Living in the LV valley can put a strain on an otherwise healthy household. Summer afternoons routinely top 110 degrees, winter nights are occasionally near freezing, and the fine dust that permeates the air finds its way into every mechanical device in your home. Few things are worn down more rapidly by such conditions than the average garage door, and surprisingly few owners do any research into garage door styles and materials before renovations or new builds begin.

The importance of making the right choice hinges on both aesthetics and longevity, and given the harsh climate in the valley, it should drastically reduce the amount of maintenance a garage door Las Vegas will require once installed.

Why Climate Should Factor Into Your Material Decision

Garage doors in Las Vegas face a unique set of challenges in terms of materials and maintenance due to the intensity of the local climate. A garage door that's been performing admirably in the Southeastern United States or Pacific Northwest could be ill-suited to the extreme heat, cold, and dryness routinely seen in the Las Vegas area.

Steel remains the most popular material for doors in the desert climate, and for good reason. Modern doors are made of galvanized steel and feature UV-resistant powder coating for enhanced durability. Doors made of insulated steel utilize a layer of polyurethane or polystyrene between two layers of metal and serve to keep the interior of the garage at a stable temperature that's easier on heating and air conditioning systems tied to an adjacent garage.

Aluminum is another popular option for the valley and tends to be utilized in more modern styles that are seeing a rise in popularity in newer builds in Summerlin and surrounding areas. Aluminum is much lighter than steel and allows for a number of contemporary design elements, including large glass panel inserts. However, aluminum also dents much more easily than steel and provides less insulation than steel doors of a similar design and should be considered with this in mind.

Wood and faux wood composite doors are often popular choices for traditional Southwestern-style homes dotting the valley. However, real wood tends to be a poor choice for the local climate, as it will crack and separate along its grain after only a few years if not properly maintained due to the dryness in the valley air. While composite overlay doors have the same visual appeal as their real wood counterparts, they use an underlying aluminum or steel frame to resist the effects of the climate and reduce the amount of maintenance required to keep the door in good condition.

Fiberglass doors are less common in the region but tend to be favorites among transplants from coastal areas used to far more temperate weather. Fiberglass resists dents and decay but is more prone to drying and cracking in hot, dry conditions unless properly treated, making it a questionable choice for the local climate unless one specifically shops for a fiberglass door rated to perform in hot weather.

Styles In Style For The Local Climate

Aside from materials, owners in the valley tend to favor two broad categories of garage door styles. Modern minimalist designs featuring large glass panels and aluminum doors are a staple in newer developments. At the same time, doors made from composite materials in a traditional carriage house style are also popular in the valley for their traditional appeal. Carriage house styles tend to utilize composite "wood grain" overlay materials and offer the same warm aesthetic appeal as real wood without the extreme maintenance requirements.

The Value of Insulated Doors

Doors with insulation might seem like an unnecessary expense in a climate that rarely sees freezing temperatures. Still, doors with insulation perform much better in the extreme heat of an attached garage in the summer. Doors with proper insulation can reduce summer temperatures in an attached garage by several degrees, which in turn reduces the strain on an air conditioner and reduces the rate at which various items such as paint and electronics degrade due to heat exposure.

Nylon rollers on the door's track tend to last longer and require less maintenance than steel rollers in a dry climate like the desert and should be specified when ordering a new garage door. Weatherstripping on the bottom and sides of the door should also be made of UV-treated rubber or vinyl to resist the effects of prolonged sun exposure, as ordinary weatherstripping will degrade after only a few years of continuous exposure. These considerations should be made when ordering a new door but are also worth noting on existing doors as a factor in determining when the door will need to be replaced.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Shopping For A Garage Door

Shopping for garage doors in Las Vegas is a far more involved process than many realize, and a single small oversight can prove incredibly expensive when it comes time to actually replace the door. Understanding the local climate and what door materials perform best under those conditions is critical to ensuring that a new garage door purchase actually lasts for the duration of its expected service life.

Lift Tech Garage Door Professionals understand the importance of these considerations and are far more likely to offer practical advice when a customer inquires about garage doors rated to perform in hotter temperatures. In short, hiring a Las Vegas garage door professional with experience with the local climate is the best way to ensure a long-lasting, durable garage door installation.