If you're in the market for a new garage door, you'll find that there are many different options to choose from. Sometimes it's hard to tell what the best solution is without a little bit of advanced preparation. If you've narrowed it down to steel or aluminum, you may wonder which one you should choose. Here's a look at a few things to think about.

Overall Weight

While you're probably installing a garage door opener anyway, you still need to consider the overall weight of your garage door. If the garage door opener malfunctions or the power goes out, you might have to raise or lower your garage door yourself. Make sure you choose a door that isn't too heavy for you to lift, that way you don't have to worry about being stuck with a garage door that's closed or stuck open because you can't move it. Aluminum is typically lighter than steel, so if a steel garage door is too heavy for you, consider aluminum instead.

Durability

The durability of garage doors is also important. Because steel is usually heavier and thicker, it's also considered more durable. If you're looking for something with greater impact resistance and protection against a potential breach, steel garage doors are a great choice. 

Rust Resistance

One of the biggest advantages of aluminum garage doors is the resistance to rust and corrosion. You won't have to worry about an aluminum garage door suffering from rust damage after the rainy season. If you choose a steel garage door, you'll have to paint it or powder coat it to provide the same level of rust resistance that aluminum provides naturally. In addition, that paint coating will need to be maintained over the life of the door, too.

Overall Cost

While the overall cost of your garage door will vary based on many different factors, you might find that an aluminum garage door is a more affordable solution. When you're installing a new garage door on a budget, make sure you talk with your installation contractors about what you are expecting to pay so that you can narrow down your options accordingly.

These are a few of the most important things to think about if you're choosing between aluminum and steel for your new garage door. Talk with your garage door installation contractors about any other key considerations or factors that might affect the right garage door choice for your needs.

For more information on garage doors, contact a company like Shank Door.