There are more types of garage doors than many people realize. While choosing a traditional, sectional door isn’t a bad choice, there are situations when one of the other types may be the better choice. There are also times when it’s simply not possible to install a sectional door due to a lack of overhead clearance inside the garage. In this article, we’ll explain all you should know about the different types of garage doors and some of the pros and cons of each one.
Sectional Doors
The most common type of residential and commercial garage door is a sectional door, and this is the style you probably picture when you think about garage doors. This type of door has several panels that are hinged together to allow the door to flex and smoothly roll up and down the tracks. One reason that sectional doors are so popular is that they are usually among the least expensive options. They’re also fairly strong and durable, and you can find them in a huge range of styles and colors. They’re also available in a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, composite, vinyl and even wood and glass. Another advantage that sectional doors have over many of the other types is that any of the panels can be replaced if they get damaged. With many of the other types, your only option if the door is damaged is to replace the entire door.
Single-Panel Doors
As the name suggests, single-panel doors are just one solid piece. Instead of rolling up along tracks like a sectional door, a single-panel door is attached to a hinge and swings up and into the garage. The way that the door opens and closes means you need to have more overhead space than you do with a sectional door. Most single-panel doors are steel or aluminum, but wood options are also available.
Single-panel doors are often cheaper than sectional doors and much better at withstanding high winds. They also offer a classic look that many people find more appealing. In many cases, this type of door is installed so that you need to open it by hand, but you can also connect it to an opener. Despite costing less upfront, single-panel doors often require more repairs and are also more difficult and expensive to repair.
Tilt-Up Canopy Doors
Tilt-up canopy doors are also made of a single panel. The difference is that instead of moving backward and upward into the inside of the garage, the door swings up in the opposite direction. The door is connected to a pivoting hinge that allows it to first tilt back into the garage. It then swings up and out so that it sticks out in front of the building when it’s open. The hinge mechanism that the door uses to open and close is attached directly to the door and the header above it. That means you don’t really have any components of the opener system inside the garage, which makes this style a great choice if you don’t have enough overhead space for a sectional door.
Side-Sliding Doors
Side-sliding doors are one of the most unique types. This type is similar to a sectional door except that it obviously slides to the side of the garage door opening instead of rolling upward. Single-car doors just slide to one side, but two-car doors usually have two sections that slide to the left and right of the opening. The primary advantage is that you don’t need any overhead space for the door. This type also doesn’t require springs, which means there are fewer things that can break and need to be repaired and maintained.
Roll-Up Doors
Roll-up doors are most commonly used in commercial buildings that require a larger, heavier-duty garage door. This type can also be a good option for residential garages that don’t have the required overhead space to accommodate a sectional door. Roll-up doors are made of numerous, small metal slats that allow the door to flex. When you open the door, it rolls up along a barrel into a tight coil just above the garage door opening.
Roll-up doors are extremely durable and typically last longer than most other types of garage doors. They’re also extremely low maintenance and rarely need to be repaired. Another advantage is that they are usually sturdier and more secure compared to sectional doors. One of the main drawbacks is that roll-up doors can be fairly expensive, especially if you need a custom door. You also have far fewer choices in terms of style and appearance. Another issue is that this type has a more industrial look, which is usually not an issue for commercial buildings but may not be the best choice for your home. If you’re looking for a garage door that will enhance your home’s style and boost its curb appeal, you’re usually best to go with one of the other types instead.
If you need to install a new residential or commercial garage door, KJ Doors is ready to help. We offer an extensive selection of new doors and can help you decide which type is best. Our company has been serving the Telford area since 1983 and can professionally handle all of your garage door repair needs. To learn more about your options for a new garage door, contact us today.
