5 Common Types of Garage Doors
Choosing the right garage door is an important decision for any homeowner. A garage door is a significant investment that can improve a home’s curb appeal, functionality, and security. A garage door is one of the most visible parts of a home’s exterior, and the right door can enhance the property’s overall appearance. The door’s style, color, and material should complement the home’s architecture and add to its curb appeal. The right garage door should also be functional and operate smoothly. It should provide easy access to the garage and be compatible with the opener system. The door’s size and configuration should be appropriate for the garage’s dimensions and the homeowner’s needs.
The right garage door can enhance the security of a home by providing a barrier against intruders. The door should be made of durable material and feature strong locks and hinges. It should also be compatible with a reliable opener system with rolling code technology to prevent unauthorized access. Here are five common types of garage doors:
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are the most common type of garage doors found in homes and commercial buildings. These doors consist of several horizontal panels hinged together and operate on a vertical track system. When the door gets opened, it rolls up vertically along the tracks and into the garage’s ceiling space.
Sectional garage doors come in a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and wood, and are available in different styles and designs to suit various architectural styles. They can also come insulated or non-insulated, providing homeowners with energy-efficient options that help keep their garages comfortable and reduce energy costs.
One of the significant benefits of sectional garage doors is their durability and resistance to weather and other harsh elements. They can withstand the extreme temperatures and weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for homes in areas with extreme weather conditions.
Sectional garage doors are also known for their versatility and ease of operation. They can get operated manually or automatically with the help of an opener system. The opener system consists of a motor, chain, or belt-driven mechanism that opens and closes the door using a remote control or wall-mounted switch.
Roller Garage Doors
These doors consist of a series of horizontal slats or panels that roll up vertically along tracks and into a compact box located above the opening of the garage door. They are known for their smooth and quiet operation, making them a popular choice for homes with living spaces above or adjacent to the garage. They also require minimal headroom, making them an ideal option for garages with limited space.
Roller garage doors are also known for their energy efficiency. They are available in insulated and non-insulated versions, with the insulated models offering higher thermal efficiency and helping to reduce energy costs by maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
Side-hinged Garage Doors
Side-hinged garage doors are a traditional type of garage door that has been in use for many years. These doors have two panels hinged on the side and swing outwards to open. Side-hinged garage doors are typically made of timber or steel, offering homeowners a range of design options.
One of the drawbacks of side-hinged garage doors is that they require adequate space for opening and closing. This can be an issue for homeowners with limited space, as the doors must swing outwards to open fully. They can also be more susceptible to damage from vehicles or other objects, as they get exposed when open.
Tilt-up Garage Doors
They consist of a single solid panel lifted upward and tilted into the garage when opened. These doors are typically made of wood or steel, and they offer homeowners a range of design options to choose from. One of the main benefits of these garage doors is how simple they are. They are easy to operate and require minimal maintenance.
Tilt-up garage doors are also known for their durability and strength. They get designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide excellent security for the garage. They are also available in insulated versions, which can help to maintain stable indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
Slide-to-Side Garage Doors
Slide-to-side garage doors, or sliding garage doors, are a type of garage door that slides horizontally to open and close. They are typically made of steel or timber, and they offer homeowners a range of design options to choose from.
One of the main benefits of slide-to-side garage doors is their space-saving design. They are ideal for homes with limited driveway space or where a conventional garage door may need to be more practical due to nearby obstructions. The sliding mechanism allows the door to be partially or fully opened, giving homeowners flexibility in how they use their garage space.
