There are several types of garage doors available today, including the traditional garage door style, carriage house garage doors, and modern doors. There are also several features that differentiate each of these doors, which is what we’re exploring here.
Here are several different types of garage doors.
Different Types of Garage Doors
In the market for a new garage door? There are so many options out there, it’s hard to know which one is best for you. If you’re not sure, take a look at this guide. It covers every type of door you can buy, so you’ll make the right choice for your home.
Here are several different types of garage doors for your consideration.
1. Up And Over Garage Door
This is the most common type of garage door that you’ll see.
As the name implies, they open up and tilt over the car, allowing you access inside. When they’re fully open, the door will sit parallel to the ceiling, and extend out beyond the garage itself. They’re often all one piece, which means less moving parts to worry about. They’re a cheaper option that is still strong and weather-resistant, so once it’s installed it should last for years.
These garage doors do open onto the driveway though, so you’ll need enough space to allow it to do that. You won’t be able to park your car up against the doors if you want to use them.
Of all the different types of garage doors available, the up-and-over door is one of the most popular option.
2. Sectional Garage Doors
These doors also is just as it says. The door comes in sections, which are hinged. When the door is opened, it will roll up and onto a track suspended from the ceiling. Many homeowners like these doors, as they don’t take up any room on the driveway itself. It’s very self-contained and easy to use.
As there are hinges though, there are more moving parts on the door itself. That means more maintenance for you, which will usually amount to lubricating them so they move freely. If you’re happy to do that then a sectional door will be for you, but if not you’ll need another door type.
3. Roller Garage Doors
Your next option is the roller garage door. These are more common in industrial buildings, but they’re becoming more popular with homeowners. The door rolls up as you open it, rolling into a drum at the top of the door. This is great for homes with limited space. The door doesn’t extend out into the driveway, and the door rolls up tight at the top of the door, so it doesn’t need a lot of space indoors either.
If you want this door, you’ll need to pay more upfront for it. However, they are known to be long-lasting doors. They have a distinct look too, so you’ll need to consider if it’s right for your home.
4. Side Hinged Doors
These garage doors are the traditional carriage style doors and look great on traditional-style homes. They open like regular doors, and so are opened from the middle. There are usually two doors, one on either side and both need to be opened in order to get the car inside. These are a good option if you more often need to enter the garage on foot. They’re also good if there’s minimal space inside the garage, as they open outwards.
However, you’ll need to consider if you have the space on your driveway for these doors. As they swing out, they will need a lot of space. Can you give them that and still have your car on the drive?
What To Consider When Choosing A Garage Door
There are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind when you’re planning on buying a garage door. Here are a few things you’ll need to think about as you’re buying your new door:
Size: The size of the garage door is vital here, as it can affect how the door works. If the door is a type that protrudes out onto the driveway, will you have the space you need to fit the car on too? Will the door type you want fit in that space? Different door types need different amounts of space, so you’ll need to take that into consideration.
Material: There are lots of different materials that you can have a garage door made out of. You can choose steel, aluminum, wood, and more. The material you choose will be better for certain garage door types than others. If you want an up and over type, for example, you may want a lighter material such as aluminum. If you have your heart set on wood, you’ll need another design.
Security: The security of your home is vital. If you buy a certain garage door, is it going to offer enough protection against intruders? You can improve the security yourself, by adding things such as motion sensor lighting, but the door itself needs to be secure.
Budget: Of course, the amount of money you have to play with will affect which garage door you buy. Different doors are different costs, with some being more expensive than others. This will affect which one you choose.
Looks: Of course, you want your garage door to look good. It’s a huge part of your home’s curb appeal, so you want it to look its best. You will choose a door partly on its looks, but remember that it needs to be highly functional too.
Maintenance: Finally, when picking a garage door, take a look at the maintenance involved. Some doors require more maintenance than others, and that means that you’ll have to spend longer taking care of them. If you have the time and know-how to do that then it isn’t a problem, but if not then you’ll need to pick a model that needs less overall care.
Conclusion
These are four different types of garage doors available today.
They all have their benefits, making them perfect for some homeowners. You’ll know which one is right for you based on your home. If you have enough driveway space, a hinged or up and over door may be right for you. If you need to save space, maybe a sectional door is what you need. Pick the right door and order it today.