When choosing a new garage door, it's not always easy to be sure that you have chosen the right material. For instance, you might be surprised to discover that while steel doors can be made of two layers of steel, they are still not impervious to corrosion from moisture. In addition, vinyl doors are often harder to damage, but they can warp when there are significant temperature changes outside. If you are torn between the above options for your new garage door, you need to be aware of the following information. 

Opting For Steel

Steel doors are available in several styles, but one popular choice in recent years has involved the use of two different layers of steel put together. You can find them with and without insulation, and they can be created in ways that look like wood, if you want to more closely match your neighbors or the construction of your own home.  

However, steel isn't perfect. For instance, if you live in an area near the ocean, you might want to avoid a steel garage door, since it is subject to corrosion from the moisture and salt in the air. They are resistant to damage, but you'll still want to be careful when teaching your teenagers how to back out of the garage, as they can be dented. If that happens, repairing the dent can be pricey. If it occurs a lot, vinyl could be a better choice.

 Choosing Vinyl

Vinyl garage doors weigh less than their steel counterparts and, surprisingly, are harder to dent and rarely peel. They have the benefit of being made of vinyl that goes over a steel frame. Unfortunately, the tradeoff for that is that they are easier to scratch than a door made just of steel, so it's best to consider the needs of your family when choosing between vinyl and steel. 

As part of that, you should know that vinyl doors are not typically sold with the option for insulation, so they might be more appropriate in a very temperate environment. Fortunately, vinyl has its own insulative properties, so if you do not spend a lot of time in your garage when it's very hot or very cold, you might not miss the extra insulation. In addition, when it's cold outside, vinyl may warp. Vinyl is more affordable than steel and requires little maintenance.

In conclusion, choosing the material for your new garage door isn't always easy, given that there are so many options and you are likely to be living with your decision for many years. Therefore, it's best to consider the above information about two popular choices, vinyl and steel. Contact a company like Premier Door Corp to learn more.