California is unique for many reasons, but one of the most fascinating is the variety of climates, from the snowy weather in the high elevations to the Mediterranean-like heat and humidity near the coastal areas.
The weather in Los Angeles is consistently hot, dry, and sunny throughout most of the year in some areas and humid in others.
Arid climates can wreak havoc on your home inside and out, particularly the garage doors.
Have you been wondering Is Replacing Your Garage Door Worth It?
The answer is typically “yes,” especially if the garage door is older, damaged, and not rated to withstand Los Angeles’ crippling sunshine and heat.
Don’t waste your time doom scrolling, and instead, check out this simple guide to help you find the perfect, climate-appropriate garage door to fit your aesthetic:
Looking for a New Garage Door? How Los Angeles’ Hot, Dry Weather Will Impact Your Choice
Many homeowners focus on how snow, ice, and rain can wreak havoc on their garage doors, but what about the unrelenting heat, sunshine, and arid temperatures they are used to?
In addition to fading and warping the door itself, the heat can damage your residential garage doors and garage openers in a number of ways, including:
- Photo eye interruptions: Photo eyes are a safety feature that stops the door from opening and closing if there is an obstruction. Often, the sensors are confused by the bright sunshine0, leading to a potential injury.
- Damage to electrical components: The motor, wiring, and other electrical and electronic components are very sensitive to heat.
- Decreased flexibility and lubrication problems: Choosing the wrong garage door can dramatically raise the temperature of your garage, which can, in turn, cause issues with lubrication and component flexibility.
Popular Garage Door Options: What is the Best Material for My LA Home?
Choosing a new garage door can feel like an insurmountable task.
Will the new door raise my home value, and what are the maintenance requirements?
Will the door’s material handle the extreme weather conditions, and will the style and material help or hurt my home’s exterior aesthetic appeal?
Narrowing your options based on materials is a great place to start, and luckily, several options are available in modern garage doors.
Ready to make an informed decision?
Read this Los Angeles Garage Door Material Guide:
Steel Garage Doors
When selecting a garage door, steel doors are probably at the top of your list.
Steel doors, mainly galvanized steel doors, are renowned for their durability and low maintenance requirements.
These doors are susceptible to rust, scratches, and damage, but there is another point to consider.
Steel garage doors’ thermal resistance, coupled with their relatively low price tag, makes this material a great option.
If your goal is to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with the Right Garage Door that is also safe and durable, steel is a stellar choice.
Wood Garage Doors
Wooden garage doors have been the gold standard for centuries and for many reasons.
Wood doors are sturdy, elegant, eco-friendly, and typically naturally well-insulated.
Unfortunately, wood doors are also pricey, heavy, require regular maintenance, and can quickly become warped and damaged, especially during hot summers.
Vinyl Garage Doors
If you’re a homeowner who wants to keep your life easy, vinyl doors are a great choice.
The material requires minimal maintenance, is available in a variety of styles and colors, and is resistant to rust or dents.
Be aware that vinyl doors can fade or warp under the extreme heat of a typical Los Angeles summer.
If you opt for vinyl, choose a high-end vinyl that is well-insulated.
Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass doors are manufactured from a very light composite material that can mimic the look of real wood at a fraction of the retail cost.
Fiberglass is resistant to mold and warping, making it ideal if you live near the beach and in high humidity.
Fiberglass garage doors are inexpensive, and this is typically because they are often not well-insulated, and the material can be prone to fading.
Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum doors are resistant to rust and fading, which is ideal if you enjoy the salty air of a coastal area.
However, the material is prone to dents, is more expensive to maintain and install than other options, and, like fiberglass, doesn’t possess natural insulative properties.
Consider These Features When Choosing Your Next Garage Door
Garage Door Installation is at the top of your to-do list, and you have narrowed your material options, but this cannot be all you need to think about.
You should consider other features in addition to the material, style, size, and colors of non-insulated and insulated doors.
Look for garage doors that are:
- Impact resistant
- Feature corrosion resistance
- Fire resistance
- High insulation R-Value
Remember, a well-insulated garage door will help maintain the temperature inside your garage, protecting the contents and helping lower energy and cooling costs.
New Garage Door Maintenance Requirements – Tips and Tricks
The new garage door is hung, and you were thrilled with the professional installation.
You’ve chosen the perfect garage door for your home; now, you just need to ensure it remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
Luckily, maintaining a replacement garage door is easy, especially with the assistance of quality Garage Door Repair Services in Bel-Air from Ben’s Garage Door!
Maintain Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Regular Maintenance
Contact us today to schedule a yearly maintenance appointment.
During the appointment, a trained technician will perform a variety of services to always ensure your garage door and opener are in perfect working condition, including:
- Adjusting the garage door photo eye sensors
- Examining the door seals and weatherproofing
- Checking the hardware and hinges
- Tightening any loose bolts and screws
- Examining and balancing door springs
If one of our technicians determines a repair is necessary, rest assured we provide Quality Garage Door Repair in Arleta, CA.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Regularly lubricating certain moving and metal parts can prevent damage caused by friction while protecting the components from corrosion.
Apply a thin layer of technician-recommended lubricant to these parts, according to the package directions:
- Tracks
- Rollers
- Hinges
- Springs
- Locks
- Bearings
Contact a Professional at the First Sign of Trouble
Get in touch with a quality, trained Garage Door Repairman Near Me when you hear a strange noise, if the garage door isn’t opening and closing correctly, or if the door is malfunctioning in any way.
The pros at Ben’s Garage Door offer a wide variety of garage repair services, whether you need to repair an off-track door or replace a garage door panel.
Ben’s Garage Door: Your One-Stop Shop for All Your Garage Door Installation, Repair, and Maintenance and Repair Needs
From the idyllic weather to the chance to see your favorite celebrity dining at the new “it” restaurant, living in Los Angeles has its perks.
The year-round hot weather and constant sunlight might seem glorious on paper, but the brutal conditions can ruin your garage door.
The professionals at Ben’s Garage Door can help you pick the ideal door for your home’s look.
The new door will increase your home’s security, complement the look of your Los Angeles property, and will withstand whatever Mother Nature tosses at it.
We offer a wide variety of Specialized Double Garage Door Solutions and only work with the best names in the business, including Clopay, Amarr, and Wayne Dalton.
In the Market for a High-End Replacement Garage Door Opener? We Can Help!
You’re already replacing your garage door, so upgrading your garage door opener only makes sense.
Garage opener technology is constantly evolving, and modern manufacturers offer a wide array of safety features, including the ability to operate your opener from your smartphone!
We specialize in Choosing the Right LiftMaster Garage Door Opener or openers made by some of the business’s most well-known, trusted brands.
Recently Asked Questions
What is the best garage door for hot climates?
Each garage door material has its pros and cons.
Whatever you choose, make sure the door is well-insulated and features an R-value of at least 3C.
The R-value refers to the insulation’s ability to prevent heat from escaping through it.
The higher the R-Value, the more expensive the door will be—but the investment is well worth it.
Should garage doors match the house and trim?
To create a cohesive appearance, many homeowners choose a garage door that exactly matches their garage and home’s trim.
However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking this is a necessity.
Instead, consider these factors when choosing the garage door’s style and color:
- Consider the color and style of your house, not just the trim
- Explore a variety of color options based on your personal style
- Consider the colors of the neighbor’s homes
- Consider your home’s siding material
What is the most durable type of garage door?
The most durable garage doors are well-insulated, made from the right materials, and manufactured by one of the most well-respected names in the garage door industry.
For many California homeowners, a galvanized steel garage door is the best option because of the material’s unmatched durability.
