Magnetic hardware is a new trend for garage doors. Homeowners with traditional and carriage-style garage doors can add style with magnets. Although magnetic hardware is appealing, you'll have to find out if all garage doors are magnetic. And so, before buying magnets, it is a must to consider the composition of your garage door. With that in mind, we have researched from the experts about how magnets work on garage doors.
Magnetic door hardware adds to the appeal of garage doors. However, not all garage doors are magnetic. Metals with iron in their composition are magnetic. Hence, garage doors like iron or steel are magnetic. For other garage door materials like wood, fiberglass, and aluminum, these kinds are not magnetic. It is best to do a magnet test on your garage door before buying magnetic garage door hardware. Also, installing magnetic hardware is easy as sticking on a magnetic garage door.
Always check if your garage door material is magnetic. You must also plan where you install magnets on garage doors. When you are through with planning, installing is your next concern. Magnetic door hardware is easy to install. You can always refer to the manufacturer when installing. Keep reading to learn more about magnets and garage doors.
Do Magnets Work On Garage Doors?
Based on research, metals with iron in their composition are magnetic. Iron is a material used to make steel garage doors, which makes it magnetic. The ferromagnetic property in iron makes a solid attraction to magnets. Magnetic fields of ferromagnetic metals are stronger compared to wood, aluminum, and fiberglass.
If you want to be sure, you can always check if a magnet will bond with your garage door. You can use a refrigerator magnet and try sticking it on your garage door. If it sticks, your garage door is magnetic. Afterward, you can now choose magnetic door hardware that suits your preferences.
Does Magnetic Garage Door Hardware Work?
With the proper placement and garage door material, magnetic garage door hardware works. If you bought magnetic door hardware for garage doors other than steel or iron, it wouldn't work. Aside from the magnetic features, you can also coordinate garage door hardware with your home design. Read below for some recommendations.
Magnetic Garage Door Hardware Recommendations
Magnetic handles and hinges are widely available garage door hardware. You will not have to worry much about coordinating your garage door hardware. These door hardware are matching and comes in a set.
There are different styles available to suit the style of your home. Most brands also offer weather, rust, and UV-resistant door hardware for long-lasting use.
Most magnetic garage door hardware is only for decorative purposes. These faux door hardware do not work like real handles. You won't be able to lift or open your garage door but only add to the curb appeal. To add some life to a dull garage door, here is a list of recommended magnetic garage door hardware:
1. Household Essentials Decorative Magnetic Garage Hinges and Handles
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
2. Cre8tive Hardware Rustic Rings Magnetic Garage Door Hardware
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
3. AntiqueSmith Magnetic Decorative Garage Door Faux Hinges and Handles
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
With the variety of styles to choose from, you can find the right magnetic hardware for your garage door. These magnetic door hardware kits are also easy to install. The instructions will not require you to drill holes on the door nor use screws.
Installing A Magnetic Garage Door Hardware
Before installing, always remember the following to avoid incorrect placements or injuries:
- Do not make adjustments if you have no experience with garage doors. You must not adjust the garage door torsion, extension springs, rollers, cables, and electric openers. You can always consult the manufacturer before installing.
- Inform other people that you are installing on the garage door. Keep your garage door closed while installing. Install on the face of the garage door to avoid any accidents.
- Make sure that the magnetic hardware does not hamper the operation of the door panels.
- Keep at least 1-inch clearance from the garage door frame or seams.
You will not need tools to install your chosen magnetic door hardware. When you are ready, here are the steps in installing magnetic garage door hardware on metal doors:
- Plan your desired location for the magnetic door hardware.
- Mark the location where you plan to place the magnetic door hardware.
- Stick the door hardware to the marked location.
- You can remove and adjust the position of the magnetic door hardware if needed.
What Metal Are Garage Doors Made Of?
Due to the changing home styles, most homeowners have switched to metal garage doors. Metal garage doors have varying unique designs that add style to your home. Aside from these reasons, metals are tough and durable. The following are the kinds of metal for garage doors:
Iron
Iron garage doors are durable and long-lasting to withstand long-run wear and tear. Most manufacturers galvanize with a zinc coating, which prevents iron from rusting. If you see some grey and crystal bumps, these are signs of galvanizing on the door. If you want to know if the garage door is a galvanized one, you can try to attach a magnet. If it falls off, then the door is not galvanized.
Steel
A typical metal for garage doors is steel. Steel garage doors have two layers of galvanized steel. The surface is either primed or clad with a composite material. Most painters add some topcoat for their garage steel doors to follow the home design. Steel doors are low-maintenance but are very susceptible to dents and corrosion.
Steel is a common material for sectional garage doors. You can add insulation with varying sizes to help regulate the temperature. In terms of security, steel is very secure due to its robust composition. Aside from security, steel has at most a 3-hour fire-rating label. These features make steel an excellent choice for your garage doors.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another common garage door metal. Compared to iron and steel garage doors, aluminum is a lighter metal. Instead of galvanizing, aluminum garage doors have undergone anodizing. This coating process makes the aluminum resistant to corrosion. Although rust-resistant, aluminum garage doors are very prone to dents. Aside from denting, the extreme heat of summer reduces the strength of aluminum.
Other than the material, you also need to consider the size and features of garage doors. Whatever kind of garage door you choose should always depend on your needs especially as garage doors are not universal.
Is An Aluminum Garage Door Magnetic?
Generally, aluminum garage doors are not magnetic. As mentioned above, only materials with traces of iron are magnetic. Aluminum does not have abundant traces of iron. Aluminum is paramagnetic, which means that the material is weakly attracted to magnets. Paramagnetism is inherent in the composition of aluminum atoms.
In Closing
To add some attraction to your garage doors, try magnetic door hardware. Before installation, identify the material of your garage door. Magnets may not work with other garage door materials, so it is always best to plan. Only iron or steel garage doors are magnetic. Different types like aluminum do not allow a strong bond with magnets. With the variety of magnetic garage door hardware available, matching your home design is easy. Also, installing will not be a fuss. Add magnets now for an appealing garage door.
