Garage Door Panels: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

As a homeowner, you know that your garage door is a practical way to get in and out of your house and a big part of its public appeal. The panels are the most important part of your garage door because they make it look nice and work well. In this complete guide, we will take you on a trip through the world of garage door panels. Plus, we will give you useful information and tips so you can make smart choices about their materials and upgrades. Whether you just moved to a new home or have lived in your house for years, you must know how these panels work to keep your home safe, stylish, and efficient.

What Are Garage Door Panels?

Panels are the individual pieces that make up the bigger surface of a garage door. The door consists of rectangles or squares that fit together to complete the structure. You can choose ones out of steel, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl. Thus, these panels greatly affect how the garage door looks, how well it works, and how long it will last.

Manufacturers make most of them durable, so they can endure the normal wear and tear of using the garage door. The garage door size and type can change the number of panels. A few horizontal panels make most standard home garage doors.

Different Designs of Panels for Your Garage Door

There are many styles and varied designs of panels, which add a lot to the general look of the exterior of your home. The most popular designs for changing garage door panels are:

Raised Panel

This classic design has raised rectangular or square panels that give the door’s look depth and personality.

Recessed Panel 

Unlike raised panels, recessed panels have a more modest, understated look. You can find them often on modern or contemporary-style garage doors.

Carriage House Style

This style looks like traditional carriage house doors. It has a charming and rustic look and often has decorative windows.

Contemporary Panel

With clean lines and a simple look, contemporary panels are perfect for modern homes because they look sleek and elegant.

Different Panel Materials for Your Garage Doors

Each type of material for panel making has its pros and cons:

Steel

Steel panels are very strong, require little upkeep, and provide great protection. They come in different thicknesses, with bigger gauges offering more strength and insulation. However, based on the environment, steel panels can dent and may rust over time.

Wood 

Wood panels have a warm, natural look that goes well with classic and craftsman-style houses. Yet, you can still stain or paint them to match your house’s colors. On the other hand, to protect wood panels from the weather and pests, you must stain and seal them regularly. Contact your new garage door supplier or installer for the extreme repair of wood garage door replacement sections.

Aluminum 

Aluminum panels are light and do not rust, which makes them a great choice for places near the coast or with much humidity. You can paint them in different colors, and they require little upkeep.

Vinyl 

Vinyl panels can last long because they do not rust, crack, or get scratched. They are also easy to take care of and can be a great choice for homes that want a cost-effective and durable option.

Conclusion

The panels on your garage door have a big impact on how your home looks and how it works. You must know the different types of panels, materials, and design choices to help you make smart decisions about maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. It would also help to compare the new garage door panel cost versus the garage door repair cost to see which is more cost-effective in the long run. Doing this ensures they look good, work well, and keep your home safe for years. So whether you choose the traditional look of raised panels or the sleek look of modern designs, your garage door will still be a prominent feature of your home’s exterior.

Garage Door Service Near Me

Do you need a reliable sectional garage door panel replacement service? It can be hard to decide between the costs of fixing something and buying a new one. At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we can help you if you plan to buy replacement garage door panels or need help installing garage door panels for your new home. You know whom to trust if you need assistance changing panels for your garage door. Make a choice you will not regret with the help of our garage door experts. Contact us right now to get free estimates.