Given its improved lifespan and versatility, steel doors have seen a massive favor over other materials in the recent past.
Unlike other materials, steel doors can easily be made in various designs and finishes to meet the preferences of different homeowners.
When properly insulated and reinforced, steel doors can offer resistance to elements and proof against noise.
Unfortunately, this option is not very familiar among a good number of homeowners.
In this light, this article is dedicated to bringing to your attention the different steel garage doors for your consideration.
Single-Layer Door
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Being of just one layer of steel, this garage door comes with the highest gauge of steel to make up for the thinness provided by the single layer. For people working on a budget, this would be their preferred choice since it is the most cost-conscious. Given their lightweight, they are easiest to install and do not require special hardware to carry them. This aspect adds to its reduced initial cost. It is also possible to have it various designs and finishes of your choosing. The lack of special carriage hardware and lightweight makes it the easiest steel door to maintain. On the other side, the door offers little to no insulation, thereby making it noisy and vulnerable to the elements.
Carriage House Door
Since steel doors are an emerging trend, this door type allows homeowners some rustic charm blended with some bits of contemporary touches. Coming in single, double, or triple layers, this door can be finished in different styles to meet the needs of the homeowners. In most instances, they are finished in styles that mimic classic barn and stable doors.
Double-Layer Door
This door encompasses a layer of steel reinforced with another layer of insulation for enhanced protection from elements and noise. For this reason, it is more expensive than a single layer. The extra insulation layer makes it studier and this goes on to increase its ability to withstand the harsh elements. Resistance against elements introduces an aspect of energy efficiency, which in turn helps in cost consciousness in the long run. The resistance is not limited to elements alone; it also provides a barrier against noise. The main limitation of this door type is that it is heavier than a single-layer door, thereby calling for stronger carriage hardware.
Triple-Layer Door
This garage door offers a balance between sturdiness and insulation. It comes with double steel layers with another insulation layer encompassed between them. To avoid making it so heavy, the two outer steel layers are usually thinner than that of a single-layer door. Compared to single- and double-layer door types, this one performs better against elements thereby offering more energy effectiveness. It is also a little more expensive compared to the single and double-layered door types. You should be prepared to invest a little more with this door type since the extra weight brought about by the enhanced insulation makes it heavier, calling for a stronger carriage system.
Insulated Door
Given the hint from its name, this door type is designed purposely for maximum insulation. Depending on the insulation needs, they come in either double or triple layers, thereby making them a little sturdier and heavier. This means you must install a stronger support system for carriage. The enhanced insulation makes it ideal for soundproofing and resistance against elements thus providing an aspect of energy efficiency. For these reasons, the door costs a little more than non-insulated options.
Contemporary Steel Door
Encompassing the most updated designs and finishes, this door type comes with various contemporary features such as windows and glass panels. Windows and glass panels are used to invite maximum natural light, thereby cutting down on energy costs. Clean lines and smooth flat surfaces also characterize them. These ones make them easier to spruce and clean. They also offer enhanced insulation making them soundproof and protection from elements. All these combined make the door relatively heavier, calling for stronger carriage systems.
Paying close attention to customization, durability, taste and preferences, environmental concerns, nose reduction, cost considerations and available carriage systems, you can easily choose a steel door that meets your needs. However, whichever option you settle on, ensure the right experts install it for you. This is the only way to reap the maximum benefits such as an extended lifespan and avoid unforeseen problems going into the future. However, a DIY installation is also feasible if you are good with tools or are experienced in this work scope.
