If you're wondering why more Florida homeowners are switching to composite garage doors, one primary reason is their excellent durability against environmental elements. They're also energy efficient, thanks to their multi-layered structure and high-density core.
Composite garage doors also feature low-maintenance properties. Their aesthetic appeal further adds to their attractiveness.
With all those perks, investing in a new or replacement composite garage door installation project makes sense, as it could also give you the best bang for your home improvement buck. CNBC says that of all home renovation projects in 2024, garage door replacements had the highest return on investment at 194%.
Understanding the benefits of composite garage doors, their potential drawbacks, and why they're among the best garage doors in Florida can help you determine if they're the right choice for your home.
Are Composite Garage Doors Good?
Yes, they are, which is also why garage door trends show an increase in their usage. A report published by research firm Market Data Forecast notes that wood-look composite and custom-finished steel door sales grew by an impressive 33% between 2021 and 2023.
One of the primary features that makes composite garage doors a good option is their durability. The combination of high-quality composite door materials and exceptional craftsmanship allows them to resist moisture, rotting, and pests.
Some of the key materials used in making and reinforcing composite garage doors are:
- Wood fibers
- Plastics
- Resins
- A steel or fiberboard core (for added stability)
- Polyurethane foam (an insulating material that helps boost door energy efficiency)
Composite doors also allow for flexible and versatile designs, so manufacturers can design them in a way that mimics the appearance of stunning hardwood. While they may resemble wood, they're not 100% wood, which is why they can resist common problems like cracking, decay, and warping.
With proper care and maintenance, composite doors can outlast their hardwood counterparts.
What Is the Lifespan of a Composite Door?
The typical lifespan of composite garage doors is 15 to 20 years. You can make yours last longer, however, by giving it the proper care and attention it deserves.
Another factor that can add to its longevity is proper and professional garage door installation. It matters because it helps ensure the correct alignment, secure fitting, and even balancing of your new door. All these can help prevent problems like premature wear and tear.
Why Should Florida Homeowners Like You Switch to Composite Garage Doors?
A composite garage door can be particularly beneficial for your Florida home because of its resistance to damage caused by environmental factors. Another plus is its energy efficiency, something that you'd find helpful considering the ever-increasing cost of energy in the Sunshine State.
Resistance to Damage From Environmental Factors
In Florida, many building components, particularly exterior ones, don't last as long as those used in many other states. The primary reason is that they receive regular exposure to environmental elements like:
- Saltwater
- Wind
- Sun
- Heat
- Moisture
- Precipitation
All those elements can damage exterior building components over time, including garage doors.
Cracking, warping, and rotting, for instance, are common problems that affect real wooden garage doors. While they're no doubt aesthetic, their susceptibility to these issues makes them a costly, high-maintenance option for Florida homes.
Composite garage doors are much less prone to the same problems faced by their wooden counterparts. Since they consist of other materials (e.g., plastics, resins, and metal), they can better withstand environmental elements.
Energy Efficiency Features
Per CBS News, Florida residents are facing a potential $10 billion electricity rate hike over the next four years. Proposed by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the state's largest utility company, this increase would be the highest utility rate hike in U.S. history if it comes to pass.
Even if you're a customer of Tampa Electric, you're still likely dealing with higher energy bills, considering the recent price hike the company enforced.
As reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay, the Florida Public Service Commission has stood by its decision to approve the utility company's $185 million base-rate increase in 2025. An $86.6 million jump would follow this in 2026, and another $9.1 million in 2027.
With soaring energy rates, you'd want to do everything you can as a Florida resident to keep your bills low, something that a new insulated composite garage door can help with. The door's insulating materials can:
- Create a thermal barrier
- Prevent conditioned air from escaping
- Keep outdoor air from entering
- Promote more stable temperatures in the garage and nearby rooms
- Reduce strain on your HVAC system
- Cut down on energy losses through your garage
All those functions can also make your garage and home feel more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Disadvantages of a Composite Garage Door?
Although composite garage doors offer long-term cost-effectiveness, their upfront cost can be higher than that of other door types, such as steel. They can be more challenging to repair if they sustain significant damage, given their multi-material and multi-layered construction.
Composite garage doors may lack the inherent beauty of all-wooden doors, considering that they aren't 100% made of wood. There's also a risk of them cracking, although this has more to do with improper installation and lack of care.
How Do You Maintain a Composite Garage Door?
You don't have to worry about rigorous maintenance, as composite garage doors don't need regular staining or painting like wooden doors. You can typically just give them a routine cleaning with gentle soap and water.
How Long Does a Composite Garage Door Installation Take?
If you hire a highly experienced professional, you can expect them to complete the installation project within just a day. However, it will still depend on several factors, such as whether you have an old door that requires removal and the complexity of the project.
Consider Investing in a Composite Garage Door
From durability against environmental factors to energy efficiency and low-maintenance requirements, these are some of the top reasons Florida homeowners like you should consider switching to composite garage doors. While they may cost more than steel, the higher initial cost can be worth it, as you'll have a solid, stable door for many decades to come.
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This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
