Both steel and fiberglass garage doors are durable and will last longer than other types. But if there must be only one to choose from, it is logical to check more of the details of each type. You may start by knowing their advantages and disadvantages and analyzing which you like better.

Steel garage doors  

With high-grade material and proper care, a steel door can be durable to the point that it will last for decades. And keeping its durability is simply doable, especially with the convenient solutions available. Moreover, steel garage doors are generally low maintenance and easy to clean.

Regarding security, a steel door can be pretty hard to break. It will then deter or discourage burglars from trespassing on a property. On the other hand, steel garage doors will attract good vibes because they can be energy-efficient and stylish. Garage doors can help keep a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is especially if the door is insulated. Moreover, steel doors are available in a variety of colors and designs.

Fiberglass garage doors 

In a nutshell, a fiberglass door is a steel door with a fiberglass coat. It has solid materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Fiberglass is a very lightweight material that makes a door easy to install and maneuver.  

Another benefit of having a fiberglass door is it is undemanding to clean. And it can also resemble other materials, such as wood or steel if that is your preferred look. In this sense, selecting fiberglass doors offer more options when you aim to have a stylish door. With its features, fiberglass garage door material is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, which is why it is a good material for garage doors.

Additionally, fiberglass garage doors are primarily insulation-ready. So these help to control indoor temperature and lower electrical bills. What’s more, fiberglass doors create less noise and help to have a soundproof room.   

Steel versus fiberglass garage doors

Like other materials, both steel and fiberglass also have limitations. Looking at these issues helps further to learn which is better, at least for a person or purpose. 

Resistance to elements – Constant exposure to moisture makes steel prone to rust. And it can happen so soon if not properly maintained and the material has no protective treatment. For this reason, checking if a steel garage door is corrosion-resistant or galvanized is critical. You need not worry much about rust if it does. On the other hand, fiberglass doors are also resistant to weathering and won’t corrode.

Affordability – Compared to other garage door types, fiberglass can be more expensive. Steel type may also be pricey if compared with wood. However, overall, steel garage doors are known to be affordable and cost-efficient. 

Wear and replacement. Scratches and forces can easily damage both steel and fiberglass garage doors. However, you must be extra careful with fiberglass. High-impact pressure and sharp objects can greatly damage a fiberglass garage door. If it happens, the only option is to replace it with something new.  

Learn more about the standard door sizes for metal buildings.

Single vehicle garages can be linked to the house or built separately. They can be one- or two-story (less common).

More than 79 percent of American houses have a single-car garage, although not all are used to keep cars.

According to the DOE, 25% of people with one- or two-car garages only use them for storage and cannot fit a car inside.

With limited lot space, street access, or budget, the single car garage is the ideal answer.

Then there’s the resale value. There are several factors to consider while creating a one-car garage.

Standard Single-Car Garage Size

A one-car garage measures 12 ft wide by 20 ft long. This size features a 9-foot wide garage door and allows for a comfortable car door opening on either side.

This is typical, but single car garage sizes can vary depending on their function, vehicle size, and location.

Large Single Car Garage Size

Huge single-car garages for large automobiles and small boats can be up to 16 ft wide and 24 ft long. A normal two-car garage is 18 ft wide by 22 ft long. A one-car garage this big can fit almost any vehicle with 4 extra feet of width and length (or depth). It allows for a modest workspace, project area, laundry area, or storage cupboard. Large one-car garages can be made into two-car garages by adding a double door.

Minimum Single Car Garage Size

Ten feet broad by 18 feet long is the minimum garage size. This type of slot is only suitable for little cars. A garage this small can only employ an 8-foot single garage door instead of the more standard 9-foot door.

The narrow doorway increases the risk of injuring the automobile, side mirrors, and fenders. A lack of space to open automobile doors is another problem. One vehicle garage should be two feet wider and longer. 12 ft broad by 20 ft long.

Whether you want to know the standard size for a one-car or two-car garage, Lion Buildings can provide you the right answer. More importantly, we can also help you build it.

But today, metal carports are making a comeback because they are so ingenious and versatile!

Metal garage use

Here are just a few of the things you can do with a metal garage:

1. Use it as an extension of your house. Cover it with siding and put a roof on it. Then you have a very lovely, low-maintenance, little house that will be perfect for you and your family.
2. Use it to store your boat or other vehicles which require dry storage.
3. You can use it as storage for some of your important items. 
4. You can use it as a shop or welding center or whatever else you need a place to work.
5. Use it to protect your vehicle from the weather. Not only is it cheap and easy to repair, but it is also very effective if used properly.

The main reason homeowners would want a metal garage is because it offers excellent safety features. The floor joists are extremely strong, and the entire structure is very lightweight. In fact, a metal garage weighs only about one-third as much as a wooden garage of equal size.

How much does a metal garage cost?

Metal garages and their installation varies considerably depending on local building codes, weather conditions, and who does the work. But, these prices are typical. 

One-Stall Garage     

Size                Price

12’x20          $9,600

14’x20          $10,405

14’x22          $11,710

16’x24.         $12,688

Two-Stall Garage 

Size            Price

20’x20       $12,365

20’x22       $12,895

22’x22       $14,170

22’x24       $15,060

22’x26       $15,705

24’x24       $15,985

24’x26       $17,360

24’x28       $18,170

24’x30       $18,900

Where to get one built

If you want the best chance of getting one you like, go to Lion Builders. That is where you will find the lowest price. We also have a wide selection of prefabricated garages. 

Their metal buildings are affordable, durable, and easy to install. We have the best metal buildings for whatever you need them for: a garage, workshop, office, extra living space, a church, or a commercial building.

To request a free quote, call (888) 237-2991.

Adding a garage to your house not only provides you with a safe space for your vehicle, but it can also provide a better opportunity for you to sell your home at a higher price in case you would want to sell it sometime in the future. 

For those who are already planning to construct a garage, they usually ask, “Can I build a garage on a floating slab?” 

Before we answer that, let us first define a floating slab.

What is a floating slab?

A floating slab is the primary foundation design adopted for structures that do not have basements. They are developed in two stages. First, the workers pour the footings separately. Then after the footings are already cured, they pour the center floor. 

A floating slab is not anchored to the floor, hence the name. The insulation is constructed directly into the concrete by placing it in between layers of concrete. Another way is by setting it directly over the concrete.

A lot of homeowners prefer a floating slab because it is a lot cheaper than building a complete foundation because the excavation, labor, and extra concrete costs far exceed the cost of insulation.

Floating slab for a garage

A floating concrete slab is indeed suitable for shallow foundations like a garage. Other uses include light home extensions and sheds.

Advantages of floating slabs

• Aside from using floating slabs for your new garage, you can also use them in areas with low-carrying capacity.
• Concrete floating slabs can spread the vertical pressure and distribute it to other areas.
• It can block moisture coming from the floor.
• Great for house extensions.
• It does not disturb the earth layer beneath it.

Disadvantages of floating slabs

• Concrete floating slab uses primitive technology and has lower layout resonance. 
• It lacks underground access for utility lines connection.

Meanwhile, if you wish to build a garage on your property, why not consider a metal garage from Lion Buildings?

Lion Buildings is the number 1 metal buildings distributor in the market.

Metal garages are durable and more cost-efficient than their wood counterparts. In fact, metal buildings are cheaper than woods. They can withstand the elements a lot better than wood garages. And, if you care for the environment, you should opt for metal buildings as they are made of recycled materials. That is a big win for Mother Nature.

At Lion Buildings, we provide high-quality, safe, durable, and affordable metal buildings. They are easy to install too. You can build your metal garage in no time as they come in prefabricated materials.

For more information, call (888) 237-2991.