What materials should I choose for my garage door?
Having reviewed the characteristics of the different
door types it is time to decide on the materials
that would suit you best. On this page we review
each material giving the pros and cons of each.
Steel Doors
Wood Doors
GRP Doors
ABS Doors
Steel Doors
An economical solution, Steel garage doors are
galvanized for protection against the elements and
come in a range of finishes:
Primed
Doors are supplied in gray primer for you to finish
in your choice of color. A small savings can be
made when purchasing a primed door but remember that
you will have to purchase paint and will probably
have to re-coat every few years. Only worth
considering if you are on a tight budget or want
your garage door in a special color shade.
Plastisol coating
A maintenance-free vinyl (Plastisol) protective
coating for the outside of the door (usually primer
finish on the inside of the door). Available in a
range of colors and smooth/textured finished
depending on the manufacturer. Plastisol coatings
generally have a 10-year guarantee with some
manufacturers using a special process (HP200) to
give 15-years.
Powder coating
A powder coating paint finish for the door.
Available in a range of colors and smooth. Some
manufacturers powder coated doors have a 10-year
guarantee. These doors can be re-painted should the
need arise in future.
Wood
Doors
The traditional beauty of natural wood gives a real
touch of class to your garage door. 'Up and over'
type doors are usually mounted on a steel chassis
for strength, whereas side hinge doors are normally
solid timber throughout. Woods used by the
manufacturers are solid Cedar and Marine Ply which
are usually environmentally sourced. You will of
course need to maintain your timber door through the
years as per manufacturers instructions.
Available pre-stained at the factory or unstained to
allow you to match other timber on your property.
Timber doors typically attract a premium over an
equivalent Plastisol coated steel door.
GRP Doors
Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) may be the ideal
answer if you would like a timber door but can't be
bothered with the maintenance and care that timber
needs. Strong and durable these maintenance-free
doors are available in smooth or timber effect in a
variety of shades and 'species'.
Normally having a 10-year guarantee, GRP doors
typically attract a premium over an equivalent
Plastisol coated steel door.
ABS Doors
State-of-the-art impact resistant doors are built
using modern, lightweight, yet highly durable
materials. Characterized by deep crisp panel
detailing and medium gloss, maintenance-free, UV
stable, white finish they are an ideal match if you
have UPVC windows and doors. ABS doors generally
carry a 10-year manufacturer's guarantee and attract
a premium over an equivalent Plastisol coated
steel door. |
