Once the new garage door installation process is completed, all that's left for you to do is to simply relax and enjoy your beautiful new door. But before this moment comes, you have to make a number of important decisions. One of them is what material your new overhead door will be made of. In addition to the classic wood and the functional steel, there is fiberglass. Most homeowners are not familiar with the properties and benefits of this material simply because it is relatively new.
A Material worth Your Attention
Fiberglass is a type of plastic reinforced with glass fibers. Traditionally, it has been used for making storage tanks and safety equipment. In recent years, it is becoming more and more widely used for the making of doors for buildings and garages.
The Main Advantages
This material is quite strong, but its weather resistance and durability are its primary advantages. Moisture cannot damage it in any way. That means you won't have to worry about rainwater or condensation causing the door panels to warp. Fiberglass is not affected by extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations. It does not expand, contract and crack as a result. That makes fiberglass doors a recommended choice for coastal areas. This material is also fairly resistant to scratching which is caused by the sand particles carried by the wind.
Various Insulation Options Available
Fiberglass overhead doors actually have a steel frame. Only the panels are made from this material. Just like with regular steel doors, there are three main variations available. You can go for a model with a single fiberglass layer, a model which has an added layer of insulating material or one which has two layers of the main material with insulation in between them. There are two insulation material options - polyurethane foam and polystyrene panels. The first type of material has greater thermal resistance and durability.
Beauty isn't Neglected
Even though they are not as sophisticated as their wooden counterparts, the single panel and sectional doors made from this fiberglass have an appealing glossy surface. Manufacturers have started using techniques for mimicking the surface of real wood with faux-wood fiberglass and the results are quite impressive. Although they look like wood, the panels do not require any kind of special maintenance apart from regular cleaning.
Contact our experts at Garage Door Repair River Forest to find a beautiful and functional fiberglass garage door.