There are many different types of garage doors out there, so how do you pick the right one for your house?
We’ve put together this guide to help you get started. Keep reading below!
How to Choose the Right Style
Before you even start thinking about the material, you have to pick the right garage door style. There are five basic styles you should consider before you make your final choice.
Here’s a quick look at each one.
1. Sectional
This is the most common type of garage door. When you think of a garage door, this style is (most likely) what will pop into your head first.
A sectional garage door is made of four (or more) horizontal panels connected to each other by hinges. Each panel also has a set of wheels on each edge. These wheels sit inside a curved track.
As the door opens, the panels bend in shape with the curve. Once opened, the entire door will sit flat against the ceiling of your garage.
2. Roll-Up
Like a sectional door, a roll-up garage door is also made of several horizontal panels. But there are many more of them, and they are much skinnier. This makes the door more flexible.
When you open this door, it will roll up like a yoga mat at the top.
This type of garage door is less common for residential homes, but it can withstand a lot of heavy use. If durability is something you’re looking for, this might be a good option for you.
3. Tilt-Up
Tilt-up doors are made of one solid panel. There are two different, but similar, types of tilt-up doors.
- Canopy
Tilt-up canopy doors are connected to a pivoting mechanism. This allows you to push the door open from the bottom. When open, a canopy garage door will lay flat against the ceiling, but they’ll stick several feet out of your garage.
- Retractable
Retractable tilt-up doors are basically the same thing, but they don’t protrude from your garage. Instead, they slide back at an angle as they open until they are flat against the ceiling.
4. Side-Hinged
Side-hinged garage doors are kind of like larger versions of the front door for your home.
This garage door style opens in the middle, like a giant set of double doors. The doors open outward, giving you plenty of space to pull your car in and out of your garage.
5. Slide to Side
Slide to side doors act like traditional sectional garage doors if they were flipped over sideways. Instead of retracting up against the roof, these doors slide to one side of your garage.
Because of this, they’re made of four (or more) verticle panels connected together with hinges. This gives the door the ability to bend around the corner of your garage.
How to Choose the Right Material
Picking the material of your garage door is perhaps more important than choosing the style. After all, the material will impact how well your door performs and how well it holds up to the weather in your area.
If you haven’t thought about the material of your door before, it might be time to make an upgrade during your garage door repair and installation. We’ve put together a quick guide on the different types of materials you can choose from.
Here are a few pros and cons of each one.
Wood
Wooden garage doors are beautiful and traditional. They can turn your garage into an eye-catching feature of your home, which can increase your home’s value.
But wood has a few drawbacks.
First of all, it’s more expensive than many of the other options on this list. You can save a lot of money during your installation if you pick a different material.
This type of door also won’t do well in wet environments. Things like rain, snow, and cold temperatures can make the wood rot or warp.
You’ll also have to do a lot of maintenance work on a wooden garage door throughout the years. Every year or so, you’ll have to restain or repaint the surface. This doesn’t just suck up a lot of time, it sucks up a lot of money, too.
However, if you can put those things asides, wooden garage doors are often the most visually appealing material.
Wood Composite
Do you like the appearance of a wooden garage door but wish it was cheaper?
You might want to consider a wood composite door. These doors are made of fiberboard with wooden frames, giving them a similar look to traditional wooden doors.
However, the quality and beauty of this door won’t compare to a true wooden door. But it can give you a similar style.
These doors are also very energy-efficient. If you want to prevent any heat or cool air from leaving your home, this might be a good choice for you.
Steel
Steel is one of the best garage door materials out there.
Why?
It’s both beautiful (although a different style than wooden doors) and energy-efficient. You also don’t have to do much with it once you install it. Since steel doesn’t rot or warp, you’ll never have to repaint this material.
If you don’t want to worry about maintenance, this is a good choice for your home.
You can also customize steel doors. For example, you can add windows or panels. You can even finish the steel so it has the appearance of wood.
Aluminum
This is another low maintenance material. Like steel doors, aluminum won’t rot or warp, so it will pretty much take care of itself.
Aluminum doors are also durable. They can withstand almost any weather, so if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, snow, or heat, an aluminum door will be able to protect everything in your garage.
These doors are also a cheap option if you don’t have a flexible budget.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a light and inexpensive material. However, they aren’t as durable as some of the other options on this list.
While they don’t rot or warp, they can become brittle when exposed to cold temperatures. They also aren’t very energy-efficient. If you install this type of garage door, you may end up having a higher energy bill in the long run.
They are, however, incredibly lightweight. This makes them easy to open and close, and they aren’t as loud as other materials.
Glass
You might be surprised to see this material, but you can install a glass door in your garage. These doors create an interesting and beautiful feature for your home, but it isn’t as secure, durable, or energy-efficient as other materials.
Glass doors also give everyone who drives by a clear view of everything you have in your garage.
Because of this, they aren’t always a good choice for your home. However, if you plan to turn your garage into a living area, a glass door can function as a window and a way to expand the space.
Other Tips to Keep in Mind as You Start Shopping
Buying a new garage door shouldn’t be a quick process. After you’re finished researching the style and material of your door, there are a few other tips you should keep in mind when you start shopping.
Here’s what you need to know.
Your Budget
You don’t want to go into debt over a garage door. Come up with an amount you’re comfortable spending on a garage door and stick to that budget.
This may mean you need to look at cheaper options. While wood might be off the table, you can still get a good deal on things like steel or aluminum.
The Style of Your Home
Any garage door you buy should match the rest of your home. For example, you don’t want to install a modern, glass door if you live in a ranch-style home.
Think about the design of your home before you buy anything.
Your Garage Space
Some garage door styles take up more space than others.
Does your car barely fit inside your garage? Then you might not want to choose a roll-up or tilt-up retractable door. These will waste precious space.
Now You Understand the Different Types of Garage Doors
Since there are many different types of garage doors, buying a new one may feel overwhelming. But don’t let the process add extra stress to your life.
Take your time and do your research. This will ensure you choose the right garage door style and material for your home.
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