About Wood Garage Doors
Wood garage doors can be a wonderful addition and accent to your home. However, there are some points to consider before going ahead with a wooden door. Following are some frequently asked questions about doors made of wood and whether they are right for you or not.
Are wood garage doors good for a very cold climate?
Wood is naturally a pretty good insulator. However, if you live in a climate where winters are harsh and very cold, wood may not be the best material for your door. The wood panels are typically not that thick and therefore do not provide much in the way of insulating value to your home. You would likely be better off with an insulated metal door or a fiberglass door which usually has insulation sandwiched in between the panels.
Can a wood garage door withstand high wind conditions?
Wood can be very strong, especially oak, but if you live in a location that occasionally experiences high wind conditions like tornadoes or hurricanes, the use of wood might not be a good choice for your doors. This is especially true if you have a double garage and the door panel spans are double wide. These doors were simply not made to withstand high winds. For that type of environment, you would be better off with reinforced steel doors.
What kind of wood are wooden garage doors normally made of?
Wooden doors can be manufactured in a variety of woods. Oak is known for its strength and durability but is quite expensive. The most commonly used woods are Cedar, Redwood and Hemlock. These woods are naturally resistant to mildew and rot and are still quite strong and easy to work with.
Do I have to worry about my garage door going rotten?
Rot can be a major problem with doors made of wood. This is especially true in areas of high humidity or with major rains. You can certainly still use wood for your doors in areas like this, but you will need to make sure that you keep up with the maintenance of these doors. You must make sure that the doors are properly painted or stained to prevent moisture from entering the wood. Further, you will need to make sure that any areas that rub so that the paint or stain is removed, are fixed so that the door is sealed properly. You will also want to make sure that the bottom of the door is not sitting in water because of an uneven driveway. Yes, wooden doors can rot, but with proper maintenance, this should not be a problem.
Are wood garage doors expensive?
Wooden doors are definitely more expensive that their metal or fiberglass counterparts. A well made, quality wooden door may cost as much as 10 times that of its metal counterpart. This, of course, is an important factor in deciding whether a wood door is right for you.
Can I install a wooden garage door myself?
Because of the extreme weight of these doors and the necessity that they be properly balanced, installing wooden doors is likely not a do-it-yourself project. Ottawa Garage Door is equipped to handle the heavy weights and will make sure that the springs are adjusted properly to allow the door to glide well on the rails. An improperly installed wooden door can be dangerous and may not last as long as it should
Wood garage doors look great! They can be a real selling feature when it comes time to sell your house. Now that you know the answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about wooden doors, hopefully you can make the right decision when it comes to choosing a door for your home.
Wood garage doors are a great way of dressing up your home. However, if you live in a cold climate you might be better off with a metal door to which you add garage door insulation. Either way, make sure you get the right door for your home taking into consideration that you garage door can be where the greatest loss of cool in the summer and heat in the winter occurs.
