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Garage doors are an essential feature of any home, providing not only a convenient entrance for vehicles but also enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. These large doors come in various types, each offering unique functionalities and design options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether manually operated or automated, garage doors are crucial for protecting your vehicles and other belongings stored in the garage.
55% of homeowners use the garage door as their home’s main entryway.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the different types of garage doors, how they work, their design varieties, and their protective benefits.
Garage Door Types Explained
Garage Doors
These doors are made with recycled wood fibres and resins. The warm, natural look of wood is retained and requires less maintenance. These garage doors meet local building codes and are energy-efficient. They also come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials. Whether you choose a traditional or modern-looking door, you’ll have a great option to choose from.
Garage doors have a typical lifespan of about 20 years, or potentially much longer if maintained properly.
Composite Garage Doors
While composite garage doors are extremely durable, you’ll have to maintain them. Some of the more popular styles are made from recycled wood fibre, but you’ll want to keep these options in mind when making your decision. These types of garage doors are also very low maintenance and require little to no maintenance. And a composite door can be made of up to 80% recycled wood fibre. You’ll love the look and feel of these doors and the fact that they are eco-friendly.
Torsion Spring
Another type of garage door is a torsion spring counterbalance system. Torsion springs are suspended from the shaft on either side of the opening. They can be extremely massive and can withstand all types of weather. These doors are best suited for climates with warm climates. The torsion spring counterbalance system mounts on the header wall above the garage door. The shaft of the springs consists of a steel shaft with two or more supports. The stationary cone at one end of the steel wire hangs on both sides of the shaft. The three support pieces are secured with two or more set screws.
Read More: The Best Patio Doors For Security & How To Secure Them
How Garage Doors Work
Garage doors operate through various mechanisms to suit different functional needs. The primary types include:
- Roller Garage Doors: A roller garage door rolls up into a compact coil above the garage opening, ideal for maximising space.
- Sliding Garage Doors: These doors slide horizontally along the garage wall, perfect for garages with ample side space.
- Tilt-Up Garage Doors: These single-panel doors tilt up and into the garage ceiling, providing a simple and cost-effective solution.
- Sectional Garage Doors: A sectional garage door comprises multiple panels that bend as the door opens, sectional doors offer smooth operation and better insulation.
- Hinged Garage Doors: These doors operate like traditional doors, with hinges on one side allowing the door to swing open. They can be a single large door or a set of doors that open outward. They are simple and require minimal hardware but need ample space outside the garage for the doors to swing open fully.
- Side-Hinged Garage Doors: Similar to hinged doors, these doors consist of two panels that are hinged on the sides and open outwards from the centre. They are ideal for garages where the ceiling space is occupied or for those who prefer a more traditional look. These doors can be made from various materials, including wood, steel, or aluminium, and are often chosen for their ease of use and aesthetic appeal.
Design Types
Garage doors come in a wide array of designs to complement the architectural style of any home. The aesthetic appeal of a garage door can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your property, making it an important consideration in your selection process. Here are some popular design types to consider:
Traditional Raised-Panel Doors
These doors feature a series of rectangular, raised panels that create a classic and timeless look. They are versatile and can be painted or stained to match your home’s exterior. Raised-panel doors are often made of steel, wood, or fibreglass, each offering its own set of benefits in terms of durability and maintenance.
Contemporary Aluminum and Glass Doors
For a sleek, modern appearance, aluminium and glass doors are an excellent choice. These doors consist of an aluminium frame with large glass panels, allowing natural light to enter the garage while maintaining privacy with frosted or tinted glass options. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and require minimal maintenance.
Carriage House Doors
Inspired by the rustic charm of old carriage houses, these doors blend vintage aesthetics with modern convenience. Carriage house doors typically feature decorative hardware and can swing out, slide, or fold open, although many modern versions operate like traditional overhead doors. They are available in materials like wood, steel, and composite.
Composite Garage Doors
Composite doors offer the beauty of wood with the durability and low maintenance of synthetic materials. Made from recycled wood fibres and resins, these doors are eco-friendly and resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting. They are available in various styles and finishes, mimicking the look of real wood without the associated upkeep.
Timber Doors
For those seeking a unique, bespoke look, timber garage doors provide endless design possibilities. These doors can be crafted from various types of wood, including cedar, redwood, and mahogany, and can be tailored to feature intricate designs, windows, and finishes that complement your home’s architecture. While they require more maintenance, the natural beauty and charm they offer are unmatched.
Steel Garage Doors
Known for their strength and security, steel garage doors are a popular choice for many homeowners. They can be insulated for better energy efficiency and come in a range of styles, from simple, flush designs to more elaborate raised-panel and carriage house styles. Steel doors are also available with wood-grain finishes, offering the appearance of wood with the durability of steel.
Fibreglass Garage Doors
Fibreglass doors are lightweight and resistant to dents and corrosion, making them ideal for coastal areas with salty air. They can be designed to mimic the look of wood and are available in a variety of colours and finishes. Fibreglass doors are low maintenance and provide good insulation properties.
Looking for Modern Garage Doors Options?
Garage doors are more than just an entry point for your car. They enhance your home’s appearance, protect your vehicles and belongings, and offer various functional benefits. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of wooden designs or the sleek look of modern composites, there’s a garage door to suit every style and requirement.
DoorsDirect2U offers a wide range of high-quality garage doors with quick delivery across mainland UK. Call our consultants now to find the best option for your needs and enjoy prompt, professional service.
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Types Of Garage Door FAQs
What are the different types of garage doors available?
There are several types of garage doors, including rolling, sliding, tilt-up, sectional, hinged, and side-hinged garage doors. Each type offers different benefits and is suitable for various garage layouts and personal preferences.
What materials are commonly used for garage doors?
Garage doors can be made from various materials, including steel, aluminium, wood, fibreglass, and composite materials. Each material has its own advantages in terms of durability, maintenance, insulation, and aesthetic appeal.
How do I choose the right garage door for my home?
Consider factors such as your garage’s layout, the climate in your area, the level of maintenance you’re willing to perform, and your aesthetic preferences. Also, consider whether you want a manual or automatic door and any specific security or insulation needs you may have.