There are many different types of garage doors on the market today, made from different materials. These include wood, steel, and aluminium. With so many options it can be difficult to decide what garage door is right for you. 

Aluminium garage doors have become quite popular and are widely considered to be one of the best materials for garage doors. Of course, no one wants to blindly follow trends without weighing their options. That is why we have put together this article to take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of aluminium garage doors. To help you make an informed decision about what garage door is best for you.

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Advantages of aluminium garage doors

Lightweight

One of the biggest advantages of aluminium garage doors is that they are lightweight. This has many benefits. Being lightweight makes installation easier, as you don’t have to struggle with heavy components. Less weight on your garage door components, like springs and wires, means they operate under less strain which means they last longer. The lightness of aluminium also means the drums are smaller taking up less space in your garage compared to steel doors. Additionally, you can buy a smaller garage door motor, which is often more affordable than their bigger counterparts.

Rust-resistant

Aluminium garage doors are resistant to rust and corrosion. Steel requires inclusions to provide rust protection, but aluminium naturally forms a thin invisible oxide film on its surface when exposed to the atmosphere. This oxide film prevents any further oxidation of the metal and makes it highly resistant to corrosion. Meaning that aluminium has high weather resistance and lasts long.

Recyclable

As aluminium garage doors are made from such a lightweight metal they are easily recyclable. This means that you don’t have to worry about adverse environmental effects. As the materials in your garage door can be recycled and reused, giving you peace of mind that you made the ethical choice.

Customisable

Aluminium garage doors also offer a variety of customising options. With different designs available to purchase. Alternatively, as aluminium is softer than steel it can easily be embossed, giving you a wealth of design options. With so many design options easily accessible you can be sure that your garage door reflects your style while being truly one of a kind.

Affordable

Another advantage of an aluminium garage door is its affordability. As aluminium is not a very expensive material, garage doors made from it tend to be cheaper than other doors on the market. This combined with the smaller motors you can use due to the material’s lightweight properties means that these garage doors are quite affordable. This is another reason for their popularity.

Low maintenance

There is relatively little maintenance required on an aluminium garage door. Generally speaking, all they need is standard cleaning, done with lukewarm soapy water and soft-bristled brushes or sponges to remove dirt and grime. It is important to note that you should never use steel wool, coarse scrub pads, or abrasive cleaners on aluminium garage doors. This is because they can scratch or discolour the surface. These low maintenance needs make aluminium garage doors a breeze to look after.

Insulation

While aluminium is not a very good insulator, this property is offset by the design of most modern metal garage doors. The doors are designed with double-skinned slats allowing the space between to be filled with insulation foam. This improves insulation allowing the doors to keep the heat in and the cold out. This design also provides better sound insulation than most other garage doors.

Disadvantages of aluminium garaged doors

Soft metal

The biggest disadvantage of an aluminium garage door is that aluminium is a soft metal. This means that the doors are easily dented or warped by impacts. These dents are difficult to fix, and will usually require a professional to do so. Therefore, you are left with the option of spending a good amount of money on repairs or living with a dented garage door for years.

Heat sensitive

Aluminium garage doors are also sensitive to heat, as they become softer with heat. While it generally won’t get hot enough to be noticeable, prolonged exposure to heat or harsh summers can decrease the durability of aluminium. Meaning your aluminium garage doors won’t last as long and could be prone to cracking or warping if you live in an area that experiences extreme summers.

These are just some of the advantages and disadvantages of metal garage doors. If you are still undecided on the right garage door for you or you would like to discuss your garage door needs with a professional.

Then don’t hesitate to contact Lockfront Automation they will happily provide expert advice and assistance. They also have a range of garage doors available and even offer professional installations if you think they are the right doors for you.