Choosing a garage door is a big investment – and we hear often how it’s hard to choose between a steel door, and one that is wood. What are the benefits of each, and how can you decide which option is a better fit for you?

Steel doors are a popular choice since they are strong, secure, and a great value. Because they are more easily manufactured, they tend to be a less expensive option. They come in a wide range of styles and colors, so it’s usually easy to find a steel option that fits your home’s design and your budget. The painted finish on a steel door tends to be very durable – some manufacturers even offer warranties on the paint!

Wooden doors have been popular for as long as garage doors have been around – and wood offers homeowners the most in terms of personalization and decorative options. Because wooden doors are custom manufactured for the most part, they tend to be pricier than steel alternatives, but they can be matched to your home’s wooden front door and trim, which is appealing to many homeowners.

So both options are great… but what are the downsides?

If your garage door gets a lot of use (or if you have children), steel doors can be susceptible to dents and scuffs. Most of these kinds of dings can be repaired, and regular cleaning can keep scuffs, rust spots, and other issues under control.

Wood doors require more maintenance, as a stained and sealed finish is going to need to be touched up from time to time. Also, wood being what it is, wooden garage doors do expand and contract with changes in temperature, so make sure you have a garage door professional helping you with choosing and installing the door, as well as performing regular maintenance and check-ups.

There really is no “wrong choice” when it comes to selecting the material for your garage door – both options have their benefits and downsides, but in the end you will have a door that’s designed to look how you want it to look, and to function how you need it to function. It’s all in the aesthetics – if you really want a wooden garage door to fit with the design and other finishes of your home, go for it! Just be prepared to keep an eye on the finish, and give it some care every so often. If you like the affordability and color options that steel doors can offer, go that route! Just make sure that the door you end up with fits in with your home’s exterior, and you will be happy for years to come.

Sometimes, your garage door is not functioning the way it should. For simple problems, you could almost certainly do some of the fixing yourself. Here are some common garage door problems you can repair yourself:

Your garage door goes up and down by itself. No, it’s not the bogeyman. The explanation is actually simple – there must be someone in your neighborhood that uses a security or access code similar to the one you are using. This can cause interference with your radio receiver. Radios in police cars and airplanes also have the same effect. How do you make sure this does not happen again? Simply change your code.

The process for changing a security or access code differs from one garage door opener to another. As a general rule, you just need to hold the transmitter close to the opener’s box and push a certain transmitter button for thirty seconds (consult your manufacturer’s manual to find out what button to hold down). Most openers that are new models are equipped with a rolling code that changes automatically once the transmitter is used.

Your garage door goes halfway down and back up when you try to close it. In this case, you might y be using a garage door that has a safety sensor system that detects if there is any obstruction to the door coming down and tells the machine to pull the door back up. Your door automatically opens up again when it senses any obstruction – a bucket or broom, maybe. Just remove the obstruction and your door should again work perfectly.

This problem may also happen if your sensor’s lenses are dirty, dusty or has a condensation built up (sometimes spider’s web). The system will think that something is in the way, causing the door not to close. Keep the lenses clean.

Nothing happens when you press the transmitter. If you suspect that your transmitter is not working, you may want to change the battery or look for the power source to see if it is working. If this does not fix it, your transmitter might be damaged and needs to be replaced. Call the service company.

If you’re shopping for garage doors, you quickly realize that you have some choices about what styles and materials to choose from. A lot depends on your preferences and what would work best for your home, but one type worth considering is steel. Though the mention of steel tends to make people automatically think of cold and rather blasé, the fact is that manufacturers offer some stylish options when it comes to doors made of this material.

Different Types

Steel garage doors don’t all look alike, nor are they all made alike. A few decades ago there wasn’t much choice when it came to this type, but today you can get one that looks like wood but has the strength of steel, or that looks like metal but has an intricate and decorative design. Some, if the homeowner prefers, can even have windows! The quality ones are made from high-grade steel, and are extremely weather resistant, and they can come in any customized color. The paint used is also strong and weather-resistant. The steel kind can be manual or they can be mechanized, usually working on rollers.

Choosing for Your Home

You have a lot of choices when it comes to steel garage doors, so if you’re interested in one, you shouldn’t feel limited. You want something that will complement the overall decor of your home, especially if it faces the street for everyone to see. Try to get some catalogs to look through at home, and look online at your various options. Find a reputable dealer who offers several options, and bring along a clear photograph of your home to refer to when consulting and choosing.

Installation and Maintenance

Unless you’re an expert when it comes to installing garage doors, it’s probably best to have your steel unit installed by a professional. The dealer from whom you buy your door will probably either offer installation, or will have some recommendations. Don’t be afraid to shop around; there are contractors who can do the job, and you want to find the best price. No matter how you go, be sure that you get a warranty for the product and a guarantee on the installation work. Once you door is installed, follow all manufacturer recommendations for maintenance. Following maintenance guidelines can prevent having to pay for major repairs in the future.

Steel garage doors can last a long time as long as you care for them properly, and with all the choices when it comes to how they look, you should be able to find just the right one for your home.