strands of glass fibers and then coating them with a resin. It is strong, lightweight, and durable and is valued for its strength-to-weight ratio, which is higher than that of many other materials.
Fiberglass garage doors are made of these reinforced plastic fibers that are coated with resin to make them stronger and more durable. They are lightweight and come in different styles and designs, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s curb appeal.
Types of Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass garage doors are incredibly versatile, affordable, and energy-efficient. There are several types of fiberglass garage doors available on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of fiberglass garage doors:
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Solid Fiberglass Doors
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These garage doors are made entirely of fiberglass and are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. They are available in a variety of colors and finishes and can be customized to fit the style of your home. |
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Fiberglass-Composite Doors
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These doors are made with a combination of fiberglass and other materials like wood or steel. They offer the strength and durability of fiberglass but with the look and feel of wood or steel. Fiberglass-composite doors can be found in homes that require a traditional or rustic look. |
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Insulated Fiberglass Doors |
These doors are designed to provide added insulation to your garage which helps to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They are suitable for homes that have living spaces above or next to the garage. |
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Fiberglass-Clad Doors
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These doors have a fiberglass exterior with a steel or wood interior. They are known for their durability, insulation, and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Fiberglass-clad doors are a popular choice for homes located in areas with extreme weather conditions. |
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Full-View Fiberglass Doors |
These doors come with large windows that allow natural light into your garage. They are best for homeowners who use their garage as a workspace or for storage. |
Things to Consider When Choosing Fiberglass Garage Doors
- Price
Fiberglass garage doors can be more expensive than other materials like steel or aluminum. It is important to consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a garage door before making a decision.
- Climate
Fiberglass garage doors are resistant to extreme weather conditions. This makes them an ideal choice for areas with harsh weather conditions.
ProTip Takeaway: They may not be the best option for areas with high humidity levels as they can absorb moisture, which can lead to warping or cracking.
- Maintenance
Fiberglass garage doors require minimal maintenance compared to other materials. However, it is still necessary to keep them clean and free of debris to ensure they last long.
- Style and Design
Fiberglass garage doors come in a number of styles and designs. This allows homeowners to choose a door that complements their home’s overall aesthetic appeal.
It is important to consider the style and design of your garage door before making a purchase to ensure that it enhances your home’s curb appeal.
Pros of Fiberglass Garage Doors
There are many benefits of installing fiberglass garage doors. These include:
- Durability
One of the main benefits of fiberglass garage doors is their durability. They are resistant to dents, scratches, and cracks, making them ideal for areas prone to extreme weather conditions.
They also require minimal maintenance compared to other garage door materials like wood which means they will save you money on repairs.
ProTip Takeaway: Durability means there will be security, too. It can resist damage and even help keep potential intruders from entering.
- Energy Efficiency
Fiberglass garage doors are excellent insulators, which means they can help keep your garage warm during cold months and cool during hot months. This feature can help you help improve energy efficiency and save on energy costs in the long run.
Typical single-layer fiberglass doors are poor insulators when compared to other materials but are also the easiest to insulate. More advanced models such as the double and triple-layer models have added insulation layers between fiberglass layers. This makes them more energy-efficient than a single-layer garage door.
The benefits of insulating your fiberglass garage door include:
- Better energy-efficiency
- Much quieter door operation
- Improved door strength and handling
- Maintained moderate temperatures
- Improved curb appeal
- Improved durability
ProTip Takeaway: Potential buyers are looking for look for insulated spaces where they can reduce their annual energy costs, get the most out of garage usability, and improve the overall curb appeal. An insulated fiberglass garage door will ensure they enjoy all that.
- Aesthetic Appeal
Fiberglass garage doors come in different styles, colors, and designs. They can mimic the look of wood or other materials, in return, providing homeowners with more options to choose from. They also offer a sleek and modern look that can enhance your home’s overall aesthetic appeal.
- Lightweight
Fiberglass garage doors are lightweight, making them easy to install and operate. They also put less strain on your garage door opener, which means there will be fewer repairs and replacements in the long run.
- Rust Resistant
Fiberglass doors are entirely rust-proof, unlike steel which is prone to rusting after long periods of rain. This means it won’t rust when exposed to chemicals or harsh weather making it the best material for garage doors in coastal areas.
Cons of Fiberglass Garage Doors
While fiberglass garage doors offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making a purchase. Here are some of the potential drawbacks of fiberglass garage doors.
- Cost
Fiberglass garage doors can be more expensive than other materials like steel or aluminum, which may not be possible for homeowners on a tight budget.
- Cracks easily
Even though fiberglass is known for its durability, it can be vulnerable to cracking when exposed to extreme temperatures or if it is hit with a hard object.
- Yellows with age
Fiberglass can also yellow with age when exposed to sunlight for a long time. This is not as big of a problem because it has been improved with newer formulations. However, it yellowing may still occur in harsher environments.
ProTip Takeaway: New paint can be added to the garage door after it yellows but this will only be a temporary fix.
- Limited color options
Fiberglass garage doors come in a variety of colors and finishes but the color options may be more limited than other materials like steel or aluminum. This can be a concern for homeowners who are looking for a specific color to match the exterior of their homes.
- Not as sturdy as other materials
Fiberglass is a strong material but it may not be as sturdy as other materials like steel or wood. If a fiberglass garage door is damaged in any way it has to be replaced because there is no way to repair it.
- Not easily customizable
Fiberglass garage doors may not be as customizable as other materials like wood.
Cost of Fiberglass Doors
The cost of fiberglass garage doors can vary depending on the size, style, and features of the door. On average, fiberglass garage doors can range anywhere from $200 to $1,500 with higher-quality doors running $3,000 or more. A standard 36 in. x 80 in. fiberglass front door costs $700 – $4,000. A replacement door can cost you from $700 to upwards of $4,000.
Additional costs can include installation fees, removal and disposal of the old garage door, and any additional hardware or accessories needed for installation.
Final thoughts
Fiberglass garage doors may be more expensive than other materials like steel or aluminum. However, they offer several benefits such as durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
Homeowners who are considering a fiberglass garage door should weigh the cost against the long-term benefits to determine if it is the best option for their home and budget. Additionally, it is important to shop around and get quotes from multiple garage door companies to ensure that you are getting the best price possible.
Are You Ready To Get Your Garage Remodeled?
Fiberglass garage doors are common today because they are stronger, less prone to freezing and cracking, and come in different styles and options. With fiberglass being so lightweight it is easier to install than other materials. If you are considering installing this type of door in your Texas home, you should consider all of the pros and cons before making a decision.
Talk to Smart Remodeling LLC to find out more about the available fiberglass options and whether fiberglass is right for your needs.
