If you’re looking for a garage door material that can withstand high levels of moisture without succumbing to rot or rust, vinyl garage doors may be an ideal choice for you. Made from the synthetic material polyvinyl chloride, this door type was designed with durability in mind. In this article, we’ll cover a myriad of customization options for vinyl garage doors including design and finish choices to help you determine your best fit.
Design Options for Vinyl Garage Doors
Whether you’d prefer a more subtle design for your home’s exterior or a bold look, vinyl garage doors accommodate a range of colors and styles.
Color Options
Vinyl can expand and warp with extreme heat, so some colors work better than others do in sunny areas. White garage doors, for example, are a popular choice since lighter colors do not absorb sunlight the way darker ones do.
However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have an entire palette of both light and dark colors to choose from. Many manufacturers include UV inhibitors on vinyl garage doors to prevent warping and discoloration. That means no matter how light or dark the color of your door is, you’re covered. Check with the manufacturer to verify that UV inhibitors are included on your garage door.
Garage Door Styles
Vinyl doors can be ordered in a variety of style options including:
- Traditional raised panel: The panels in this design are raised, which is a conventional look.
- Carriage house: Looking for more of a vintage feel? Vinyl garage doors can be fashioned into a carriage house style.
- Flush panel: This contemporary style features a flat surface for those who prefer a more streamlined look.
- Modern ribbed: A set of horizontal lines run along this garage door to form a simple yet unique design.
Vinyl Garage Door Finishes
From solid colors to a distinct wood appearance, vinyl garage doors can be finished to look like a variety of materials.
- Faux wood: If you want wood doors without the high cost or maintenance, a wood grain texture finish can be applied over your garage door to mimic the look of wood.
- Smooth: A smooth finish offers a contemporary look that pairs well with flush panel or modern ribbed designs.
- Textured: Designed to mimic materials such as metal or stucco, a textured finish can elevate the look of your door.
- Solid color: Choose any color you desire, or match the exterior colors of your home.
The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Garage Doors
While vinyl garage doors may be the best choice for some, others may want to opt for a different garage door material. Review the pros and cons below to make an informed decision.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Resistant to rust, rot, and insect damage | Can become brittle in cold weather |
| Does not warp or expand when exposed to moisture | Can warp in extreme heat |
| Additional insulation options available | Darker paint on vinyl doors may fade without protective coating |
| Numerous opportunities for customization | Damage to vinyl door panels may require replacement instead of repair |
| More affordable than material types such as aluminum and wood | |
| Needs only occasional cleaning |
FAQs about Vinyl Garage Doors
Are vinyl garage doors as popular as steel or wood doors are?
Although they are durable, vinyl garage doors are not as strong as their steel and wood counterparts are. For this reason, they don’t tend to be as popular as other types are.
Can vinyl garage doors withstand extreme weather conditions?
When it comes to weather conditions involving moisture, vinyl doors can endure quite a lot, as they are moisture-resistant. However, they do not tend to do well in extreme heat or cold. If you live in an area where weather is a concern, make sure that you apply the appropriate coating to your garage door to prevent any damage from occurring.
Trust Precision to Handle Your Garage Door Needs
Let the professionals at Precision Garage Door Service® answer any questions you may have about vinyl garage doors. We’ll also install and maintain your new door with our garage door installation and tuneup services. For more information, find the Precision professional nearest you.
