Is a Fiberglass Garage Door Right for You? Exploring the Pros & Cons

Posted on: 11 May 2021

Fiberglass is one of the newest options that homeowners can choose from when selecting a garage door for their home. While these doors have not been on the market nearly as long as veteran options such as wood or steel, fiberglass garage doors have already proven themselves to be the perfect fit for the needs of many homeowners. This is because fiberglass doors offer a truly unique blend of pros and cons. Taking the time to consider both the advantages and disadvantages that come along with choosing fiberglass can help you to determine for yourself if this garage door option is right for you and your home.

The Pros Of Choosing Fiberglass Garage Doors

  1. Low maintenance - When compared with other garage door options, fiberglass garage doors are relatively low maintenance. In fact, these doors will not require anything more than basic upkeep in order to keep them looking and functioning well over the course of their lifetime. 
  2. Corrosion resistant - Since fiberglass is not susceptible to damage from moisture, these doors are able to resist corrosive damage much better than wood or steel garage doors.
  3. Well insulated - Fiberglass offers great insulation both against outdoor temperatures and outdoor sounds. This makes fiberglass garage doors especially appealing to homeowners with an attached garage since extreme temperatures or loud noises inside their garage can easily make their way inside their home without the presence of a well-insulated garage door.
  4. Can mimic the appearance of wood - While many homeowners appreciate the low maintenance and other benefits that fiberglass has to offer, they prefer the look of a wood garage door. Thanks to the availability of a wide range of finishes, including those that mimic the look of real wood, it is possible for homeowners to truly enjoy the best of both worlds. 

The Cons Of Choosing Fiberglass Garage Doors

  1. Brittle in extreme cold - Fiberglass doors can become very brittle when exposed to temperatures at or below freezing. For this reason, fiberglass is not a good option for homeowners who live in areas that often experience extreme cold during the winter months. 
  2. Susceptible to wind damage - Due to the fact that fiberglass is so lightweight, this type of garage door is more susceptible to wind damage. 
  3. Fade in direct sunlight - The color of a fiberglass door can fade rather quickly if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Therefore, fiberglass doors work best on homes that offer an awning above the garage door in order to protect the material from absorbing too much of the sun's rays. 

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a lightweight, affordable garage door that performs well in a high moisture and moderate or warm temperature climate, a fiberglass garage door could be the perfect fit for your needs. To learn more about the pros and cons associated with these doors or to schedule the installation of your new door, be sure to reach out to a reputable garage door contractor in your local area as soon as possible. 

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