Author: Jeffrey Sanford

Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 21, 2025. Posted in Garage Door Tips. No Comments on Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?

Springs are one of the most important metal components in garage door systems. Despite their importance, these parts sometimes break, preventing you from using your garage door opener to operate the doors. You could even struggle to open the door manually, which isn’t advisable under such conditions.

So, why do garage door springs break? Our experts at Garage Door Doctor explain everything you should know about why springs fail and what you can do to minimize the risk.

Types of Garage Springs

Before learning why garage door springs sometimes break, you should know the two primary types. Extension springs are systems that installers mount on either side of the garage door track. As the door opens and closes, a system of cables and pulleys expands and contracts the components.

The torsion variety consists of tightly wound springs on a steel shaft that sit horizontally above the garage door opening. Cable drums on both ends of the shaft help operate the system.

Common Causes of Broken Garage Door Springs

Why do garage door springs break? These are the most common reasons.

High Tension on Springs

Too much tension on a spring can cause them to snap. Excessive stress leads to weakness, even though these tempered steel components can bear a lot of weight.

Wear and Tear

The design and production of these metal parts allow them to work for a certain number of cycles. As they approach the end of their lifespan, their performance will suffer. Cracks or breaks within the coils are clear indicators of impending failure.

Extreme Weather Conditions

High humidity levels promote rust and corrosion in metal. A spring is no exception. A rusty spring is more likely to snap than one without corrosion issues.

These parts are also susceptible to premature breakage due to temperature fluctuation that causes them to expand and contract too often. Cracks can form under these conditions.

Improper Installation

If somebody installs or adjusts a spring incorrectly, it can compromise its performance and safety. Uneven weight distribution and misalignment on the door could occur before total failure.

Helpful Article: How To Know When Your Garage Door Springs Need To Be Repaired 🔗

What Happens to Garage Door Systems With Faulty Springs?

A damaged spring means you have a broken garage door. You can’t open and close it manually because it is too heavy. The likelihood of an open door crashing down and causing a severe injury is too high with broken extension or torsion springs.

Warning signs of a broken spring include:

A crooked or unbalanced door
Unusual sounds, like a loud bang, from the garage
Loose cables
Visually broken garage door spring
Jerking motions during operations
Slow operation

How To Avoid Broken Springs

Now that you know the answer to ” Why do garage door springs break?” it’s important to learn how to care for these components to ensure door functionality and avoid serious injury.

Here is what you need to do:

Get Professional Inspections

Like other systems in your home, your garage door needs annual inspections from a trained professional. A local garage door company, like Garage Door Doctor, has the necessary tools and experience to assess door any spring for signs of damage or faulty installation.

Provide Regular Maintenance

Garage door springs will eventually break, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to maintain them. Proper maintenance will extend the components’ lifespan and prevent operational challenges with the garage door.

Check the tension of each spring regularly. If something seems off, contact a technician to adjust it. To prevent sudden breakage, you should also apply a silicone-based lubricant, such as white lithium grease, several times a year.

At least once a season, you should assess the door’s balance. To do so, pull the emergency release cord to switch the garage door system to manual mode.

Lift the door halfway, and then carefully let it go. If the door sags instead of remaining completely still, your garage door springs may need replacement or adjustment.

Contact Our Local Overhead Door Company for More Help With Your Garage Door Springs

Why do garage door springs break? Spring breakage occurs for many reasons, including extreme temperature changes, excessive spring tension, and normal wear and tear. When it happens to you, turn to our experts at Garage Door Doctor for spring replacement.

As one of Indianapolis’s top garage door service providers, our technicians can expertly repair and install new springs and ensure their functionality. Your safety is our top priority. We have the proper training to address any issue within your system, including door springs and garage door motors.

Avoid further damage to your garage door. Call Garage Door Doctor today at 317-342-4995.

What Is the Lifespan of a Garage Door Spring?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 21, 2025. Posted in Garage Door Maintenance. No Comments on What Is the Lifespan of a Garage Door Spring?

Your garage door can’t properly lift or lower without a sturdy spring system. Regular maintenance promotes a smoother operation, but the springs will still experience natural wear and tear before they break. This begs the question: What is the lifespan of a garage door spring?

Our experts reveal everything you need to know about the life expectancy of this equipment, the factors that cause it to break, and much more in this helpful guide.

Understanding Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs: Their Purpose and Lifespan

Every time your garage door opener motor opens, lifts, and then lowers the mechanism, it counts as one cycle. Technically speaking, most garage door springs have a life expectancy of about 10,000 cycles. However, you may not have to replace the equipment once you reach this milestone, depending on the type of springs your system uses.

Having the right springs for your type of door makes a huge difference in their overall life expectancy. So, what is the lifespan of a garage door spring? Let’s explore the two common types below:

Extension springs sit along the sides of the door and have an average cycle life between 7,000 and 10,000 cycles. They most often appear in single-car garages.
Torsion springs appear horizontally above the door and can last anywhere between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles or an average of seven to 12 years. These high-cycle springs work best if you have a heavy door, like one for a two-car garage.

What Causes a Broken Garage Door Spring?

It doesn’t matter if your garage door features extension or torsion springs. Both options will only last for so long, though the following factors may exacerbate a spring’s natural wear:

Frequent use: A homeowner who operates their door multiple times a day will have to replace the springs sooner than a homeowner who rarely uses their garage door.
Weather conditions: High heat and humidity promote rust, corrosion, and reduced elasticity on springs. Cold weather also impacts the metal and may make torsion or extension springs brittle.
Lack of maintenance: Your door will struggle with heavy lifting if you don’t perform prompt spring repair and maintenance.

Continue Reading: Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?

Signs You Need a Garage Door Spring Replacement

Along with, “What is the lifespan of a garage door spring?” many homeowners wonder, “When should I replace garage door springs?” The timeline for replacing springs ultimately depends on the kind your door uses and your maintenance efforts.

Experts agree that you should replace the door’s springs when you experience the following issues:

Loud creaking or snapping noises: Your garage door shouldn’t make unusual sounds during operation. These noises often indicate a spring breaking.
The door quickly slams shut: The springs likely can’t support the door’s weight anymore.
The door appears crooked: Your high-tension extension springs could be wearing the point of replacement.
Lifting the garage door becomes difficult: Once garage door springs break or weaken, it’s extremely tough to lift the door overhead.

Don’t hesitate to contact garage door repair contractors at the first sign of trouble. They’ll inspect the system and replace the faulty equipment for peace of mind.

Helpful Article: 5 Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring 🔗

Follow These Tips for Addressing a Broken Garage Door Spring

Act fast as soon as you notice the signs of a spring breaking. To avoid further damage, avoid operating the system until experts can perform garage door spring repair or replacement. Even if you have the proper tools, never attempt DIY repairs, as this comes with a risk of injury and extensive damage to the garage door.

Experts have the proper training to tackle a wide range of garage door issues. They’ll make sure new springs are properly installed and provide maintenance tips for a longer lifespan.

Once you have new springs mounted near the garage door, make a plan to preserve them. Lubricate them every three to six months and periodically check for door alignment issues. It’s also wise to book professional inspections once a year to rule out major issues.

When Garage Door Springs Break, Call Garage Door Doctor

After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “What is the lifespan of a garage door spring?” If your garage door system suddenly malfunctions due to a broken spring, damaged safety cables, or other issues, our team is ready to step in and perform repairs.

Garage Door Doctor is your go-to source for garage door repair in Bloomington, Indiana and the surrounding areas. Turn to us for proper maintenance solutions to prevent wear and tear. Call (317) 342-4995 to request a service today!

Can a Cracked Garage Door Be Repaired?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 20, 2025. Posted in Garage Door Openers. No Comments on Can a Cracked Garage Door Be Repaired?

Damaged garage door panels are not only an eyesore. They can also compromise the entire system’s integrity, which puts your property’s security at risk. If you’re not ready to get another one installed to address the issue, you might ask, “Can a cracked garage door be repaired?”

At Garage Door Doctor, we understand the importance of repairing and replacing garage doors when necessary. Here, we explain when fixing the whole thing is best and when to get individual panel replacement or repair services.

How Garage Door Panels Crack

Although garage doors are durable enough to hold a lot of weight, they’re not invulnerable to damage. You may need garage door repair to address cracks, dings, and bent garage door panels due to the following problems:

Direct impacts from vehicles, people, or tools
Extreme weather conditions, such as hail
Defective springs or worn tracks

Assessing Damaged Panels

Can a cracked garage door be repaired? First, you must determine the extent of the damage. This information can help you decide whether to replace the whole structure, replace moving parts, or repair damaged panels.

Start by visually inspecting the damage. Do the garage door panels have chipped paint and a few scratches, but are they generally in good condition? You could avoid replacing the panel using basic tools or supplies like epoxy filler, medium-grit sandpaper, and fresh paint.

Deeper cracks or problems with hardware that affect the whole door, such as a faulty garage door opener or broken spring, usually require help from professional garage door technicians. Trying to repair or replace damaged panels under serious conditions can create safety issues, so seeking expert guidance is ideal.

What’s Best: Getting a Garage Door Panel Replacement or Replacing the Entire Garage Door?

Even if the damage to garage door panels seems superficial, replacement may be better than repairs. All doors are different, and appropriately addressing damage depends on several factors, such as:

Door material
Insulation
The location and severity of the cracks
The overall visual appeal of the door

It is best to call a garage door technician to assess the damage. They have the expertise to determine whether the door needs a total replacement, a panel replacement, or repairs for minor cracks.

Repair Options for Different Situations

Since the answer to the question “Can a cracked garage door be repaired?” is maybe, consider these tips and options for dealing with broken garage door panels.

Use Wood Fillers and Adhesives for Minor Damage

Wood garage doors with small cracks are the easiest to repair. You can fill the hole with wood filler or epoxy and sand everything down to create a smooth surface. Then, you can repaint the door, and the panels will look consistent and unblemished.

Handle Large Cracks on Aluminum, Steel, Vinyl, and Wooden Garage Doors According to Material

Unfortunately, broken vinyl, aluminum, and steel panels are tougher to repair. Some garage door panels have multiple layers, with insulation in the center.

If an insulated metal door has a dent, you probably can’t hammer it out, regardless of the size of the damage. Even if you try to remove the ding, it would be challenging to replicate the panels’ texture or finish with basic supplies. Technically, you could hammer out a dent in a steel or aluminum hollow back door, but your panels won’t look new or untouched; the repair attempt would be obvious.

If your garage door panels aren’t wooden, you also have to consider their integrity. Dents and cracks of any severity will worsen over time and create cracks due to the stress the panels experience every time you use the door. The exception to this situation is dents in steel-back garage door panels, which are less likely to become cracks.

Repairing these kinds of garage door panels is usually not ideal. It’s better to replace them. By replacing these garage door panels, you can ensure that your door system is visually appealing, fully functional, and safe to use.

Contact Our Experienced Garage Door Technicians for Cost-Effective Panel Replacement and Repairs

If you need help fixing cracked garage door panels or total garage door panel replacement in or around Indianapolis, turn to Garage Door Doctor. Can a cracked garage door be repaired? Our top-rated company can evaluate your broken door and provide expert recommendations to help you make informed decisions regarding your system.

Our experienced technicians have the right tools and skills to provide reliable garage door repair. Faulty garage door openers, hinges, and panels are no match for us. Contact us today at 317-342-4995 to request service.

How Many Years Does a Garage Door Last?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 20, 2025. Posted in Garage Door Maintenance. No Comments on How Many Years Does a Garage Door Last?

Whether your garage door gets a lot of use or typically stays shut, the system will eventually degrade enough to warrant a replacement. How many years does a garage door last? The answer depends on several factors.

Understanding the lifespan of your garage door and the factors that contribute to its longevity is crucial to your safety and the door’s performance. Here, our team at Garage Door Doctor shares the average garage door’s lifespan and how to ensure you can enjoy your system for years.

The Average Lifespan of Garage Doors

How many years does a garage door last? A typical garage door lasts 15 to 30 years, but the timeframe will vary depending on factors like materials.

Average garage door lifespans according to Amarr are as follows:

15 to 30 years for steel garage doors
15 to 25 years for aluminum garage doors
20 to 30 years for solid wood garage doors
15 to 20 years for wood composite garage doors
20 to 25 years for fiberglass garage doors

Continue reading: What’s The Best Material for a Garage Door?

The Impact of a Garage Door Opener on the System’s Lifespan

Although material type is a key factor in estimating how long a garage door will last, it’s not the only one. For instance, home remodeling can be a reason to invest in a new garage door in Bloomington, Indiana if you want an upgraded system or an aesthetic change to boost curb appeal. If this is the case, you might change the door before the end of its lifespan.

Other factors contribute to garage door lifespans, including the following:

Installation quality: You might try to save money by installing your garage doors yourself. Unfortunately, without the proper experience or tools, you could compromise the whole system and increase safety risks.
Material quality: A high-quality door will last longer than a low-quality one. Yet durable materials like steel and solid wood are more wear-resistant than softer choices like wood composite and aluminum.
Design elements: Certain features like weatherstripping and insulation can protect the door from damage and wear due to local climate conditions.
Environmental conditions: Environmental factors like high humidity, extreme temperatures, and constant temperature fluctuations can corrode or damage the door’s metal components.
Usage: Do you use your garage door daily? If so, the system may wear down quicker than expected.
Structural damage: If your garage door has extensive damage that impacts its performance or appearance, you may need to replace it before its expected lifespan ends.

How To Extend Your Door’s Lifespan

The answer to “How many years does a garage door last?” is at least 15. Yet, you should perform regular maintenance tasks to ensure the optimal life expectancy for your system. Your maintenance schedule should include annual and seasonal inspections.

Follow these tips to care for your garage door properly.

Examine Safety Features

The door system should have sensors to trigger an auto-reverse function if something is in the way of the door as it closes. Checking these sensors to ensure they’re clean, unobstructed, and undamaged is essential for your safety and the door’s performance.

Test the Door’s Balance

Proper alignment is essential for smooth operation. To test balance, put the system in manual mode, lift the door halfway, and let it go. If you detect movement, the door lacks balance and alignment.

Check Springs and Other Door Parts for Wear and Tear

Your system will have springs to hold its weight as it moves. Torsion springs are over the door, and extension springs are along the sides of the horizontal tracks.

These components need regular inspections for damage and corrosion. Periodically lubricating them with white lithium grease can ensure good performance.

When inspecting components, don’t forget about the garage door opener. Most garage door openers last for ten to 15 years. This vital part helps open and close the door, so contact a qualified technician if you notice issues with the garage door opener’s motor.

Contact Our Garage Door Company To Keep Your Door Working Correctly for Longer

Knowing the answer to the question “How many years does a garage door last?” will give you an idea of what to expect with your garage door system. Still, regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential. Otherwise, your door might have premature wear and tear, which can jeopardize its performance, safety, and visual appeal.

Turn to our garage door professionals in Indianapolis to repair, maintain, or replace your garage door. At Garage Door Doctor, we can service all door types thanks to our years of industry experience. We offer quality garage door components and solutions for your convenience, so call 317-342-4995 to request assistance.

What Does an Emergency Garage Door Repair Entail?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 12, 2025. Posted in Garage Door Tips. No Comments on What Does an Emergency Garage Door Repair Entail?

When your garage door stops working unexpectedly, it can disrupt your entire day and compromise your home’s security. An emergency garage door repair becomes necessary when it suddenly malfunctions, preventing you from safely entering or exiting your space. In this guide, Garage Door Doctor will explain everything you need to know about emergency repairs and the most common issues that require immediate attention.

Common Signs You Need Emergency Garage Door Service

Your garage entryway is a complex system with multiple components that work together seamlessly to provide safe, reliable operation. When one part fails, it can cause the entire system to malfunction, leading to potentially dangerous situations that require immediate professional attention.

Common emergencies include the following:

A broken spring: A loud bang followed by your system becoming extremely heavy or impossible to lift
A misaligned track: Grinding noises or uneven movement that can quickly lead to more extensive damage if not addressed promptly
Remote failure: Inability to open or close your system automatically, which becomes critical when you can’t access your vehicle or secure your home
A jammed door: Indicates potential problems ranging from track debris to serious mechanical failures that compromise operation
Motor issues: Unusual noises, slow operation, or complete system failure that leaves your system vulnerable and puts your home’s security at risk
Cable damage: Frayed or snapped cables that prevent safe operation and require immediate repair work due to their high-tension nature

Professional Repair Requirements

Emergency repairs often involve complex mechanisms that require specialized knowledge. A cable repair must be handled carefully, as these components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if not managed properly.

When your entryway encounters problems, attempting DIY repairs can lead to damage, injuries, void warranties, and increased costs later on. Licensed technicians have the proper tools and safety equipment to handle high-tension components without risk. Their extensive training ensures all repairs meet manufacturer specifications and safety standards.

What To Expect During Emergency Repairs

When you call for an emergency repair, the process typically begins with a thorough diagnosis of the problem. A qualified technician will carefully inspect all components, including springs, cables, tracks, and electronic systems, to identify both the immediate issue and any potential underlying problems.

The repair process usually involves:

Complete safety inspection of all components
Testing of electronic systems and safety features
Replacement of damaged or worn parts with quality components
Thorough lubrication of moving parts
Final testing to ensure proper operation

After completing repairs, technicians will walk you through what was fixed and provide maintenance recommendations to help prevent future emergencies. They can also answer questions about your system’s operation and safety features.

Trust Garage Door Doctor for Your Emergency Needs

Having an emergency garage door repair service you can count on provides peace of mind when unexpected issues arise. We at Garage Door Doctor understand how stressful a malfunctioning entryway can be.

Our team specializes in rapid response services with the expertise to handle your emergency. For immediate assistance with your garage door in Indianapolis, Indiana, contact the Garage Door Doctor at (317) 342-4995.

Benefits of Adding Insulation to Your Garage Door

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 12, 2025. Posted in Garage Door Tips. No Comments on Benefits of Adding Insulation to Your Garage Door

If your garage feels unbearably hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter, you may be losing valuable energy and comfort. Adding insulation to your garage door does more than just regulate temperature, it also improves energy efficiency, reduces noise, and enhances durability.

Six Advantages of Upgrading to an Insulated Garage Door

Check out the biggest benefits of upgrading an insulated garage door. You’ll see why this makes for a wise investment.

1. Increased Energy Efficiency

An insulated garage door reduces heat transfer, keeping warm air inside during winter and blocking excessive heat during summer. This means your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard, lowering your energy consumption and utility bills. Over time, this upgrade saves you money and makes your home more eco-friendly.

2. Noise Reduction Advantages

An insulated garage door minimizes noise from outside traffic, barking dogs, and neighborhood activities. It also absorbs the sound of the door opening and closing, making operation smoother and quieter. If your garage attaches to your home, insulation helps create a more peaceful and comfortable living space for you and your family.

3. Temperature Regulation for a More Comfortable Space

A well-insulated garage door stabilizes the indoor temperature, keeping your garage comfortable in any season. Whether you use your garage for storage, as a workshop, or even as an additional living space, insulation protects your belongings from extreme temperatures while ensuring a more comfortable environment.

4. Durability Improvements Reinforce the Door

Greater durability is one of the biggest benefits of adding insulation to your garage door. Insulation reinforces your garage door, making it more resistant to dents, cracks, and daily wear.

This added durability extends the lifespan of your garage door, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. A strong, well-maintained garage door also enhances your home’s security.

5. Enhanced Pest Control Measures

A properly insulated garage door provides a better seal, closing gaps where insects, rodents, and other pests might sneak in. This added barrier helps keep your garage free from infestations and protects stored items from damage. With better insulation, you’ll have fewer pest problems to worry about.

6. Garage Insulation Makes Your Home Eco-Friendly

An insulated garage door cuts energy waste and shrinks your home’s carbon footprint. By reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling, it helps you consume less power, making your home more energy-efficient. If sustainability is a priority for you, upgrading to an insulated garage door is a simple yet effective step toward greener living.

Enhance Your Home With Garage Door Doctor

There are multiple benefits of adding insulation to your garage door, from energy efficiency and noise reduction to durability improvement and pest control. At Garage Door Doctor, we understand the value of a garage door that offers both protection and comfort.

If you want to upgrade your garage door with insulation, call us today at (317) 342-4995. We proudly provide expert solutions to improve your garage’s performance.

My Garage Door Sticks During Cold Weather. Can This Be Fixed?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on March 12, 2025. Posted in Garage Door Tips. No Comments on My Garage Door Sticks During Cold Weather. Can This Be Fixed?

“My garage door sticks during cold weather. Can this be fixed?” We often receive this common question at Garage Door Doctor during winter months.

When temperatures plummet, garage door problems in cold weather can affect various components of your door system. Fortunately, most of these problems have simple fixes.

Our technicians know exactly how to handle the extra strain that cold weather puts on garage doors — we deal with these issues all winter long.

Common Winter Issues

When it gets really cold outside, your garage door can act up. The metal parts shrink a bit in freezing weather, which can make your door get stuck more often in winter. It helps to know why garage doors stick in cold conditions so you can take proactive measures.

The springs and cables can break more easily, ice buildup can affect the sensors, and the rubber seal at the bottom of the door gets stiff instead of staying flexible, compromising the seal between your door and the ground.

Understanding Why It Happens

Several factors contribute to winter issues. When temperatures drop, the grease and oil in the door’s moving parts can harden. This makes your door stick and move sluggishly.

You may end up with your garage door stuck in winter when the rubber seal at the bottom freezes to the ground. Fixing garage door freezing problems promptly minimized damage.

The metal tracks that guide your door can also contract in cold weather, potentially causing alignment issues that affect smooth operation.

Professional Solutions

Most garage door companies see garage door cold weather repair requests increase significantly during winter months. If you’ve been asking, “My garage door sticks during cold weather. Can this be fixed?” the answer is yes — trained technicians can identify and resolve these winter-specific issues safely.

You want to avoid DIY repairs, as garage door components, especially springs, can be dangerous to work with and require specialized knowledge and tools.

A typical professional service includes a comprehensive inspection of all components, proper lubrication suited for cold weather, and necessary adjustments to ensure reliable operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered common questions about winter garage door issues.

How Often Should I Have My Garage Door Serviced in Winter?

You should have your garage door serviced at least once before winter begins to prevent cold-weather issues and follow up with checks during severe weather periods.

What Are the Signs That My Garage Door Needs Winter Maintenance?

Your garage door needs winter maintenance if it emits unusual noises, operates slowly, or sticks during movement.

Can Cold Weather Damage My Garage Door Opener?

Yes, extreme cold can affect your opener’s performance. Regular professional maintenance helps prevent these issues and extends the life of your opener system.

Contact Your Trusted Garage Door Experts

With our professional expertise and preventive maintenance approach at Garage Door Doctor, we can help ensure your garage door operates reliably all winter long.

Contact our experts today to schedule a comprehensive winter maintenance check.

What Is The Most Energy-Efficient Garage Door?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on November 20, 2024. Posted in Garage Door, Garage Door Installation. No Comments on What Is The Most Energy-Efficient Garage Door?

Garage doors become an essential part of a home’s indoor comfort when garage space connects to indoor living space or you heat or cool your garage at times during the year. It’s obvious that garage doors cover large openings and require proper insulation in most cases, but what are the best types of garage doors for energy efficiency?

Insulation Matters

Insulation is the essential factor that drives improved garage door energy efficiency. A door’s R-value indicates its ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating power.

Check the layering of various garage doors to evaluate their insulation potential:

Single-layer doors: No insulation, least efficient.
Double-layer doors: Polyurethane or polystyrene insulation between two steel panels, moderately efficient.
Triple-layer doors: Highest-performance doors with multiple layers — providing superior insulation and durability.

Materials for Energy-Efficient Garage Doors

Evaluate the material used to construct any garage door you consider:

Steel: Durable and affordable, often paired with polyurethane insulation.
Fiberglass: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, but requires additional insulation for better thermal resistance.
Wood: Naturally insulating but less efficient without added insulation.
Vinyl: Low maintenance and good at resisting heat transfer, particularly during hot weather.

Continue reading: What is the best material for a garage door?

Proper Installation for Optimal Efficiency

No matter how well-insulated or high-quality the materials, proper professional installation is essential. Experts will ensure a proper fit that includes weatherstripping to seal gaps as well as proper track alignment and door balance.

Call Garage Door Doctor for Expert Assistance With Garage Door Energy Efficiency

What are the best types of garage doors for energy efficiency? As we’ve discussed, the answer lies in selecting triple-layer insulated doors made from durable materials like steel, fiberglass, or insulated wood.

Proper installation ensures maximum energy savings, and Garage Door Doctor provides Indiana’s best garage door installation and maintenance services to maximize performance. Call us today at (317) 342-4995 in Indianapolis, (812) 804-3593 in Bloomington, or (317) 942-3976 in Carmel for more information!

Garage Door Energy Efficiency FAQs

These are some of the questions customers ask about garage door energy efficiency.

How Do I Know If My Current Garage Door Is Energy Efficient?

Check your current garage door’s energy efficiency by looking at its R-value, which measures its thermal resistance. You’ll know your door is not energy efficient if it has little or no insulation or if you feel drafts and temperature fluctuations inside your garage.

Can an Insulated Garage Door Reduce Noise?

Yes, insulated garage doors can reduce noise by acting as a sound barrier. This is particularly beneficial if you live in a noisy neighborhood or use your garage as a workspace.

Will an Insulated Garage Door Prevent Freezing Inside the Garage During Winter?

An insulated garage door can significantly reduce the temperature fluctuations inside your garage, but it won’t completely prevent freezing if your garage isn’t heated. When you are considering the answer to what the best types of garage doors for energy efficiency are, always factor in some level of garage heating.

What’s The Best Material for a Garage Door?

Written by Jeffrey Sanford on November 20, 2024. Posted in Garage Door Installation. No Comments on What’s The Best Material for a Garage Door?

Do you want a garage that’s super strong but still sports great curb appeal? What materials are best for a durable garage door?

At Garage Door Doctor, we have 15 years of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining premium garage doors. Below, we cover the best material for a garage door so that you can find your favorite.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Garage Door Durability

Before we cover the materials themselves, you may wonder why you should invest in durable materials for your garage door in the first place. The benefits of a nice, strong door include the following:

Less maintenance: Durable materials require little maintenance. You can also clean them easily, so you’ll save time and money.
Better insulation: Certain materials provide excellent garage insulation. When you don’t lose heat or cold air out through your garage, you save on HVAC expenses.
Longer life expectancy: Expect durable garage doors to last up to 30 years!

The Best Garage Door Materials for Durability

Would you like a garage door that provides superior protection and lasts? The following materials could work.

Wood

What are the advantages of wood garage doors? Aside from the innate elegance and luxury, many wood types are renewable resources that make for an environmentally friendly choice.

Wood also makes one of the best-insulated garage doors to keep your energy bills lower. The material’s considerable weight means these doors hold up well against hail or strong wind, though they can buckle under extreme temperatures.

Aluminum

What materials are best for a durable garage door? Look into aluminum garage doors, which have a high natural resistance to corrosion. They’re lightweight and aesthetically pleasing, require little maintenance, and can let a significant amount of light into your garage.

Aluminum doesn’t become brittle when the temperatures drop below freezing, but extreme heat could be problematic.

Steel

Steel garage doors will provide excellent value for their durability. It’s one of the most popular materials, as steel requires very little maintenance. Several lightweight steel garage door options are also easy to open.

Your steel will show great durability against dents but not against scratches or corrosion. However, as one of the best climate-resistant doors, they’re strong in both extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Fiberglass

While fiberglass doesn’t resist wind well, it excels in nearly every other measure of durability. It doesn’t expand or contract in extreme weather, it won’t corrode, and it has some of the best water resistance.

Fiberglass is both low maintenance and affordable.

Vinyl

Cost-effective vinyl remains durable against most extreme weather conditions, including wind, moisture, and hail.

Bear in mind that vinyl can become brittle in colder climates and warp in hot temperatures. The colors may fade over time in direct sunlight.

Helpful Guide: Residential Garage Door Styles

Helpful Resource: Tips For Choosing The Right Garage Door Style

Schedule Garage Door Installation Today

So, what materials are best for a durable garage door? From wood to vinyl, you’re good to go. If you’re ready for a free consultation, call Garage Door Doctor at:

(317) 342-4995 (Indianapolis)
(812) 804-3593 (Bloomington)
(317) 942-3976 (Carmel)

Our family-owned business brings integrity, honesty, and service to every job. With 3,400 five-star reviews, your garage door is in good hands! Have additional questions? Check out some of our frequently asked questions about garage door styles.