Design Your Door
Where To Buy/ServiceModern Steel Garage Doors
Modern steel garage doors are a stylish and practical option for homeowners seeking a contemporary upgrade. They combine the toughness of steel with a minimalist design, making them a perfect fit for mid-century modern, contemporary, and transitional style homes.
Make no mistake—a modern steel garage door makes a visual impact. Sometimes the garage door can be an architectural detail that others might consider to be an afterthought. But a modern steel garage door makes a bold statement. Read on to learn about modern steel doors and what Clopay® offers to complement your home.
Modern steel garage doors typically feature clean lines, flush panels, and horizontal or vertical grooves for added visual interest. They are available in a wide range of colors, including classic black and white, to complement your home's overall design. Clopay’s Color Blast® program lets you choose from an array of Sherwin-Williams® options. This two-part polyurethane based paint is specially formulated for excellent adhesion and stability providing a high quality, durable, and professional finish for your door (and it’s backed by a five-year warranty).
Some of Clopay’s modern steel garage doors are available with a composite overlay that mimics the look of wood. These doors use a moisture-resistant composite material that replicates the texture and grain pattern of different wood species. It’s a great option if you want the look of wood but the low maintenance of steel garage door.
Modern steel garage doors have certain advantages compared to other types of garage doors. Here are some of the key benefits to consider:
- Durability: Steel is inherently strong and resistant to weather-related warping, cracking, and rot. A well-maintained steel garage door can last for decades.
- Low Maintenance: Steel requires minimal upkeep. It doesn’t need periodic staining or painting—it can just be wiped clean with a damp cloth and liquid dish soap.
- Curb Appeal: The clean lines and modern design of steel garage doors can enhance your home's curb appeal and property value.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern steel garage doors can be insulated, helping to regulate temperatures in your garage and potentially lowering your energy bills.
- Security: Steel is strong, and everyone knows it. Having a steel garage door can help prevent break-in attempts.
Modern steel garage doors are also relatively quiet when opening and closing, thanks to their smooth operating system. They come in a variety of sizes and can be customized with windows to allow natural light into your garage.
While modern steel garage doors offer numerous advantages, it's important to consider some potential drawbacks before making your final decision:
- Dents and Dings: Steel can dent, especially with lower gauge steel or forceful impacts. Dents can detract from the door's appearance and may require panel replacement in severe cases.
- Susceptible to Rust: Steel doors, like all metal doors, can rust over time. This is especially true in areas with a lot of rain and salt, like near the coast. However, Clopay® steel garage doors are protected with a coating system that includes a hot-dipped galvanized layer, a protective metal oxide pretreatment, and a baked-on primer and top coat.
Steel garage doors are primarily categorized based on their construction, which includes factors like insulation, durability, and cost. Here are the main types:
- Single-layer: The most affordable option, these are formed from a single sheet of steel and offer basic protection. They’re not insulated and can be prone to dents.
- Double-layer: These consist of two steel layers with an insulating layer (often polystyrene) sandwiched between them. They offer better insulation, dent resistance, and noise reduction compared to single-layer doors.
- Triple-layer: The strongest and most insulated type with the highest R-value, these doors feature three steel layers with insulation in the center. These doors are ideal for harsh weather conditions and maximum security but are also the most expensive.
- Steel with Composite Overlay: For a textured look to the door, consider steel with a composite overlay.
The lifespan of a modern steel garage door depends on several factors, but with proper care, they can last a very long time — typically between 15 and 30 years. Higher quality steel with a thicker gauge will naturally be more durable and resist dents better, extending the door's lifespan.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the moving parts will ensure smooth operation and minimize wear and tear. Harsh weather conditions such as heavy winds or salty air can take a toll on the door's materials. In these environments, opting for a double or triple-layer insulated steel door is recommended for extended durability.
If you’re ready to talk to a local expert, find a Clopay garage door dealer near you! Or just spend some time browsing our modern garage door collections to discover what type of door can help elevate the look of your house.
Want to learn more about garage doors?
