There are many options for you when looking into garage doors. If you’re looking for a new door, one of the choices you’ll need to make is whether you need single-panel garage doors or sectional garage doors. The difference is more than just cosmetic, so let’s get into what you need to know.
What Are Single Panel Garage Doors?
Firstly, you need to know what exactly single-panel garage doors are. These garage doors are made up of one piece of metal that slides up and over the car when you open it. You’ll often find them in older homes, although they’re now becoming popular again in homes where owners want a more traditional or vintage look.
What Are Sectional Garage Doors?
On the other hand, you’ll find sectional garage doors. These are doors that are made of several panels that are joined horizontally with hinges. These allow the door to bend as it’s moved up and down a track. As such, they’re great for garages with less clearance as they slide up and across the ceiling of your garage rather than out onto your driveway.
Which Garage Door Is Best For You?
Now, you’ll need to consider which kind of garage door will be right for your home. Which one would make the most sense if you’re going to replace it? Here are the key differences between choosing single-panel and sectional garage doors.
Cost
This is one of the most important things you need to consider if you’re going to have a garage door replaced. Before you start looking around, you’ll have a budget in mind. As such, the garage door that you choose will have to be the one that’s in your budget.
On average, single-panel garage doors are typically less expensive. They cost less to make and install, so you’ll have the savings upfront. As there are fewer moving parts, you’ll also have less to pay out for over time.
A sectional garage door will be more expensive, thanks to the extra moving parts that are in the design. These will also add more to your repair costs over time, so you’ll need to factor this in.
Safety And Security
Another important thing with garage doors is the safety and security they offer. You want to be sure that the door is safe to use and will keep your home secure, no matter what.
A sectional garage door is often a good call, as they offer a lot of security to your home. These doors have rubber seals that help prevent break-ins, as there’s no obvious point of entry. That’s something that you want to consider, especially if your home is attached to your garage.
As for single-panel garage doors, they have a reputation for being less than safe as they use extension springs. These can make it unsafe if not properly maintained as they break apart and fly off at high speeds. Of course, if you’re taking good care of your garage door, then this shouldn’t be a problem.
Space Needs
It’s not the space inside your garage that you need to consider when it comes to your garage, but out on your driveway too. This will impact which door you choose.
Single-panel garage doors are best for people with larger driveways, as they need clearance to open. If you can park your car farther pack before you open your door, then they’ll work for you.
If you don’t have as much space, then a sectional garage door will give you what you’re looking for. These roll up and into the garage, so they don’t need any clearance space at all. If you have a small driveway, then sectional doors are the better option.
Installation
Many homeowners will want a garage door that’s quick to install, as they have a lot of pressure on their time. You can’t be hanging around at home all day while you’re waiting for the installation, so that’s going to impact the kind of door you pick.
This is where single-panel garage doors win, as they are much simpler to install overall. As such, you’ll find that they’re a lot quicker to get in, so your garage will be operational much more quickly.
A sectional garage door will take longer to install as there are more moving parts. However, if there are enough benefits to having the door installed, it can be worth the wait.
Variety
Everyone’s home is different, so you’ll need a different look for your new garage door. Which kind of door gives you more variety?
Single-panel garage doors offer a lot of variety, as they can be made in so many different styles. For example, depending on your needs, they can be made to look for traditional or modern. They can also be made to look like different materials, such as wood. Magnetic hardware can be an option, too. And, of course, the panel can be painted any color you like.
Sectional garage doors are a little more limited, as they have to use designs that work with those sectional panels. However, there is still a good amount of variety, so you won’t miss out.
Durability
While most garage doors made now will be made to withstand everyday use, you’ll need to consider whether your new door can stand up to the weather and anything else life throws at it.
Sectional garage doors are known to be more resistant to inclement weather, so there’s less risk of them being damaged. Single panel garage doors can be dented or dinged, but that is often an easy repair.
There are lots of reasons why you should pick either single-panel garage doors or sectional ones. It all comes down to you and what you need from a garage door. Use this guide to help you decide which one is right for you.