“If you live in a coastal area, fiberglass doors are corrosion resistent and
a good for your beach house garage.”
A fiberglass garage door is made of fiberglass sections with aluminum frames, making this form of overhead garage door lightweight. Like all garage door materials, fiberglass has its pros and cons.
Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass when making your garage door replacement decision.
Advantages of a Fiberglass Garage Door
Fiberglass doors are certainly not at the top of the popularity list, but they do have a number of advantages over other materials. Although I grew up with a fiberglass door, modern models are much different than the days of brittle, yellowing garage doors.
- Fiberglass doors are lightweight, making them easier on torsion wheels, garage door openers and other garage door parts. A lighter garage door also makes manual operation easier, just in case your garage opener stops working or your lift spring breaks.
- Fiberglass doors can be less expensive that other options.
- Fiberglass tends to perform better in harsh environments, especially in sea air. If you live in a coastal area, the non-corrosive nature of a fiberglass garage door can lead to longer life (for the door, that is).
- A fiberglass door will not shrink or expand with changes in temperature and moisture.
- If you plan to use your garage as a study, workout room, hobby shop or for any other social purpose, fiberglass is translucent and typically allows more light into the garage space. This would not be the case if you painted your garage door with a dark paint, however.
- Fiberglass doors are available in many styles, colors and wood-like finishes.
Disadvantages of a Fiberglass Garage Door
- Fiberglass is not a good insulator.
- Fiberglass tends to yellow with age.
- In extremely cold conditions, fiberglass can become brittle over time.
Other Garage Door Options
Other options include a steel garage door with nearly endless styles, durability and high “R” values in insulated models, wooden garage doors with their beauty and character, or even aluminum garage doors. Although every garage door has its own advantages and disadvantages, it is wise to consider cafefully before choosing a model for your home.
You also have style to consider, including the limitations of every garage door material. A high-end, custom carriage house garage door will often be made of wood, although many manufacturers are getting pretty crafty with their use of other materials. Do your homework before choosing your next overhead garage door.
Conclusion
If you need a garage door replacement for your coastal home or you live in a warmer climate, like Arizona, Southern California, etc., a fiberglass door is worth the look. Their lightweight, corrosion resistent properties are perfect for some environments.
For those living in areas subject to extreme swings in temperature or harsh, cold winters, you may want to consider another material. Don’t sacrifice the comfort and energy efficiency of insulated garage doors, for example, just to save a buck or a few pounds. Make the right choice the first time and reap the rewards of your good decision in the long run.
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