A Guide to Steel Garage Doors

Table of Contents

• What are steel garage doors?
• Steel garage door construction
• How much does a steel garage door cost?
• Advantages of steel garage doors
• Disadvantages of steel garage doors
• Steel garage door manufacturers
• Different types of steel garage doors
• Windows for steel garage doors
• The best garage door opener for steel garage doors
• FAQs for steel garage doors
• Browse steel garage doors

Your garage door is one of the first things people see when visiting your home and can have a massive impact on your property’s curb appeal. Garage doors also keep your home secure, protecting cars, tools, bikes and more inside your garage space. 

If you’re planning to replace or upgrade your garage door, consider getting a steel garage door. Steel garage doors are versatile and come in a range of styles to suit the look of your house. They are a low-maintenance, heavy-duty option that can help to protect your home.

WHAT ARE STEEL GARAGE DOORS?

If you’re in the market for a new garage door, steel garage doors are a great option. As the name suggests, they’re made of heavy-duty, real-gauge steel. Steel garage doors are affordable, last a long time and require very little maintenance. 

They’re easily accessible in a range of styles, colors and finishes, so you can get exactly what you’re looking for to match your home. When you purchase a steel garage door, you’re making a long-term investment in your property. 

STEEL GARAGE DOOR CONSTRUCTION

Steel garage doors are made of heavy-duty, real-gauge steel, which is hot-dip galvanized in zinc to protect against rust. They are often made of multiple layers to increase their strength and stiffness. These layers include insulation, cladding, steel and a composite overlay.

The composite overlay will determine the look of your door. Single or double-layer steel doors are typically just steel or steel and insulation. These doors can be painted in the color of your choice and are lower in price than those with multiple layers.

STEEL GARAGE DOOR SPECIFICATIONS

Steel garage doors are made of different grade materials, depending on their design and function. A lower gauge means thicker steel, which equates to a stronger garage door. If a door is 24 gauge, it’s the highest quality of galvanized steel that’s typically used in this industry. 

If your garage door has several layers, the thickness of the steel doesn’t matter so much. A higher gauge can still be quite strong if it’s layered with insulation and cladding. Think about what your door may face in terms of weather and choose a steel gauge with that in mind. 

Other specifics include height and width. Steel garage doors can be manufactured in a number of shapes and sizes and are suitable for everything from residential properties to commercial barns and sheds that require additional height.

STEEL DOOR INSULATION

If your garage is already insulated, it’s best practice to also purchase an insulated garage door. Steel doesn’t hold warmth like wood, and it will allow warm and cold temperatures to pass into your space. Some homeowners also choose to insulate their garage doors because it adds another layer of strength and rigidity to a steel garage door. 

However, it’s not useful to insulate your steel garage door if the rest of your garage isn’t insulated. In that case, an insulated door won’t block temperatures from entering your garage. If you need a stronger steel door, you can always opt for a lower gauge or other layers. 

To determine whether steel door insulation is best for your home, consider the weather where you live and check your garage for existing insulation. If you’re still unsure, speak to a local representative to hear their thoughts on garage door insulation in your area. 

STEEL GARAGE DOOR ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

Steel garage doors can be produced in many different architectural styles, so it’s easy to find an affordable option that matches your home. Here are just a few common steel garage door styles: 

• Traditional: Traditional steel garage doors offer rows of panels that are pressed into the steel during production. You can find different kinds of panels in several sizes and configurations. 
• Modern: Modern garage doors are minimalistic, with a sleek, smooth texture and clean lines. They often have windows across the top or down one side. 
• Carriage house: Often seen on country homes, carriage house doors are traditionally made of wood and designed to look like two swinging doors. You can find steel garage doors with faux wood that mimic this style but are much easier to maintain. 

Whatever style you’re looking for, you can find a great option made of steel. These doors are long-lasting, easy to maintain and can give your home the curb appeal boost you’re looking for.

HOW MUCH DOES A STEEL GARAGE DOOR COST?

In comparison to wood garage doors, metal garage doors are easy to manufacture and more affordable. Before you purchase a garage door, you should measure the inside of your garage, the door opening and the headspace the door will have when it’s open and racked overhead. These measurements can help you estimate the price of a steel garage door and make the best decision for your home. 

Factors that affect the cost of a steel garage door include:

• Size: The bigger the overhead door, the more expensive it may be. More material is needed for a two-door garage than a single-door garage, especially if there are extras such as insulation. 
• Layers: The more layers a steel garage door has, the stronger they are. However, additional layers mean more material and a higher cost. 
• Insulation: Polystyrene and polyurethane are the two main types of insulation used in garage doors. Polystyrene is more affordable, but not as effective as polyurethane. 
• Door style and features: There are many different steel garage door styles, with features ranging from windows to decorative elements. Garage doors with more details will be more expensive. 

When you’re shopping for a steel garage door, do some research to find the average cost of steel doors and then choose a budget range you feel comfortable with. Start with size and material, and then consider the many other options available for your steel garage door. It can also help to speak with a sales representative to ensure you stay within budget. 

ADVANTAGES OF STEEL GARAGE DOORS

Metal garage doors have become increasingly popular as they are durable, versatile and secure. In addition to these pros of steel garage doors, their composite overlays mean the steel can be designed to fit any aesthetic. Some of the benefits of commercial steel doors include the following: 

1. DURABILITY 

As steel garage doors are made from heavy-duty steel, they are typically more durable than other materials such as fiberglass, vinyl, wood or aluminum. Because they’re made of metal, steel doors can resist severe weather, warping, cracking and fire damage, making them ideal for most homes. 

2. LOW-MAINTENANCE

Steel overhead doors require less maintenance than most other materials. Their high durability means they won’t peel, splinter, split or get damaged by insects. Steel garage doors also need to be repainted less often and can be washed a few times a year to maintain their color. 

3. COST-EFFECTIVENESS

The low maintenance needs and durability lowers the toal price of steel garage doors. Adding extra insulation layers to an overhead door can help lower your energy costs.

4. VERSATILITY

You can customize a commercial steel door to suit your home’s styles and needs. Steel doors can be painted in nearly any color. Composite overlays offer a range of wood finishes, giving you the benefits of a steel door with the attractive look of wood. You can also add windows or extra insulation to your steel door. 

5. EXTRA PROTECTION 

There are a few ways that steel garage doors offer extra protection to your home. Steel doors are more robust and heavier than most garage door materials. As a result, they are harder to force open, providing your home with additional security, especially if they are remote-operated. 

Insulation layers on a steel garage door protect your house from extreme heat and cold. The extra insulation can help regulate your home’s temperature if you have an attached garage. It can also protect your car and tools from severe weather conditions, even if you have a detached garage. The extra padding can help block outside noise, reducing the noise levels in your garage and house. 

DISADVANTAGES OF STEEL GARAGE DOORS 

While there are many benefits to steel doors, there are a couple of disadvantages to be aware of. Some of the cons of steel garage doors include: 

• Prone to denting: While steel is durable, garage doors are still vulnerable to denting and other impact damage. The thinner the steel, the more likely it is to get dented.
• Vulnerable to rust: As with any metal, steel is susceptible to rust over time, particularly in salty environments that get a lot of rain. Thicker, galvanized steel doors are more resistant to rust but are more expensive.
• Poor insulators: A single-layer steel garage door is a poor insulator and requires insulation which can increase its cost. 

STEEL DOOR MANUFACTURERS

There are several trusted garage door manufacturers. Here are several of the most well-known steel door manufacturers in America to consider: 

• Clopay^®: Clopay has manufactured residential and commercial garage doors for over 50 years. All of their doors are made in the United States and Canada.
• Amarr: Another well-respected American garage door manufacturer, Amarr has been in operation since 1951. 
• C.H.I.: Since 1981, C.H.I. has been supplying residential and commercial customers with high-quality garage doors. 
• Raynor: Raynor Garage Doors has been manufacturing garage doors since 1944. They have distributors across 50 countries, with 800+ in the U.S.
• Wayne Dalton: Established in 1954, Wayne Dalton started as a small business in Amish country and has grown into a network of manufacturing facilities across America.

If you work with one of these well-known companies, you can expect quality workmanship and excellent customer service. To choose the right manufacturer for you, consider warranty options, affordability and location. There are many wonderful garage doors to choose from at these companies. 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF STEEL GARAGE DOORS 

You can choose a range of styles when looking for steel garage doors. Whether you want a classic steel garage door or a more elaborate carriage house garage door, we have a steel collection of garage doors for you to choose from. Our Gallery® Steel garage doors have added a vintage feel to the iconic raised panel steel door by adding grooved panels, optional windows and wrought iron hardware. 

If you’re looking for a more contemporary look, consider the Modern Steel™ overhead doors. They are available with or without grooves that complement modern and contemporary homes. The Bridgeport™ Steel collection combines the aesthetics of wood and the durability of steel to provide numerous design options for homeowners. Each collection has several factory finishes you can choose from, including Ultra-Grain® wood-look finishes.

With the steel garage door collections, you can choose from one- to four-layer construction based on how durable and insulated you want your garage doors to be. The more layers, the stronger the door and the better the insulation. 

READ OUR OTHER GARAGE DOOR GUIDES

• Faux Wood Doors
• Glass Garage Doors
• Carriage House Doors

WINDOWS FOR STEEL GARAGE DOORS

Adding windows to your overhead doors can enhance the door’s look and provide additional lighting for your garage. When choosing windows for your garage door, consider the type of glass you want, the size, shape and position. You can even add wrought iron window panels in different styles to match the style of your door and home. 

WHAT’S THE BEST GARAGE DOOR OPENER FOR STEEL GARAGE DOORS?

Once you have chosen your steel garage door, you will need a garage door opener for ease of use and safety. Use one of our LiftMaster® Elite Series® openers for complete control. These openers come with built-in Wi-Fi and are myQ® compatible, allowing you to control your overhead door from your phone. 

FAQS FOR STEEL GARAGE DOORS

Still have questions about purchasing a steel garage door? Here are several common FAQs to help you decide whether steel is the best choice for your home or business. 

How Long Do Steel Garage Doors Last?

Because steel is such a hardy material, it lasts a long time with the proper care. You can expect to get a good 15-30 years out of your steel garage door. Some parts may wear out faster than others, but you can get these parts replaced and continue using the steel door for many years. 

• How do steel garage doors compare to other materials? Steel garage doors require very little maintenance and are generally more affordable than wood garage doors. While vinyl garage doors are the most affordable option, they don’t last as long and aren’t as strong as steel. Steel garage doors are the perfect choice for longevity, affordability and style. 
• Are steel garage doors durable? Yes, steel garage doors are very durable. They can last for 15-30 years with good maintenance, and they require very little upkeep compared to other types of garage doors. 
• Do steel garage doors rust? Steel garage doors are coated with zinc to prevent rusting, and they resist wet weather well. However, if the door becomes damaged or this coating is scratched, they may rust. If you discover rust on your steel garage door, you can remove and treat it to prevent it from spreading. 
• Do steel garage doors dent? Steel garage doors do dent if they’re kicked, hit with an object or otherwise struck hard. If it’s a large dent, you may be able to pop it out so the surface is smooth again. The more rigid your garage door is, the harder it will be to dent. 

BROWSE STEEL GARAGE DOORS WITH AAA GARAGE DOOR 

Steel overhead doors are one of the best options you can choose for your garage. If you are interested in replacing your garage door, you can rely on AAA Garage Door for quality doors and professional service. We offer a wide range of Clopay® steel garage doors and LiftMaster® door openers that can suit any home. 

Request an estimate from us today! 

Felipe Pinales

Reviewed By: Felipe Pinales - Felipe is Nebraska’s first IDEA-certified Master Technician. He has been employed by AAA Garage Door for 6+ years, and has had the Master Technician Certification in his sights since he began. Felipe has also passed four written examinations including Residential Installer Certification, Commercial Sectional Door Systems Technician Certification, Commercial Rolling Door Systems Technician Certification, and Rolling Steel Fire Door Technician Certification. Felipe is constantly looking for ways to improve his abilities within our industry. His goal is to become the best garage door technician possible to best assist his customers and fellow co-workers.