If you are in the market for a new garage door, one of the most important things to consider is the style of the door. The style you choose will not only depend upon the style/look of your home, but on the cost of the product and amount of clearance in the garage. Consider the ceiling height, storage along the walls, and the amount of room directly outside the garage for clearance requirements. Luckily, there are various garage door styles and materials to choose from.
Sectional
Section garage doors are the most popular garage door styles in the United States. Paneled sections are connected by hinges. As the door opens and closes, wheels on the edge of each panel roll along a track on each side of the garage opening. The track curves near the ceiling and allows the door to slide along tracks that are parallel to the ceiling. Sectional garage doors are low maintenance and can be insulated or non-insulated. Because the garage door does not open out into the driveway, they are perfect for homes with small driveways.
Swing Out
Swing out garage doors—also known as carriage house style, side hinged doors, and barn doors—are comprised of a pair of opposing doors that swing outward. This is a popular style as they provide an old-fashioned look. Because the doors swing outward, you will need to have sufficient driveway space to allow for them. There are also bi-fold options available that require less space. Swing out garage doors are perfect for garages that have overheard obstructions or limited headroom because they do not require any tracks. If you are working in the garage, you can then open one of the doors to allow in air and light. The major downfall of swing out garage doors is that they are less secure than vertical doors.
Tilt-Up Canopy
Tilt-up canopy garage doors—also known as swing up—are solid doors that require adequate space in front of the garage to open. The canopy door works on a pivoting hinge mechanism. After the door is fully opened, it then slides back into the garage. The canopy door does not fully go back into the garage and the bottom part of it will extend outward from the garage.
Tilt-Up Retractable
Tilt-up retractable garage doors are similar in design to tilt-up canopy doors. The main differences are that this door is suspended independently from the frame and they do not protrude from the front of the garage. Retractable doors will require more ceiling space than a canopy. They are also more expensive and can be difficult to operate.
Slide to Side
Slide to the side garage doors perform exactly as the name describes. Instead of opening upward, the garage door slides to the side and runs along a track on the floor that is parallel to the wall. This type of garage door is great for garages with little headroom. But it will result in the loss of wall as storage space.
Roll Up
Roll up garage doors are typically seen in commercial settings. Steel slats that are 2” to 3” wide are connected by hinges. When opened, the slats roll over a drum that is above the door opening. Also, these types of doors are built to withstand heavy use and save space.
If you are interested in building an attached or detached garage, give us a call at Shakespeare Home Improvement Co. for a free estimate. To see examples of the garages we’ve built in the past as well as other inspirational garage pictures, click here.