Harsh winters, humid summers, and unpredictable storms—Arlington Heights homeowners know how much the local climate can affect their homes. From temperature swings that can cause expansion and contraction to heavy snowfall that adds extra weight, every part of the house needs to withstand the elements, and the garage door is no exception. That’s why choosing the right material isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about durability, maintenance, and long-term performance.
This press release, provided by USA Top Garage Door, draws from the company’s extensive expertise in garage door installation, maintenance, and component quality analysis. Their team has worked with every material available on the market and understands the impact of Arlington Heights' climate on different types of garage doors. Whether upgrading an old door or need garage door repair Arlington Heights, knowing the advantages and drawbacks of each option can help homeowners make informed decisions.
Quick Overview
Introduction: Choosing the right garage door material for your home
Understanding Arlington Heights’ climate and its impact on garage doors
Wood garage doors: Classic appeal with maintenance considerations
Steel garage doors: Durable, secure, and weather-resistant choice
Aluminum garage doors: Lightweight and rust-resistant for modern homes
Composite and fiberglass doors: Stylish, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance
Garage door repair Arlington Heights: Keeping your door in top shape
Summary: Selecting the best garage door material for your needs
Arlington Heights’ Climate and Its Impact on Garage Doors
With an average of 36 inches of snowfall per year and temperatures swinging between -10°F in winter and 90°F in summer, garage doors in Arlington Heights take a beating from extreme conditions. Material selection plays a critical role in durability, energy efficiency, and long-term costs. Some doors contract in the cold, leading to operational issues, while others struggle with rust and warping from summer humidity.
A poorly chosen material can lead to:
Frequent repairs due to expansion, contraction, and corrosion
Higher energy bills from poor insulation
Warping and cracking from humidity and temperature shifts
Security vulnerabilities as materials degrade over time
Modern doors come in steel, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite materials, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Some doors, like those from Clopay and Amarr, offer high wind-load resistance, making them ideal for Arlington Heights' occasional severe storms. Others, like CHI Overhead Doors, focus on thermal efficiency.
For those unsure which door fits their needs, evaluating climate resilience alongside maintenance and aesthetics is key. A door that looks good but struggles with seasonal changes will cost more in the long run.
Wood Garage Doors: Classic Appeal with Maintenance Considerations
Wooden garage doors are the oldest type available and still a favorite for homeowners seeking a traditional, upscale look. The rich grain patterns and customizable stains make them a go-to for colonial, craftsman, and carriage-style homes. However, while their curb appeal is undeniable, maintenance requirements can be a dealbreaker.
Pros of Wood Garage Doors:
Aesthetic variety – Available in cedar, mahogany, and redwood
Customizable – Can be carved, stained, or painted to match the home
Natural insulation – Provides better soundproofing and moderate energy efficiency
Cons of Wood Garage Doors:
High maintenance – Requires sealing and repainting every 2-3 years
Heavy structure – Puts strain on garage door openers and springs
Costly repairs – Warping, cracking, and rot require frequent upkeep
Wooden doors from brands like Wayne Dalton and Haas Door come pre-treated for weather resistance, but even the best coatings wear down over time. In Arlington Heights, where snow and humidity fluctuate, untreated wood absorbs moisture, leading to expansion and contraction cycles that weaken the structure.
One small but crucial detail: torsion springs used for wood doors must have a higher cycle life due to the extra weight. Standard springs rated for 10,000 cycles may wear out too soon. Homeowners opting for wood should upgrade to 25,000-cycle torsion springs for better longevity.
Wooden doors suit homes with detailed exterior designs, but homeowners should be prepared for the upkeep. For those wanting the aesthetic without the maintenance, composite materials might be a better fit.
Steel Garage Doors: Durable, Secure, and Weather-Resistant Choice
Steel garage doors are the most common type used in residential and commercial properties, and for good reason. They provide durability, security, and insulation while requiring far less maintenance than wood. The range of designs available makes steel a versatile choice for Arlington Heights' mix of modern and traditional homes.
Why Steel Garage Doors Are Popular:
Strength and security – Heavy-duty steel prevents forced entry
Weather-resistant – Doesn’t expand, contract, or warp from humidity
Low maintenance – Only requires occasional cleaning and minor touch-ups
Insulated options available – Helps reduce energy loss in winter and summer
However, steel has its own set of challenges. While it holds up well against the elements, it is prone to dents, especially from hail or accidental impacts. Brands like Overhead Door and Raynor offer dent-resistant steel doors with multi-layer construction to combat this issue.
Steel Garage Door Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Common Use |
24-gauge | 0.025 | Residential, lightweight use |
26-gauge | 0.018 | Standard residential homes |
28-gauge | 0.014 | Budget-friendly, low durability |
For homeowners in Arlington Heights dealing with sub-zero temperatures, steel doors with polyurethane insulation are a strong option. These doors have an R-value of 12-18, making them effective at keeping garages warm in winter and cool in summer.
A key consideration: steel doors with galvanized coatings last longer in humid conditions. Powder-coated finishes also help prevent rust, but cheaper painted models tend to chip and expose the metal underneath.
Steel doors require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for homeowners looking for durability without the hassle. However, those wanting a lighter, rust-proof alternative might consider aluminum.
Aluminum Garage Doors: Lightweight and Rust-Resistant for Modern Homes
Aluminum garage doors have gained popularity in Arlington Heights due to their sleek, modern appearance and resistance to rust. Unlike steel, aluminum does not corrode, making it an excellent choice for homeowners concerned about moisture damage. These doors are often found in contemporary-style homes and are available in a variety of finishes, including brushed, anodized, and powder-coated options.
Advantages of Aluminum Garage Doors:
Rust resistance – Ideal for humid summers and wet winters
Lightweight construction – Puts less strain on garage door openers and tracks
Modern aesthetics – Often features full-view glass panels for a sleek design
Low maintenance – Requires minimal upkeep compared to wood and steel
Despite their benefits, aluminum garage doors are more prone to dents than steel. Even a minor impact from a stray basketball or a hailstorm can leave noticeable marks. Some manufacturers, like Clopay and Wayne Dalton, offer reinforced aluminum doors with a thicker gauge to reduce denting.
One overlooked feature is the importance of high-cycle torsion springs when installing aluminum doors. Since these doors are lighter, standard springs may cause excessive tension, leading to uneven operation over time. Using a custom-calibrated torsion spring system prevents misalignment and extends the lifespan of the door mechanism.
While aluminum doors work well for modern homes, they may not provide the best insulation. Homeowners looking to reduce energy costs should consider polyurethane-insulated aluminum doors with an R-value of at least 10. These models retain more heat, making them a practical option for garages that double as workspaces.
Aluminum garage doors bring a contemporary look and corrosion resistance, but homeowners must weigh their durability concerns against aesthetic preferences. For those who want a balance between strength, insulation, and style, composite or fiberglass doors may be a better alternative.
Composite and Fiberglass Doors: Stylish, Energy-Efficient, and Low-Maintenance
For homeowners in Arlington Heights seeking a mix of durability, insulation, and minimal upkeep, composite and fiberglass garage doors are excellent options. These doors are engineered to provide the aesthetic appeal of wood while eliminating common issues like warping, cracking, and rot.
Why Composite and Fiberglass Garage Doors Stand Out:
Weather-resistant – Does not expand or contract with temperature changes
Impact-resistant – More durable than aluminum and less prone to denting than steel
Low maintenance – No repainting or refinishing required
Superior insulation – Many models have an R-value of 12-16, reducing heat loss in winter
Composite doors are made from a blend of wood fibers and resins, offering a wood-like appearance without the downsides of natural wood. Many brands, including CHI Overhead Doors, offer composite options with reinforced steel cores for extra durability.
Fiberglass garage doors, on the other hand, are ideal for homeowners who want a lightweight yet strong material. These doors have a fiberglass outer layer with a steel frame, providing impact resistance and energy efficiency. One detail that often goes unnoticed is that fiberglass panels can fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight, so choosing UV-protected finishes can extend the life of the door’s appearance.
While composite and fiberglass doors perform well in Arlington Heights’ fluctuating climate, they are typically more expensive upfront than steel or aluminum. However, the tradeoff is lower maintenance costs and better longevity. For homeowners prioritizing durability and efficiency, these
doors are worth the investment.
Garage Door Repair Arlington Heights: Keeping Your Door in Top Shape
Regardless of the material chosen, regular maintenance is key to extending a garage door’s lifespan. With Arlington Heights' harsh winters and humid summers, even the most durable doors need periodic checkups to ensure smooth operation.
Common garage door issues in Arlington Heights include:
Spring wear and tear – Cold weather makes metal springs brittle, leading to snapping.
Track misalignment – Temperature fluctuations cause metal tracks to expand and contract, leading to uneven movement.
Opener failure – Motors can overheat in summer or struggle in extreme cold.
Rust buildup – High humidity in warmer months increases the risk of corrosion.
Weather stripping damage – Freezing and thawing cycles cause seals to crack, letting in drafts.
A well-maintained garage door should last 15-30 years, but ignoring small problems can lead to costly repairs. Some preventative measures homeowners can take include:
Lubricating moving parts every 6 months to reduce wear
Checking for loose hardware and tightening bolts as needed
Inspecting weather seals to prevent drafts and water damage
Testing the auto-reverse feature on openers to ensure safety compliance
One detail often overlooked is spring cycle rating. Torsion springs typically last 10,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 7-10 years of daily use. Upgrading to high-cycle torsion springs (25,000+ cycles) can significantly extend the time between replacements, especially for households that frequently use their garage doors.
For homeowners considering an upgrade, insulated doors can help cut energy costs by 10-20% during winter months. Pairing a well-insulated door with smart openers like LiftMaster’s MyQ technology can further enhance efficiency by providing remote access and monitoring features.
Summary: Selecting the Best Garage Door Material for Your Needs
The best garage door material for Arlington Heights depends on factors like climate, maintenance, security, and design preferences. While wood offers unmatched aesthetics, it requires regular upkeep. Steel provides durability and insulation but may be prone to dents. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant but lacks impact strength. Composite and fiberglass doors deliver style with minimal maintenance but require UV protection.
Based on expertise from USA Top Garage Door, selecting a material that balances weather resistance, security, and long-term durability is essential. Their team has seen firsthand how local weather conditions affect different garage door materials and emphasizes preventative maintenance to avoid costly issues.
For homeowners looking to upgrade, understanding these material differences ensures they make a choice that lasts, performs well in Arlington Heights' fluctuating climate, and enhances the overall value of their home.
