Steel Garage Doors vs Fiberglass

What’s the difference between steel garage doors and fiberglass? Let’s find out! In this article, we’re running down some of the key differences between these two materials. Steel is one of the most popular garage door materials due to its strength and pricing. Fiberglass is a popular material as well, it’s notable for its insulation properties and design versatility.

Read on to determine which is the best choice for your home.

Table of Contents

Material & Performance – Steel vs Fiberglass

Your garage door should not only look good but needs to perform. Garage doors play an important role in securing our homes. They also protect the interior from the elements and help to insulate heat and cold. That said, choosing the right material that will meet your home’s needs is of utmost importance.

steel chi shoreline garage door

CHI Shoreline Collection

Steel Garage Doors – An alloy of iron and carbon, steel has a reputation for durability that’s well earned. This means that steel garage doors can offer the tried-and-true longevity expected. Having said that, there are a few things to be aware of regarding steel’s performance as a garage door material.

First, steel is capable of denting and this should be considered for garages susceptible to high traffic. Steel is also known for it’s vulnerability to rust. Any scratches on the door will need to be touched up as soon as possible to slow and stop the oxidation of the steel.

Poor maintenance may open the door to rust, but steel garage doors still provide a superior barrier to your home. Steel garage doors are the most secure available amongst the choices of wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. If your home needs a reliable barrier, steel is the best choice.

Highly secure, steel is also heavy. This weight requires an automatic opener to safely operate the doors.

Heritage Garage Door offers the following steel door selections:

Fiberglass Garage Doors – One of the biggest selling points of fiberglass is its ability to mimic the appearance of other materials, like wood.

three salmon colored fiberglass garage doors on a palm beach home

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

Fiberglass is a reinforced plastic material embedded in a resin matrix. Fiberglass is used in insulation, boats, pipes, auto body parts, and a number of other industries because it is an affordable and highly customizable material.

These doors are a lighter option than wood, which makes them easier to install. It should be noted that fiberglass is more brittle than lumber, and this makes the doors susceptible to damage from improper handling. Always have a professional install and service these doors. High winds or even high usage can lead to dents and cracking. When damaged, these doors will have to be replaced.

double fiberglass garage doors in beige

Photo by John Paulsen on Unsplash

Other than the more brittle nature of fiberglass, these garage doors are low maintenance and a good choice for homeowners that do not want to set aside time to regularly tend to their doors.

What about insulation? Fiberglass doors are constructed with layers of insulating material to help improve energy efficiency. Also, steel cores can help to increase the security of these doors.

Homes in wetter parts of the country can benefit from fiberglass’s resistance to salt and moisture.

Style – Steel vs Fiberglass

Your garage door will take up a good amount of your home’s facade real estate. That’s why it’s important to consider the design profile of your home and how you’d like your garage door to compliment it.

Steel Garage Doors – Steel is the perfect blank slate for the most creative homeowner. Steel garage doors offer the broadest range of color options and panel styles. Irrespective of your home’s style (modern, southwestern, ranch, etc.), you’ll be able to create the perfect addition to your home. You have the choice of sleek monotones, woodgrain designs, and more.

Fiberglass Garage Doors – Fiberglass, because it’s so versatile can be made to look like a wide array of other materials, including wood.

This material is available in many colors and effects. Fiberglass doors are a popular choice for homeowners that want the luxurious look of wood minus the higher costs and maintenance.

Pricing – Steel vs Fiberglass

folded dollars on a green background

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

So how much should you expect to pay for a steel garage door vs fiberglass?

As the old saying goes “you get what you pay for”. The premium benefits of a good steel door will likely cost anywhere between $800 and $4,000. Of course, other features such as panel style, glass lites, hardware, and the garage door opener will impact pricing.

Extra features like handles, glass lites, and panel intricacy will also influence the rates for fiberglass doors. Because the material is man-made, lighter, and less durable than steel, you’ll find fiberglass to be a relatively affordable material. You can expect a fiberglass garage door to cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000.

Want to learn more about garage door pricing? View Heritage Garage Door’s pricing information.

Which garage door material should I choose?

Your garage door is an important choice to ensure your home’s beauty and security are top-notch.

The choice between a steel garage door and a fiberglass door largely depends on homeowner preferences and budget considerations.

Start by narrowing down the most important features your home needs.

Are you interested in the most economical options on the market? Or do you value durability and security above all else?

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Would you like to learn more about your garage door options? We’re here to help you determine whether steel or fiberglass is right for your home.

Explore our door catalog, or schedule an appointment with our team!

- Tags:
- fiberglass, garage door, steel
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