Pros and Cons of a Roll up Garage Door

If a roll-up garage door is one of your considerations, it’s good to be aware of the pros and cons of this type of product, available in wood, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass materials.

Pros of a Roll Up Garage Door

Wood roll-up or sectional garage doors look warm and contribute to a home’s aesthetic appeal. They are the least expensive of the choices.

Aluminum is strong and sturdier than its wood counterpart. It doesn’t easily rust, is lightweight, and can withstand weather extremes.

Steel, like aluminum, also beats wood for sturdiness. It also doesn’t require maintenance on a constant basis, won’t rust, and can withstand damage from everyday use and weather. Options include vinyl-cladding, rolled-on finished, and wood-grain embossing.

Fiberglass, like aluminum, is lightweight. In climates with different seasons or those plagued by hurricanes or typhoons, fiberglass provides better roll-up garage door protection than other material choices.

Garage doors in the roll-up style are attractive, give a home a distinct look, and have many styles and options to choose from.

Cons of a Roll Up Garage Door

Installation can be tricky and requires more than one person.

Doors that need to be painted should be done so before installation.

Insulated roll-up doors are heavier than non-insulated versions.

Wood sectional doors can crack, warp, sustain damage from heat and weather extremes. They also require repainting on a regular basis, conditioning and maintenance.

Aluminum doors are more expensive than wood and some people don’t like the look or sound of the door.

Steel is similarly more expensive than wood and can dent.

Fiberglass doors dent more easily than steel roll-up counterparts.

Insulated doors cost about 10 percent more than non-insulated doors.