Garage doors have become such an integral part of a home’s exterior, that you need to think clearly before buying and installing one at your home. The door has to suit your home’s exterior and style. Also, you have to keep the ceiling space and the number of cars you have in mind.
This is why you have to know about different types of garage doors.
Garage doors can be classified based on their types, sizes, and materials. Based on type, sectional and roll-up garage doors are most common in the USA. According to the materials, you have a plethora of choices among steel, wood, aluminum, and vinyl garage doors. And if you have only one car, go for single garage doors, while for two cars, you should get a double garage door.
Let’s take a detailed look at different garage door types.
What are the different types of garage doors?
As time has passed, the role of garage doors has shifted from only protecting the garage to increasing the curb appeal of a home as well. They also add a lot of functionality to the garage, which is why you should be very careful while choosing a garage door for your home.
You have to research various garage door types before making a final decision.
Here, we have prepared a complete analysis of various kinds of garage doors based on various criteria to help you make up your mind.
Based on operation
Different garage doors operate differently, which is why you should be very careful about choosing one for your garage. Here are a few garage door types according to how they operate.
- Sectional garage doors: These garage doors are the most common and popular type of garage door in the USA. These doors are divided into sections, which are all connected to various hinges. When opened, all of these sections bend over a curved portion of the garage door track, parallel to the ceiling.
- Roll-up garage doors:
One of the most popular types of commercial garage doors in the country, roll-up doors are also very popular among homeowners.
These doors have slats that roll around a drum that is situated above to door. These doors are well suited to buildings with low ceiling space. - Side-to-slide garage doors: This type of garage doors operate just like sectional doors, but instead of sliding parallel to the ceiling, they slide parallel to the wall of the garage. If you don’t have much headroom in your garage, these types of automatic garage doors are the perfect fit for you.
- Side-hinged garage doors: These types of garage doors look a lot like traditional garage doors, and work like them as well. They resemble large wooden barn doors and open like regular doors with hinges, These are perfect for garages with little to no headroom.
- Tilt-up garage doors: Other types of garage doors that have a hinge mechanism, these doors open outwards, but not like the previous ones. The hinges of these doors are above the door, which makes them protrude a little to the exterior of the house. These doors have only one panel, unlike most doors on the list so far.
- Up and over retractable garage doors: Although they look and operate a lot like the previous garage door type, they are a bit different in certain aspects. For instance, these doors open inside the garage when opened, instead of protruding outside. As a result, they are only suitable for garages with a lot of headroom.
Based on materials
Depending on materials, garage doors also vary greatly. Here are a few main garage doors according to materials.
- Steel: Steel garage doors are one of the most common garage doors in the world and for good reasons. These doors are affordable, readily available, and durable.
- Aluminum: Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, easily available, and rust and corrosion-proof. This makes them a top choice for a lot of homeowners.
- Vinyl: Vinyl garage doors are made of completely synthetic materials, and hence are dent and rust-proof. But if you are looking for totally eco-friendly materials, these are not the best options.
- Wood: Wooden garage doors are not as prevalent now as they were a few decades ago, but they are still around in great numbers. These doors have exquisite designs that will stand the test of time, albeit their short lifespan leaves a lot to be desired.
Based on size
The garage door type that suits your needs will also vary according to your garage size and the number of cars you have.
- Single garage doors: If you have a small garage and only one car, you should get a single garage door. Single garage doors usually come in 8’x7’ or 9’x7’ dimensions.
- Double garage doors: On the other hand, if the garage in your house is quite big, and you have at least two cars, you should get double garage doors. Double garage doors usually come in a size of 16’x7’.
Final words
Knowing about different types of garage doors is the best way to choose the right one for your home. You should keep the headroom of your ceiling, the exterior of your home, and the climate of your area in mind before choosing a garage door.
Once you have made your pick, call us to book our garage door installation services for a safe and proper installation of your garage doors.
