Garage Doors

About Garage Doors

Windows and doors are essential elements of building structures, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. They allow entrance and exit, enable cross-ventilation, and let more light inside. On top of that, they prevent intruders from trespassing.

Garage doors share the functional and aesthetic roles with the entry doors. They make the whole property more functional and strengthen its security. Moreover, when done right, garage doors can greatly enhance its curb appeal and market value. 

Types of Garage Doors

Based on the function and design, garage doors are classified into five main types.

Single and Double Garage Doors

When it comes to choosing between single and double garage doors, consider the size of your garage and your needs. Single garage doors fit up to 3 meters wide garages and are suitable for single-car households. Double garage doors fit up to 6 meters wide and offer easy access, a more substantial barrier, and additional storage. Opt for durable, secure doors made from quality materials and consider additional features such as locking mechanisms or automatic openers.

Over Canopy/Tilt-Up Garage Doors

The tilt-up canopy garage doors consist of one large panel attached to the frame by two hinges while several springs support the door left and right on the top side. As the name says, the panel opens by lifting up and moving into the top of the building.

Retractable garage tilt doors move the similar way, but with the panel suspended independently from the frame. The difference in design allows the door to rise without extending far beyond the frame and the building’s facade. While such configuration allows more convenience in some cases, it also requires more space than a canopy garage door. On average, it’s also less affordable. 

Roller Garage Doors

While tilt-up garage doors need to enter the space, roller doors also open vertically but then curl up at the top of the opening. This type makes a better option for areas with limited headroom, as it can be installed inside, in-between, or outside the garage opening.

Most models are easy to install and suited for both manual and automated operations. Equipped with locking mechanisms, roller models feature strong security properties and safety rates. 

Sectional Garage Doors

Even more space-savvy than canopy and roller models, sectional garage doors comprise hinge-connected panel sections that slide straight upwards over the rails, curving back into the garage pleaon top. The movement control also offers higher levels of insulation and security compared to the other types. 

Sectional type is excellent for short driveways or garages with restricted dimensions. They are also attractive in appeal, with diverse design options, including double glazed windows. 

Sliding Garage Doors

The slide to side garage doors is designed as a convenient solution for spaces with restricted ceiling height. Rather than raising up, they run horizontally, parallel to the wall. This type can slide in a straight line or turn at the corner, moving in the same way as a sectional door, making it the most space-efficient variety available. 

Horizontal operation bears the benefit of even weight distribution. For that reason, garage swing doors is suitable for large openings on different kinds of buildings. 

Side-Hinged

The most traditional garage door design consists of a panel attached to a hinged frame on one side of the opening. Similar to conventional entry doors or interior doors, side-hinged garage doors are typically made of wood and work by swinging open and closed. Modern versions are also available in steel with pre-hung frames and can also be automated with special conversion arms.

Custom Made Garage Doors

Custom made garage doors allow homeowners to choose the design, materials, and finishes that best match their home's architecture. They offer flexibility in style, energy efficiency, and security.

Garage Openers

Modern garage openers are available in a range of options, from conventional chain-driven and belt-driven models to those operated through the smartphone app. The four main types also include screw drive openers, highly sought after due to their quiet operation mode and low maintenance requirements. 

Garage Door Materials

Genuine wood garage doors have a classy, timeless appeal - but also come with high maintenance requirements, including recoating every few years. For those not ready to commit, it’s possible to get the door with the finish that mimics the look for a fraction of the cost and effort. Embossed steel with a faux wood-grain finish is the most affordable option. At the same time, the wood composite overlay or a fibreglass skin offer the effortless longevity of plastics with the beauty of timber.

• Steel: A widely popular solution offers durability, design flexibility, and value for the price, making it a convenient alternative to natural wood. Steel is lightweight and easy to upkeep, with the downside of being susceptible to rust and corrosion. However, proper maintenance can help preserve it at its best for a long time. 
• Wood: Nothing beats the timeless elegance of genuine timber. Besides that, it’s also an eco-friendly, renewable resource, available in a variety of styles, species, and customization options. The downsides are high maintenance requirements and high upfront costs. Also, extreme temperature differences might cause the wood to deteriorate faster; hence it’s best to use in milder climates. 
• Fibreglass: With an adequate finish, fibreglass can brilliantly mimic the grain texture of genuine timber, without the hassle of maintenance, warping, chipping, cracking, or cracking. For that reason, it can be safely used in humid climates. In addition, semi-transparent fibreglass will transmit more natural light inside. 
• Glass and aluminium: Often used to convey a contemporary look to a variety of aluminium garage doors are lightweight and easy to customize. They are also available in anodized coatings, powder coat colours, and various glass options.

Things to Consider Before Buying Garage Doors

Insulated garage doors made of steel also enhance the R-values of the property. Investing up to 20 per cent more into polystyrene or polyurethane insulation will pay off in saving energy bills and keeping the garage warm.

Springs allow better control over the door movement. While standard torsion springs bear the 10,000 cycles rating, that can mean less than five years of use - depending on the daily frequency. A spring rated for 20,000 cycles is worth considering, featuring a double life span for a slightly higher price tag.

Before opting for a specific style and colour, it’s good to ask if the seller/manufacturer owns software that can help in making the right choice. Uploading a photo of the property and trying several types of garage doors provides a clearer image of how everything will fit together. The method is particularly convenient when it comes to modern designer garage doors, which can easily catch the eye but might not prove to be a perfect solution.  

Adding the right windows can enhance the style of the door, but also improve natural light levels inside. Installing them in the top panel will improve security and privacy, and using insulated glass will raise the R-values. 

Steel doors with polyurethane insulation and nylon rollers are typically quieter than other models.