Choosing the right building material for your garage door can have a huge impact on everything from how long the door will last to how much money you can expect to spend on maintenance over the years. In most cases, individuals will find that steel garage doors offer an ideal mix of benefits. However, this does not mean that steel garage doors are right for every homeowner or every home. That is why it is important to carefully weigh both the pros and the cons when deciding if this is the right type of garage door for you.

The Pros

• Affordable — While steel garage doors are available in both low-end and high-end models, you will find that these doors are almost always the most affordable option when compared to other garage doors of similar quality.
• Easy To Maintain — Steel garage doors do not require a lot of ongoing maintenance in order to stay looking great. In fact, a simple washing every once and a while should be all it takes to keep your new garage door looking new for as long as possible. 
• Durable — Steel garage doors are able to withstand extreme temperatures, exposure to moisture, and strong winds without being damaged. This strength allows these doors to really stand up to the test of time with an average lifespan that rivals any other type of garage door on the market. 

The Cons

• Not Naturally Insulated — In its most basic form, steel is not a very good insulator. Consequently, steel garage doors can lead to energy loss when used on an attached garage. The good news is that you can choose to purchase a steel garage door that has additional insulation in order to combat this shortcoming. 
• Vulnerable To Rust — Traditionally speaking, the thinner your steel garage door is, the more vulnerable it will be to rusting. Thankfully this is yet another issue that can be overcome. Choosing a garage door that has a rust-resistant coating will help to minimize the risk of your new door rusting over time. 

The Bottom Line

Steel garage doors offer a great combination of durability and affordability. However, like all building materials, there are some vulnerabilities associated with steel garage doors. The good news is that these vulnerabilities can often be easily addressed through features such as added insulation and rust-resistant coatings. While these features may come at an additional cost, avoiding any problems with your new garage door will be well worth the investment. 

Reach out to a garage door contractor like Shank Door to learn more.