If you have spent much time in Duluth, Minnesota you may have noticed that it has quite a unique climate. At some points in the year, the city is freezing over with windchills reaching around -50F degrees. At other points, it could be a balming 95F out with the sun pounding down. This city takes a lot and as the Duluth door experts, we get questions regarding what kind of door to buy all the time. In this blog, we will talk about what kind of door you should buy if you have a home in Duluth Minnesota. We break down the pros and cons of the top four Duluth garage door materials and what we recommend.
Why does it matter what door I buy?
Like most outdoor products, Garage doors are specifically designed for different climates, Designers factor in temperature, humidity, precipitation, and much more when they create their garage doors. Some doors are made for warmer climates in the south while others are made for colder climates in the North. Buying the right door can save you thousands on energy bills, maintenance costs, and can make the overall aesthetics of your home better.
What types of garage doors are in Duluth?
Since Duluth has such a unique climate the types of garage doors across the city variate substantially. This means that there are many options that you can choose that can accent your home’s style. The most popular types of garage doors are steel, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.
ADD picture of a steel door

Steel Garage Doors (The best option)
Steel garage doors are one of the most popular options for homeowners within Minnesota. This material offers durable, low-maintenance doors that can hold up to any weather type. Steel garage doors are extremely cost-effective and can last up to 20 years or more. We recommend getting an insulated garage door as it will help keep energy costs low throughout the winter months.
Pros:
- Durable
- Cost-effective
- Lasts for a long time
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Has the potential to rust if damaged
- Ability to get dented over time

Fiberglass Garage Doors (A good option)
Fiberglass is often overlooked by Minnesotan homeowners when they are choosing a garage door material. Unlike wood, fiberglass garage doors will not shrink, warp, or crack – making them particularly ideal for homeowners living in humid climates like Duluth.
Pros:
- Won’t contract or expand from temperature changes
- Low maintenance
- Economical price
Cons:
- Susceptible to wind damage
- More brittle than wood or steel

Aluminum Garage Doors (A decent option)
Aluminum doors are light, which makes it easier for your garage door opener to lift, but they are more expensive than steel and are easier to dent. There is a big benefit to aluminum however, that makes it worth the extra cost. It doesn’t rust so it will last a long time and be able to withstand corrosive environments and offer better insulation than steel. Though it may be more expensive than steel at first, you might save money down the road with fewer maintenance costs.
Pros:
- Lighter door
- Wide choice of full-view glass options and frame widths/colors.
- Can work well in all Climates
Cons:
- Less resistant to damage than steel doors
- Higher expense
- Usually less insulated than other door types
Add picture of a wood door

Wood Garage Doors
Wooden Garage doors are also an option for Minnesota homeowners. This eco-friendly option is extremely aesthetically pleasing for many homes. Unlike steel garage doors wood doors are natural insulators that can help during the cold winter months of Duluth. Unfortunately, wooden garage doors are on the pricier side and require a good deal of maintenance over time.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Natural insulator
Cons:
- Higher cost
- High maintenance
- Doesn’t do well with largely fluctuating temperatures
Doorco is Duluth Minnesota’s leading garage door installer. With hundreds of projects completed, we are the experts for all things doors. Our team is here to help you with your door needs. Located on Rice Lake Rd we have been proudly serving the Duluth community for over 20 years installing garage doors, entry doors, coiling doors, overhead doors, and loading docks throughout the Twinports. Give us a call today to set up a consultation at 218-349-3715 or get in touch with us here:
Don’t forget to follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram Check out other Doorco blogs by clicking here:
Blogs powered by Finden Marketing