Aluminum Versus Steel Garage Doors

If you’re considering replacing your garage door or installing one for your client, you may be wondering about your options. After all, garage doors come in different materials that impact their qualities. When it comes to exceptional strength, durability and low maintenance, metal garage doors top the list.

On the market, however, the options for metal doors are steel and aluminum. While they are both metals, steel and aluminum are distinct with unique qualities, strengths and weaknesses. Our guide on aluminum vs. steel garage doors will help you determine the best door for your needs.

What Are Steel and Aluminum Garage Doors?

Steel garage doors are made from galvanized steel, which is notable for its excellent rust resistance. While steel can be heavy, the panel’s varying gauges help with balancing weight and durability. These qualities make steel garage doors desirable in terms of strength, durability and weather resistance.

Aluminum garage doors have some qualities that are similar to steel, such as strength and weather resistance. They also boast distinct features like light weight and corrosion resistance. Despite their differences, both metals come with modern qualities like energy efficiency, custom designs and noise reduction.

Pros and Cons of Steel Garage Doors

Here are some of the advantages and downsides of steel garage doors:

The Pros

Strength and durability: Steel is a robust metal with exceptional strength and can withstand harsh conditions associated with daily use. The metal’s toughness makes these garage doors resistant to general wear and tear, heavy impact, and rough weather. As a result, steel doors can endure years of use, often offering a long life span.

Low maintenance: Besides the annual servicing recommended for all garage doors, steel doors require minimal maintenance. Usually, all the door needs is occasional cleaning and lubrication.

Energy efficiency: Steel is one of the metals with low thermal conductivity, which means it can help retain cooler internal temperatures in summer by transmitting less heat. The same also applies in winter, as the door prevents excess heat loss. Aside from steel’s natural qualities that promote energy efficiency, insulated steel garage doors further contribute to energy savings.

Weather resistance: Steel garage doors can withstand extreme weather conditions without warping, breaking and cracking.

Rust resistance: Galvanized steel has a zinc layer that makes it resistant to corrosion and degradation caused by moisture damage.

The Cons

Weight issues: Steel is one of the heaviest materials used in constructing garage doors. Besides making garage door openers work harder, the weight can damage weaker frames.

Denting: Steel panels are vulnerable to denting, especially thinner gauges. Accidental bumps and impacts from hail and stones can create dents that are challenging to rectify without professional assistance.

Heat transfer: While steel has a low heat conductivity compared to many metals, its conductivity level is still good. If the outside temperatures are extreme, steel will transfer the heat into the garage unless the door has proper insulation.

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Garage Doors

Aluminum garage doors share some similarities and benefits with steel. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of aluminum garage doors:

The Pros

Lightweight: Aluminum is a lightweight metal, which makes it an excellent choice if you want a metal garage door that puts less strain on the door opener. It’s also the lightest metal garage door for manual operation.

Corrosion-resistant: Unlike steel, aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion due to its reaction with oxygen, which forms a tough, non-reactive surface layer. Resistance to corrosion makes aluminum garage doors ideal in harsh environments.

Low maintenance: Like steel, aluminum garage doors require little upkeep. Occasional cleaning to remove dust and debris is generally enough.

Customizable: Aluminum is a highly customizable metal, which leads to versatile garage door options with unique features that match diverse architectural styles. Aluminum is often paired with glass for maximum light and visibility.

The Cons

Prone to dents: Metals are susceptible to dents from impact, and since aluminum is softer than steel, it’s easier to dent.

Low energy efficiency: Aluminum has low insulation properties, which makes it less energy-efficient unless the garage door is lined with insulation materials.

Heat sensitivity: Unlike steel, extreme summer heat can soften aluminum panels, making them more vulnerable to warping and denting.

Steel vs. Aluminum Garage Doors: Comparison

As you can see, steel and aluminum garage doors share many similarities and have a few unique qualities. But how do these qualities and strengths compare side by side? Here are some of the best qualities a garage door can offer and how both metals score for each:

Security Features

Steel is inherently strong, a trait that makes steel garage doors more robust and secure than aluminum. These doors are resistant to impact and can withstand brute force. As a result, they have a significant security advantage over their aluminum counterparts. Since aluminum is lightweight and malleable, it’s more likely to give in to forced entry.

However, both types of garage doors can be reinforced with other materials and fit with additional security features like locking mechanisms and smart technology to improve security.

Durability

Steel is generally considered more durable than aluminum due to its sheer strength and resistance to damage. However, other factors impact durability, such as corrosion and maintenance needs. Aluminum excels in both factors as it’s resistant to corrosion and doesn’t need frequent maintenance. As such, both materials have a reliable resistance to wear and tear.

Longevity

While both steel and aluminum garage doors offer durability, they differ in longevity based on their use and the environment. The toughness of steel doors makes them an ideal long-term option for heavy-use applications, but they may not fare well in rust-prone areas like coastal regions. Aluminum doors are a long-lasting solution where water damage and corrosion are a concern. However, since it’s softer than steel, the door may not last as long with heavy use.

Performance

Two of the key factors that impact performance are durability and ease of use. While steel offers superior strength and can withstand rough weather conditions, its weight makes it less efficient for daily operation as it strains the garage door opener. It’s also more challenging to operate manually.

Due to its softness, aluminum is less durable than steel. However, aluminum doors score high in terms of performance because they are lightweight, easier to operate and resistant to corrosion.

Fire Resistance

Today’s fire-rated garage doors are key to protecting lives and properties, but their level of fire suppression varies. Steel offers superior fire resistance because it has a higher melting point and doesn’t contribute to spreading the fire. Aluminum doors can also withstand heat but at lower temperatures than steel.

Choosing Between Steel and Aluminum Garage Doors

The choice between steel and aluminum doors largely depends on your preference, budget and environment. Whether you choose steel or aluminum garage doors, you’ll benefit from features unique to metal doors, such as durability, longevity and unparalleled performance.At Ben Druck Door, we carry commercial and residential overhead doors from top brands in the industry. We also provide installation and door maintenance services as well as a free consultation to help you make the best decision for your needs. Contact Ben Druck Door for a professional consultation and installation!

Commercial Garage Door Types and Materials

While residential garage doors can be customized with some of the same features as commercial ones, commercial garage doors are designed specifically for applications in businesses, warehouses, manufacturing plants, municipalities and other industries. 

Like residential doors, commercial garage doors are available in different materials and customization options. They are generally less concerned with style and appearance and prioritize function and efficiency. However, you can customize some to match or complement your building’s appearance.

Types of Commercial Garage Doors

Different types serve different functions, like fire protection or increased security. Some commercial and industrial door solutions serve multiple purposes at once. These are the most common overhead doors and their applications.

Roll-Up and Rolling Doors

Roll-up sheet doors are made of several panels of sheet metal, typically steel or aluminum, with a special groove and guide track design that allows the door to roll up vertically as a single, continuous sheet. They’re a good fit for facilities with limited overhead space because they do not arc like sectional doors. Many service doors in commercial settings fall into this category.

Rolling overhead garage doors, also called coiling doors, are a similar option. They are made of metal slats that form a compact overhead coil as it opens. They’re a popular alternative to sectional garage doors because they don’t require as much backroom — a term that refers to the distance from the door to the back interior wall. 

Both roll-up and rolling door varieties are durable, rugged and have high-cycle and fire door options.

High-Cycle Doors

High-cycle doors are a type of rolling door built with stronger, heavier-duty materials and components than standard ones. They’re designed for frequent use, withstanding hundreds of cycles each hour — high-cycle doors from Ben Druck Door are tested and rated for a million lifetime openings. 

You can combine high-cycle doors with high-speed technology if you need your door to open and close faster than standard offerings. This is common for climate-controlled and maximum security facilities.

Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors are essential in high-risk commercial environments, even if you don’t deal with flammable or explosive materials. Depending on your industry, you might be required to choose a fire-rated garage door to remain compliant with local and federal codes. 

What sets them apart from non-fire doors is the use of flame-resistant materials, such as steel, and the addition of self-closing mechanisms to create a secure barrier. Some have other features, like auto reset and auto open. Their primary purpose is to slow the spread of fire and smoke, allowing employees and visitors more time to escape the facility and minimizing the extent of the damage. Because they’re so durable, these doors are also a great option for enhancing security against unauthorized access.

You might install a fire-rated door in one or more of the following locations:

• Stairwells
• Corridors and hallways
• Openings between separate fire zones
• Storage units housing combustible or toxic materials
• Mechanical rooms
• In designated areas along the planned egress route
• Parking garages

Fire doors must be inspected annually to remain compliant. Ben Druck Door offers fire door inspections and testing to ensure your door is always functioning at its full potential so you have peace of mind that your team and your property are protected. One part of this service is the drop test, which is where an experienced technician evaluates how quickly and effectively the door closes and latches without interference. 

Sectional Doors

Sectional doors have horizontal panels joined by hinges, allowing the door to open and close along an arched path. If you’ve got a garage door at home, it’s likely a sectional one. The door lays parallel to the ceiling when it’s open, so ample overhead space is essential. Ensure the opening and closing path is free from obstructions like sprinklers, lights and ductwork.

Liking rolling doors, sectional doors and their features can be either manual or automatic. They’re also highly customizable — you can add features like insulation for noise and temperature control and windows or see-through panels to let natural light in.

Specialty and Custom Doors

Specialty doors may fall under any of the above categories but are for specific applications like security or interior security. Examples include:

• Security grilles.
• Blast-resistant doors.
• Four-fold doors.
• Vertical bifold doors.
• Countertop coiling grilles.

Ben Druck Door specializes in providing custom designs if you need a commercial door with unique requirements.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Garage Door

The best commercial overhead door for you depends on several factors. Here’s an easy way to break down your options. 

1. Consider the Door’s Purpose

Start by clarifying what purpose the door will serve at your facility. While this varies greatly between different industries, common applications include:

• Entry points for receiving and unloading freight.
• Vehicle access at auto repair and detailing shops.
• Self-storage and bulk storage facilities.
• Parking garage entry and exit points.
• Cold storage facilities.
• Secured entrances for law enforcement vehicles.
• Fire and ambulance stations.
• Storage for maintenance vehicles and supplies.
• Car wash service bays.

Once you’ve identified its main use, list all the necessary characteristics it should have to complete that task. Is security your top priority, or is the door’s visual appeal more important? Should it have insulating properties for better temperature control? How often will it be used on an average day — enough that you may benefit from a high-cycle option? How much ceiling and backroom space are you working with?

2. Prioritize Fire Safety Compliance and Local Building Codes

Contact your local building authority to determine which building and fire codes you must meet before choosing a door. You might also be subject to the following standards:

• National Fire Protection Association: NFPA 80 establishes fire safety standards for fire doors and protective openings, while the Life Safety Code in NFPA 101 has guidelines for construction, protection and occupancy to minimize the effects of certain hazards, like fire.
• International building and fire codes: The International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) have helpful guidance for protecting life and property across industries.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: OSHA has several standards for fire safety that apply to all workplaces in the United States.
• American National Standards Institute: ANSI has several standards that may apply to the construction and selection of commercial garage doors, such as ANSI/UL 325 and ANSI A156.1. 

You should also reach out to your insurance provider to see if they have any requirements for coverage, such as fire-rated doors or security enhancements.

3. Choose the Right Materials

Most commercial garage doors are constructed using steel or aluminum because of metal’s durability. When choosing between steel and aluminum doors, note these differences:

• Steel: Steel is the perfect choice for rugged industrial facilities or those that experience high traffic and frequent use. It offers more security and natural insulation than aluminum because it’s thicker — this also contributes to a higher initial investment. While steel itself isn’t corrosion-resistant, it can be coated with certain finishes that protect it against rust and oxidation.
• Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight, often making it a lower initial investment than steel. It’s naturally corrosion-resistant, which is a better option for wet or humid environments. These doors are less secure than steel because the material isn’t as strong and dense.

Both materials are ultimately recyclable and can be customized with different design and control features.

Trust Ben Druck Door for Your Commercial Garage Door Installation and Servicing

Ben Druck Door specializes in commercial garage door installation, repair and maintenance servicing, as well as fire door inspection and testing. We offer turnkey services, so you’ll never have to guess how much a job will cost — our transparent pricing includes everything from taxes to warranty coverage. 

Explore our complete commercial door offerings and request an estimate today to get started.

Can You Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?

Can You Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?

It’s possible to open a garage door with a broken spring, but we don’t recommend it. Trying to lift a broken door with your garage door opener can damage the motor, and a manual lift can put you, bystanders, vehicles and pets in danger. 

The Function of a Garage Door Spring 

Garage door springs are essential to the operation of a garage door. These critical garage door parts:

Counterbalance the Door’s Weight 

Garage door springs offer a counterbalance to the door’s weight, making it lighter to lift. For systems with an electric opener, garage door springs reduce strain and stress on the opener’s motor by helping to carry the door’s weight.

Help Control Operation

Springs help control the lifting and lowering process by ensuring smooth operation and helping roll-up doors to close softly. They also keep open doors securely in place, preventing them from crashing down on vehicles or operators. 

Why You Shouldn’t Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring

If you need to leave your property or access your garage urgently, you might be tempted to open a garage door with a broken spring. Opening the door on your own can have serious consequences. Here are three reasons you shouldn’t attempt to open a broken door. 

1. A Broken Door Can Crash Down 

When a garage door’s spring is broken, it leaves the weight unbalanced. When you try to open the door, it can suddenly shift without warning and fall, putting everyone nearby at risk of injury. 

While you may be able to open a door with a broken spring, keeping it open would present yet another challenge. If you open a broken door, you’ll need to secure it, and few things are capable of supporting such immense weight without the risk of letting the door fall.

2. A Broken Door Is Heavy

Even single garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds, and double garage doors or insulated models are even heavier. Garage door manufacturers ensure their products have appropriate springs that can bear the weight of a door. Lifting a garage door without functioning springs means you would have to lift and support significant weight, which could lead to serious injuries. 

3. A Broken Door Can Cause Damage

If you try to open a door without a functioning counterbalance system, you can damage the door, the tracks and the automatic door opener. These issues can result in costly repairs, especially if you damage your opener. 

We don’t advise trying to lift a broken door with your opener. If you do, you might:

• Strain to the opener: A garage door opener should not carry the entire weight of a door. Without the support of springs, the opener will have to work much harder to lift a door, which can shorten its life span or cause the motor to overheat and burn out. 
• Lift the door unevenly: A garage door spring that is broken on one side can cause the opener to lift the door unevenly. This misalignment puts additional strain on your opener and can warp or bend your door. 

How to Know If a Garage Door Spring Is Broken 

To find out if your garage door springs are not functioning as they should, look for these signs: 

• A gap in torsion springs: If your garage door operates on torsion springs — these springs run above your door — you might notice a break in the middle of the spring. 
• Operational difficulties: Your door might only open a few inches or might lift unevenly. 
• Problems using your garage door opener: If you hear your opener trying to lift your door but not succeeding, it might be due to a broken spring. 
• A heavier door: A door with a broken spring will be much heavier to lift, and you might struggle to open it manually. 
• A loud noise: When a spring breaks, you might hear a loud bang due to the release of tension. 

Rely on Professionals for Garage Door Spring Replacement 

Ben Druck Door has served customers since 1967. As a seasoned company, we offer a range of garage door services to homeowners and businesses, including quality garage door repairs. 

Our technicians can diagnose and repair your door during one visit. If you have a broken garage door spring, you can confidently rely on us to replace it. To mitigate spring problems down the line, you can also rely on our thorough commercial and residential maintenance services. 

Contact Ben Druck Door Today

Ben Druck Door is an efficient turnkey garage door company. We’re also a family-owned business — taking the time to build long-lasting relationships with our clients. If your garage door has a broken spring, request a service today or contact us online to find out more about our garage door offerings.