The amount of sunlight your garage door gets the more sun damage it can cause. The color fades and the coating degrades and becomes thinner over time. Furthermore, if you have a southward or westward-facing garage, the exposure will cause further damage. However, the material you chose for your garage door goes a long way in reducing the damage caused by sunlight. Therefore, wood and vinyl garage doors are the most widely used.
What is the Best Material to Prevent Sun Damage and Fading?
As a homeowner, you have a choice between wood and vinyl garage doors. This is how the two stack up against each other.
Durability
If well maintained, wood garage doors can last decades and retain their original condition. However, the durability depends on factors like the type of wood. Most woods are tough and resistant to damage from sunlight. In case of damage, wood garage doors can be repaired or refined.
For vinyl, the durability mainly depends on how thick the protective coating is. On average, vinyl comes with a guarantee of a 10-20 years lifespan. However, vinyl is susceptible to scratches and can be marred over time. Additionally, although many vinyl garage doors have UV inhibitors for sunlight resistance, they will still fade over time. The door will be degraded as it expands and contracts as it warms and cools.
Water Damage
Naturally, wood is an absorbent material that soaks up liquids. Water penetration into the wood can result in the growth of mold, which can further damage the door.
On the other hand, vinyl is a synthetic material that resists damage due to moisture or humidity. This ability makes vinyl suitable for use in almost every condition.
Maintenance
Hardwood garage doors need high maintenance. However, regular dusting and maintaining a finish coat can keep the door clean and prevent the wood from scratching dirt and dust particles. Hardwood can also be refinished if damaged and appear like new.
Vinyl garage door care and maintenance are simple. It requires regular wiping using mild soap and water. If your vinyl garage door is painted, you may need to repaint it occasionally. In general, vinyl is extremely low maintenance in comparison to wood.
Tips to Reduce Garage Door Fading
Although wood and vinyl garage doors might fade once their lifespan is over, these simple tips will help reduce the fading.
UV-Resistant Finish
Most modern garage doors feature a UV-resistant finish that deflects the UV rays. As a result, a garage door with this finish can last longer. In addition, this special coating protects the door’s finish while reducing cracking, fading, and peeling caused by the sun’s rays.
Apply Paint That is Reflective
A wood garage door can hold up better from continued sun exposure with the application of paint built to reflect the sun’s UV rays. It is advisable to choose a light-colored exterior paint that is reflective. Before applying the paint, always dried, cleaned, and primed for effective results.
Cover Your Windows With a Protective Film
Prevent excessive wear around the window frames by applying film to the surface of the glass that is protective. This film is ideal for reflecting the UV rays. In some cases, without the protective film, the frames could become loose and could develop cracks.
Who to Call For Help!
When you want to decide between wood and vinyl garage doors, reach out to professionals at Door Tech. We carry a wide variety of doors and help you make the best buying decision for your home and lifestyle.