When garage doors face direct sunlight, choosing materials is imperative. You want your garage doors to look great for years, but direct sunlight can affect this. It is important to choose the best exterior door for direct sunlight.
This quick guide will provide information on choosing the best kind of garage doors for facing direct sunlight or a south facing garage door.
Wood
If you are determined to have a wood garage door, despite the fact that the garage faces directly into the sun, you will need to choose your wood, paint and/or stain carefully to avoid fading, cracking, warping or separation. It is best to choose wood, paint or stain that is lighter in color. You will also need to regularly reseal the door to keep the wood looking great when there is sunlight on garage doors.
Steel
Although steel is often the material of choice for security purposes, it is not necessarily the best option if the garage will be exposed to the sun for a big part of the day. The steel will absorb the sun’s heat quickly. This can compromise your home’s energy efficiency during the summer and in fact even create a safety risk as these doors can get very hot in the summer months. If a steel door is used, it should be a light color. You may also want to consider adding insulation to prevent heat gain.
Aluminum
Aluminum is often a favorite choice for garage doors. It is budget-friendly, comes in a wide variety of designs and colors, and withstands direct sunlight well. However, you should be aware that they will become hot to touch in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. You will want to consider having extra insulation in that part of your home if you use aluminum doors.
Existing Garage Doors
If you already have a garage door in place that is directly facing the sun, there are steps you can take to make this door more of an asset and less of a liability. You must choose colors wisely. If the door is a dark color, having the door repainted can help to deflect a lot of the sun’s heat. You can also add extra insulation to the attached part of your home to reduce heat gain and retention.
How To Choose the Best Garage Doors
If you feel uncertain about choosing the best doors for your garage, you can reach out to a local construction professional. They can help you evaluate your home and the direction your garage is facing. A construction professional can advise you on the best material and color for your garage door. They will also be able to advise you on how to better insulate your home to avoid heat gain and retention from your garage doors.