Garage doors are an essential part of every home. Not only do they provide privacy and security for your belongings, but they also play a crucial role in your home’s exterior appearance. If you’re in the market for a new garage door, it’s essential to understand the different types available so you can choose the best one for your needs.
Garage Door Types
There are a few different garage doors to choose from, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a rundown of the most common types:
1. Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are made up of several panels that hinge together. They’re a popular choice because they’re relatively affordable and installed by Dyers. However, they’re not as insulating as some other options, and they can be tricky to operate if you have a small driveway.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Many style options are available
Cons
- Not as insulating as other options
- Can be tricky to operate if you have a small driveway
2. Side-Hinged Garage Doors
This type of garage door features panels that open sideways. They have a traditional design and are incredibly easy to use, but they’re not as insulating as sectional doors and leave a larger footprint on your home’s exterior.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Traditional design available in a wide range of styles
Cons
- Not as insulating as other options
- Leave wider/larger footprint on home’s exterior
3. Boom Arm Garage Doors
These doors feature one panel that moves up and down along a horizontal arm. They offer better insulation than both sectional and side-hinged doors, but they may require professional installation or the purchase of additional hardware if you want them to be portable.
Pros
- Good insulation
- Can be installed, removed, or relocated by the homeowner with minor investment in additional hardware (most common)
Cons
- Most models cannot be installed without professional assistance but may require the purchase of additional hardware for portability (i.e., torsion springs)
4. Roller Garage Doors
Roller garage doors are made up of one large panel that rolls up into the ceiling when opened. They’re the perfect choice if you want a fast, easy-to-use door for an oversized garage. They also tend to be more energy efficient than other types. However, they can be noisy and are pricey compared with other options.
Pros
- Fast and easy to open and close.
- No noisy parts; therefore, they’re less likely to disturb your neighbors or other members of the household when in operation.
- Energy efficient (although not as much as many other options).
- Stylish design available for both residential and commercial use.
Cons
- They are typically more expensive than comparable sectional doors.
5. Sectional Overhead Doors
Sectional overhead doors are made up of several panels that roll up into the ceiling when opened; however, instead of rolling horizontally like roller garage doors, they slide open in sections vertically or diagonally (similar to an accordion). These doors make it easy for you to park your car inside the garage because there’s no door track getting in the way on the floor. One drawback is that if you have an attached carport or covered porch above your garage, these types of doors will take up much-needed headroom.
Pros
- Provide head clearance for cars in the garage, so they can easily pull in and out without hitting garage door panels.
- Clean look when not in use (other types of driveways are visible when open).
Cons
- Can take up needed headroom if you have an attached carport or patio above your garage.
6. Folding Garage Doors
Folding garage doors are like sectional overhead doors, but they fold horizontally rather than slide open in sections. This makes them a good choice if you have limited headroom or want a door that can be opened even when there’s a car parked in the garage. However, folding garage doors can be more expensive than other types, and they’re not as energy-efficient.
Pros
- No visible track when the door is open, making parking your car much more accessible.
- Stylish design available in a wide range of styles.
Cons
- They are typically more expensive than comparable sectional doors.
- Not as energy-efficient as other options.
7. Carriage House Doors
Carriage house doors are a unique type of garage door that looks like the swinging doors you see on old-fashioned houses. They’re typically made of wood and have decorative hinges and hardware. While carriage house doors are beautiful, they’re also quite expensive and require a lot of maintenance.
Pros
- Provide a distinctive look for your home’s exterior, and they can be pretty stylish.
- Require less clearance space than other options since each door swings inward.
Cons
- It can be expensive depending on the style chosen.
- Require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking good over time (including regular staining or painting).
Which garage door is right for homes?
Choosing the right garage door for a home can be daunting, as many options are available in the market. The garage door not only provides security to the house but also adds to the home’s overall aesthetic appeal. The most common types of garage doors are sectional, roller, side-hinged, and up-and-over doors.
Sectional garage doors are made up of several horizontal panels that slide up and over on tracks, allowing for maximum space utilization. They are a popular choice for modern homes and come in various designs and colors to match the style of the home.
Roller garage doors are a great option for smaller garages, as they take up less space and are easy to operate. They roll vertically and are made of lightweight aluminum or steel materials.
Side-hinged garage doors are ideal for traditional homes that require a more traditional look. They are available in a variety of materials and designs. They can be customized to suit the individual needs of the homeowner.
Up-and-over garage doors are popular for those looking for a simple and easy-to-use option. They are made up of a single panel that swings up and over, taking up minimal space.
Ultimately, the right garage door for a home depends on the individual needs and preferences of the homeowner. When deciding, it is important to consider factors such as size, style, and security needs.
Read More: What is Garage Door Opener? Its Purpose And Programming Garage Door Opener With Different Modes
When choosing a new garage door, the most important thing to consider is what type of climate you live in. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you’ll want to choose a well-insulated door. If you have a small driveway, you’ll want to choose a door that’s easy to operate. And if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to choose an affordable door.
No matter your needs, there’s a garage door type that’s perfect for you. So before you buy, be sure to do you and figure out which type of garage door is best for you and your garage.
Maintaining a Painted Garage Door
Keeping a painted garage door clean and free of dirt is the best thing you can do. The finish will stay pristine for a long time if it’s periodically deep cleaned and recoated with exterior paint, preventing the need for a complete refinish in the future.
FAQs
Garage doors can range from around $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and size of door you choose.
A sectional overhead door is typically the best option for a small driveway, as it doesn’t require as much clearance space as other types of garage doors.
A well-insulated garage door is the best option for an area with extreme temperatures, as it will help keep your garage and home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
A non-insulated garage door is typically the cheapest option, and it can be a good option if you don’t live in an area with extreme temperatures. However, it’s important to note that these doors are not as energy efficient as other options.
Apart from this if you are interested to know more about Garage Doors Replacement & Installation Services then visit our Exterior category.
