5 Materials Used to Construct Commercial Garage Doors

5 Materials Used to Construct Commercial Garage Doors

Commercial garage doors come in all sizes and shapes due to the numerous types of garage openings for warehouses, factories and retail store buildings. Yet the size of the door isn’t the only factor in selecting the right one. You must also base your decisions on the materials used in the construction so you have a safe door that can withstand the occasional wear and tear common at your facility. 

Check out these five materials used in the construction of garage doors, along with what to look for in a new garage door.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Different Types of Commercial Garage Doors

As you choose a garage door for your commercial property, you may want to keep the following factors in mind:

• Intended use: Garage doors serve various purposes for commercial buildings. Whether you let vehicles into your building or have a storefront that needs a convenient pedestrian entrance, the intended use you have for your garage door matters. The aesthetic appeal may be more important than durability if your garage showcases your selection of new cars, while reliability and longevity are necessary if you need to protect your inventory in a warehouse.
• Local weather conditions: Think about the area surrounding your commercial property and what kind of weather it regularly experiences. Some materials are resistant to humidity and rain, while others do better when exposed to the sun for long periods. Find a low-maintenance garage door material that withstands local weather conditions.
• Budget: You may have a specific amount of money to spend on a new garage door. Choose a material with an upfront cost that accommodates your budget. Besides the upfront cost, you should also consider how much your garage door will save you over time. Insulated garage doors are more durable and energy-efficient, so they’ll save you money over time.

Commercial Garage Door Materials

Now that you know which factors are most necessary for your garage door, let’s explore what industrial doors are made of. 

1. Glass Frame Doors

These doors have glass panels that let sunlight enter the building, allowing you to save money on lighting the inside of your facility. Glass panel doors are often used on car showrooms and other commercial buildings, where seeing outside or inside improves business operations. You could even use a glass frame door inside as a partition between two large rooms if you have the space for it.

Because there are numerous glass panels set into a durable, protective aluminum frame, it’s easy to replace one broken pane instead of getting a whole new door. Even though insulated glass is available to enhance the door’s energy efficiency, it’s not as insulating as other garage door materials.

2. Aluminum Frame Doors

Aluminum frame doors have aluminum panels instead of glass panels. Since they have a unique, modern curb appeal, they serve as attractive additions to your car showroom or storefront. The door’s lightweight makes it easy to operate manually and puts less strain on the torsion springs. Even though it’s lighter than other doors, it still offers protection from weather and theft.

While aluminum can dent on impact, this type of door usually won’t break apart, and you can get a professional technician to pop the dent out. Aluminum is also resistant to rusting, unlike other metals, so a garage door with this material will maintain its aesthetic beauty.

3. Vinyl Doors

Cost-effective vinyl commercial doors offer numerous benefits to people looking for sound commercial garage doors that require little maintenance. They’re hard to dent, won’t rust and will maintain their beauty, enhancing your building’s curb appeal to attract customers inside.

Vinyl doors often have insulation inside for commercial businesses that need to heat the interior of their garages for their operations. Keep in mind that this material isn’t as energy efficient as others, and it’s not easy to paint or stain if you want to change the color over time.

4. Steel Doors

Steel doors are a common material used for industrial garages (like warehouses) where heavy operations require a sturdy door due to the double layer of steel added. Steel doors combined with reliable commercial garage door openers in Houston can offer a superior product to provide your facility with fire protection and guard it against theft and weather damage.

Some steel doors also have insulation sandwiched between the layers, enhancing your building’s energy efficiency and putting less strain on your HVAC system throughout the year. Since they’re so sturdy, steel garage doors are easy to maintain and last a long time. While denting isn’t common with this material, keep in mind that it’s still possible for the material to get dented from impact or hail.

5. Wood and Composite Wood Doors

Wood and composite wood doors aren’t used often for commercial garage doors for industrial companies or warehouses. On the other hand, they’re more common for outdoor commercial and agricultural businesses. The look of wood brings out a natural beauty that complements the property when drawing in customers. Wood garage doors are often made from fir, cedar or redwood.

Composite wood doors consist of a wooden frame with fiberboard covering the surface in thin sheets. The fiberboard will have a textured surface with grooves that look like authentic wood.

Commercial Garage Doors in Houston

After you’ve chosen the right materials for your commercial garage door products, come check out Halo Overhead Door in Houston, Texas. We have a wide selection of products for your business facility, whether you own a warehouse, government building, parking garage or restaurant.

The type of garage door you select for your commercial business will be based on several factors. If you’re having problems deciding on the type of door you need, contact Houston Overhead Door as we can help you pick the right one for your operations. Reach out to us online or call (713) 224-3667 to request an estimate.