What To Know About Hollow Steel Garage Doors
If you're considering replacing your garage door, don't hesitate to consider hollow steel garage doors. While they may not be as beautiful as wood garage doors, they offer great benefits and a decent appearance at a fraction of the cost. Check out these five must-know facts about hollow steel garage doors to guide you as you consider your options.
Hollow Steel Doors Can Be Insulated
When you think about steel, you probably don't think about temperature control. Steel tends to get hot in the summer and cold in the winter because the heat and cold passes right through. However, unlike solid garage doors, hollow steel doors are just that: hollow. The empty space within the door provides a perfect place to add extra insulation and boost the R-value of the door beyond that of a solid wood door. These energy-efficient steel doors are a perfect option if you heat or cool your garage or if you keep weather-sensitive items in your garage, such as photographs.
Steel Doors Are an Affordable Option
Hollow steel garage doors aren't the cheapest option, but they aren't the most expensive either. They sit right in the middle at about $750-$1200 to purchase and install. On the cheaper end sit aluminum garage doors and tilt-up plywood doors, which cost between $400 and $700. On the opposite end of the spectrum are custom-built wood doors, which cost between $2500 and $3000. When pricing steel garage doors, the cost also depends on the gauge (thickness) of the metal. Whether you choose to have installation added and which type of insulation you add also plays a role in the price.
They Require Little Maintenance
Other than general garage door maintenance, such as maintaining moving parts and keeping the tracks clean, the physical door requires little maintenance to keep it looking good. Steel is not as susceptible to the weather as wood doors, but it still important to keep a healthy coat of paint on the door to protect against rust. You can keep the door clean by routinely washing it with a hose.
Steel Doors Are Durable but Can Dent
Steel is durable, and even hollow steel doors put up a good fight against storms, rain, wear and tear and break-in attempts. However, the door isn't solid steel. It's hollow, so dents are possible and common. If a windstorm causes something to collide into your door, expect to be greeted with a glaring dent. Luckily, if only a single panel is dented, you can usually just replace the panel instead of the entire door. Durability depends a lot on how thick the steel is. Thicker steels may cost you more initially, but it is less likely to dent and require repairs or replacement.
Some Customization Is Possible
Wood doors get all the credit for being completely customizable and unique because you can have your door crafted to your specific desire. However, steel isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Customization is a possibility. There are many different styles of steel doors, and if you can't find one you like, you can usually find someone to craft one to your specifications to an extent. Of course, the more customized and unique the doors is, the higher the price rises. A cheap way you can customize your hollow steel garage door is by painting it whatever color you desire.
Hollow steel garage doors are a popular solution for homeowners. They are inexpensive but durable and beautiful. If you are ready to replace your old garage door with something more modern, contact a garage door contractor in your area today to get all your questions answered.
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