Why Steel Garage Doors Work Best in Harsh Weather

Steel garage doors are popular among homeowners due to their affordability, durability, versatility, and visual appeal. Above all, a steel garage door is weather-resistant, reducing the need for repetitive garage door repair in Los Angeles.

If you’re planning to get a new garage door, we discussed here why a modern steel garage door might be a good option. We also shared pros and cons to help you choose together, with answers to frequently asked questions.

How weather conditions impact garage doors

Harsh weather conditions can take a serious toll on any garage door. It can lead to early damage, malfunction, and ultimately a replacement way before the recommended lifespan.

Extreme temperatures are major culprits when it comes to garage door damage. Severe temperature changes can cause door materials to crack, break, or become brittle. Also, garage door lubricants may freeze and thicken, making it difficult to open or close your door.

Strong winds are another thing. Certain areas, such as Southern California, are battered with high winds yearly, putting extra stress on the garage door, especially if it doesn’t have insulation or reinforcements.

You also have to watch out for moisture and humidity, especially if you have metal doors. During storms, water may seep through the door’s structure, causing corrosion on metal parts and rotting of the wooden materials. Moisture can also damage the electronic components of your garage door, such as the door opener and safety sensors.

There are many weather elements that could cause more damage to your garage door. And if you’re looking for a door material that can endure most of these elements, a steel garage door could be what you need.

Advantages of steel garage doors in harsh weather

Steel is primarily made of iron mixed with small amounts of carbon for added hardness and strength. It’s widely used in construction, including garage doors. Here’s why it’s a good choice if you live in an area that gets harsh weather:

1.   High impact resistance

Los Angeles has a very high risk index score based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Risk Index. That means LA is prone to various hazards, such as earthquakes, strong winds, tornadoes, and wildfires, to name a few. All these hazards expose your garage door to physical impact, such as flying debris and projectile objects.

Steel garage doors’ durability can better withstand this physical impact. Steel is less likely to break, shatter, or fail compared to other garage door materials, keeping your home secure during natural disasters.

2.   Reliable wind resistance

Steel’s rigidity withstands strong winds without breaking or warping easily. Some garage doors also come with steel reinforcement beams to make them more durable against flying debris during tornadoes or storms.

Steel garage doors are also suitable for high-wind areas, such as the San Fernando Valley, prone to the dreaded Santa Ana winds.

3.   Effective fire resistance

According to FEMA, Los Angeles has a 99.9% wildfire risk index score. In this case, garage doors with high fire resistance, such as steel doors, would be a smart investment for any property.

Steel is non-combustible with high heat resistance, which can prevent fire from spreading to neighboring structures. You can also find fire-rated steel doors with special seals that expand when heated, preventing flames from passing through.

Still, it’s important to remember that steel garage doors have exposure limits. While it can delay flames from engulfing your home, it can still get compromised with prolonged fire exposure.

4.   Warping and cracking resistance

Steel is highly resistant to warping and cracking since it doesn’t absorb moisture. It can also retain its shape despite temperature changes, unlike wood or vinyl, which tend to warp when exposed to the same elements.

Protective coatings are also available for steel garage doors, boosting their UV and rust resistance further. It makes the steel material last longer against corrosion, so your home remains protected for a long.

5.   Excellent pest resistance

Harsh weather can contribute to the proliferation of pests, such as termites and rodents, which can eat through wooden or synthetic materials. But with a steel garage door, you won’t have to worry about pests damaging your property.

Many steel garage doors also have a seamless construction to reduce the gaps where pests may enter or nest.

Potential disadvantages of steel garage doors

While steel garage doors are durable, they are not invincible to potential damage. Here are some possible downsides you should also know about this garage door type:

• Susceptible to rusting.Steel garage doors can easily rust if not coated properly, especially in coastal or humid areas. Painting steel garage door panels is one way to delay the damage, or you can get a specialized powder coating that resists corrosion.

• Noisier than other materials.Steel garage doors can clank, squeak, bang, and make all sorts of noises than wood or vinyl materials. High-quality weatherstripping and nylon rollers can help reduce this issue.

• Heavy weight.Steel is way heavier than other aluminum garage doors. It may require additional reinforcements before installation, and you may also need to upgrade your door opener if the motor isn’t rated for its extra weight.

• Temperature sensitivity.Steel is a good conductor of heat and cold. Without insulation, the door’s surface can get extremely hot, especially if your garage is facing directly toward the sun. Insulated steel garage door materials can easily fix this issue.

Is a steel garage door the right choice for you?

Steel garage doors offer a good balance of durability, price, and curb appeal. But is it the right choice for your home? Here are signs that it will be a good fit:

• You live in a place with a moderate climate.Los Angeles has a Mediterranean weather that’s typically warm and sunny for most of the year. This makes steel garage doors an ideal option for many homes and commercial properties.

• You want to increase your home’s security.Unlike vinyl or aluminum, steel garage doors are stronger against break-ins. So if you’re replacing your garage door for added safety, consider steel material when shopping for a new unit.

• You have a strong garage door opener. Since steel doors can be heavy, it’s an ideal choice if your existing opener has enough power to handle the door’s weight.

• You’re looking for a variety of designs.Steel garage doors can be easily customized with the color and finish you like. You can even get it with wood-like finishes or other designs that match your home.

FAQs about steel garage doors

How long do steel garage doors last?

Steel garage doors can last between 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Garage doors made of higher-quality steel with protective coatings can last much longer. Take note that the longevity of your garage door depends on the material quality, level of exposure to harsh elements, maintenance, and usage.

How much are steel garage doors?

The average cost of steel garage doors ranges between $650 to $2,000 for a basic, single-door unit. It can cost as much as $3,500+ for bigger steel doors with customized finishes, hardware, and designs.

Can you paint a steel garage door?

Yes, you can paint a steel garage door. In fact, painting the steel panels will add a layer of protection against corrosion and UV rays, making your garage door last longer.

How to paint a steel garage door?

When painting a steel garage door, make sure that you clean the surface first to ensure that the paint will adhere well. You should also remove any rust and old paint before applying a new coating. Also, avoid painting during windy days as it can blow debris onto your wet paint and lead to uneven drying.

What kind of paint to use on a steel garage door?

When painting a steel garage door, you can either use an exterior acrylic latex paint or an oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is more durable than latex, but it has a longer dry time and emits stronger fumes.

What colors do steel garage doors come in?

Steel garage doors can be customized with just about any color you prefer. The most popular among Los Angeles homeowners are white, beige, tan, wood tones, gray, and brown. You may want to avoid a black steel garage door, as this color absorbs heat and could make your garage hotter.

Get a free steel garage door quote today!

If you’re interested in getting a steel garage door, contact us at Rock Garage Door Repair for a quick and free estimate. We’ve been providing quality garage doors in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas at the best price.

We’re available 24/7 for all your garage door needs, from repairs to full installation. We also carry top brands in the market, such as Clopay, LiftMaster, Genie, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and more. At Rock Garage Door, we can install just about any garage door brand, size, make, and model!

Not only that, you can also enjoy a lifetime warranty for brand-new doors from select brands when you trust us. All our technicians are certified, insured, and bonded for exceptional customer service.

Contact us today for a free and no-obligation quote!