Choosing the right garage door for your property can be overwhelming. Many options are available, but not all are ideal for your needs. As the construction industry expands, brand and design alternatives will only increase, making your decision-making even more challenging.
If you’ve already installed yours, you may still need to replace it, especially if it’s over 15 years old. Statistics suggest that functionality and operational improvements contributed to the high garage door installations in Europe.
But what options should you consider when choosing a garage door for your renovation or new construction project? This article will discuss everything you need to know.
1. Side Hinged Garage Doors
Side-hinged garage doors are a traditional type of door split into two sections, with hinges on either side allowing them to open outwards. This operating technique provides easy access, and you can open only one half if needed. Therefore, they’re ideal for homeowners who use their garage for storage or as a workshop.
Advantages
- Side-hinged doors are easy to operate.
- They can be made from various materials, including steel and timber.
- Their simplicity makes them customizable for your specific requirements.
- They fit almost any garage structure, making them suitable for your new and renovation projects.
Disadvantages
- The two halves of the door take up space on either side of the garage. As such, they’re less suitable for narrow spaces.
- Their design also exhibits structural weaknesses, making them less secure than alternative types of garage doors.
Side-hinged doors aren’t the best for commercial buildings, especially if you’re storing high-value properties. However, they can suit domestic uses since they’re easy to operate.
2. Sliding garage doors
Sliding garage doors operate by sliding horizontally along a track. The track is installed along the wall, providing an unobstructed opening to the garage.
The door sits on the wall after opening, and, unlike its side-hinged counterpart, it doesn’t require any additional space. As such, they’re one of the best options for homeowners with limited driveway space.
Advantages
- Its space-saving design makes it ideal for small and big spaces.
- The operating mechanism is straightforward.
- You can also customize this door to meet your needs. For instance, you can hook it to automatic openers without too many technical requirements.
Disadvantages
- Since the track isn’t covered, it can be obstructed by debris or ice, hindering the garage’s accessibility.
- Slight damage on the door or track can make it challenging to open or close. As a result, it may cost you time and money to repair.
If you choose this door, ensure you clean the track regularly to eliminate any obstruction. Don’t oil or grease the track as this may accelerate the deterioration process. It’ll also make it difficult for the rollers to roll and work efficiently.
3. Roll-up garage doors
Roll-up garage doors are made from horizontal slats that roll up and store in a coil above the door opening. They’re common in commercial centres, distribution stores, and government buildings.
Advantages
- The design saves space, especially for small buildings.
- It also offers top-notch security, making it ideal for stores with high-value assets.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than other types like side-hinged and sliding garage doors.
- The rolling steel door can be noisy when opening and closing due to the movement of the slats.
You can choose between the roll-up sheet and rolling steel garage doors. But what’s the difference? The roll-up sheet consists of one large piece of steel while rolling steel is made of slats.
The former is inexpensive and is often employed in light commercial applications. On the other hand, a rolling steel garage door is used in high-security properties.
4. Sectional garage doors
Sectional garage doors are made up of panels that open vertically and store horizontally, allowing maximum use of space inside and outside the garage.
Advantages
- They’re among the most secure garage door choices.
- The storing style saves space, making it one of the go-to options for small spaces.
- They can be made from a variety of materials, including timber and steel.
Disadvantages
- They’re more expensive than other types of garage doors.
- The design can be less customizable than different types.
These are ideal for homeowners who want a combination of security and style.
5. Overhead garage doors
Overhead garage doors comprise one large panel that opens and closes vertically. They are ideal for homeowners who want maximum security and a traditional look.
Advantages
- Excellent security
- Traditional look
- It can be customized to suit your needs.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than other types of garage doors
- It can be less space-saving than different types of garage doors.
6. Slide to Side garage doors
Slide-to-side garage doors operate by sliding along a track inside the garage wall. They are ideal for homeowners who want a space-saving design and easy access to their garages.
Advantages
- Space-saving design
- Easy to operate manually or with automatic openers
- They can be customized to suit your requirements.
Disadvantages
- It can be less secure than other types of garage doors.
- The track can become obstructed by debris or ice.
7. Tilt-up garage doors
Tilt-up garage doors comprise one solid panel that tilts up and out of the way when opening. They are ideal for homeowners who want a space-saving design and a traditional look.
Advantages
- Space-saving design
- Traditional look
- It can be customized to suit your requirements.
Disadvantages
- Requires a significant amount of headroom for the door to operate
- It can be more expensive than other types of garage doors.
- It may not be suitable for areas with high winds.
Conclusion
Your choice of a garage door determines the security of your assets. Of course, it can be challenging to decide the most suitable options. But understanding their pros and cons can help you make an informed decision.
For instance, a side-hinged door enhances the accessibility of your garage. However, it’s not as safe as roll-up or overhead doors. Based on these advantages and disadvantages, you can choose one ideal for your retail stores or domestic needs.
If you’re unsure, consulting a professional can help you purchase the right door for your structure. You can also seek advice on whether your garage door is ready for replacement.