What is the Benefit of an Aluminum Overhead Sectional Garage Door vs. a Wood Garage Door?

November 25, 2019

Overhead sectional garage doors have come a long way since they were first introduced to the market in the 1920’s. Originally made of wood, custom designs and materials for these products would evolve over the years by leaps and bounds. Currently, the most versatile and durable material these products can be made from is aluminum. However, what is the benefit of an aluminum product over a wood one and why should it matter?

Aluminum Overhead Sectional Garage Doors: Durable, Versatile, and Lightweight

To understand why the industry changed to incorporate other construction materials for overhead sectional garage doors rather than remaining with the original wood construction it’s important to ferret out where the value is.

Durability is an important value aspect of an overhead sectional garage door. These products are investments; not unlike a boiler for your home or an inventory system for your business. If it’s not going to stand up to time than the investment is lost. Wood as a construction material is heavy and if it is not maintained regularly it is susceptible to rot, insect, and rodent damage. Maintenance includes repainting, refinishing, cleaning and consistent attention. By comparison, aluminum is rust-resistant, lightweight, and requires very low maintenance. ArmRLite recommends at least once a year visit from a door technician as part of any maintenance plan for an aluminum overhead sectional garage door.

In addition to durability, weight and corrosion concerns, it is also important to consider cost. Aluminum overhead sectional garage doors generally cost less than wood products. This is due to sourcing, quality control, and preparation of the material before it can be used in manufacturing. The more unique and rare the wood, the more costly the door becomes. Aluminum overhead sectional garage doors can offer a palatable alternative to wood while still maintaining a wood-like appearance. Faux wood finishes can be applied to aluminum extrusions and panels to mimic the look of wood without the exorbitant cost, weight, and durability concerns of wood.

If you have any questions regarding ArmRLite’s options for insulated overhead sectional garage doors please feel free to contact us.