Like everything else in your home, garage door technology has come a long way. Gone are the days of simply having a door that opens up and lowers to protect your home; these days, garage doors cannot only be a source of aesthetic pride but can also trap in energy and reduce utility bills significantly.

Whether you're in the market for a new garage door because of a desire to upgrade, or you're replacing one after recent damage, you should talk to your local professional to ask which material is right for your next garage door installation. They'll be able to explain your options, many of which are outlined below.

Metal

Regardless of whether or not you opt for a steel or an aluminum garage door, take great care to make sure that they're properly insulated and protected against possible rust and corrosion. If those two elements are in place, you should be happy with a metal garage door installation, since these materials can be painted and textured to match just about any type of design that you're looking for. Moreover, they provide substantial durability for your home, lasting roughly 30 years with minimal maintenance.

Wood

For many years, homeowners have loved the look and feel of wood on their garage door. Not only does it match the rest of their design, but it can also present a very natural feel to their home that's appealing to them, as well as prospective buyers. While most of these doors are factory coated, other homeowners choose to paint them on-site to make sure that they're truly custom. If you like the look of wood, but don't want the warping and decay that can come along with it, you should consider a wood composite instead. These are not only better insulated, but generally offer better resistance to damage and denting, and can even be fire-rated to protect against the elements.

Fiberglass

By far, one of the most common types of garage door materials on the market today is fiberglass. They're inexpensive to install, highly customizable, and are extremely durable against the elements, as well as any kind of accidental damage. For the average homeowner, fiberglass is the perfect choice to ensure that their garage doors last for decades at a time, while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic for the home. Regardless of what type of material you're looking for, you should always talk to a company that specializes in garage door installations to help you make your decision.