Which Garage Door is Best?

When it comes to garage doors, there are a lot of options to choose from. You might be wondering which one is the best for your home. You'll want to pick a durable door that will last for years to come, but you also want one that looks great and compliments your home's overall aesthetic.

Types of Garage Doors

Let us take a look at all the different types of garage doors and help you pick the best one for your needs.

1. Up-And-Over Garage Doors

An up-and-over garage door is a type of garage door that opens vertically, lifting up and then over the top of the opening. These garage doors are typically made from steel or aluminium and can be operated manually or using a motor.

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These doors are most commonly used in residential applications as they are easy to use and don't take up a lot of space. They are hinged at the top and open vertically, so you can just drive your car in or out without having to worry about getting the door out of the way.

2. Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors are made up of many panels that fold together when the door is opened. This type of door is often used in homes with a small garage because it doesn't require as much space to open as other types of garage doors.

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Sectional garage doors are very easy to operate and are a good choice for homes with limited space. When the door is open, it lies along the top of the garage opening, similar to a curtain.

3. Roller Garage Doors

Roller garage doors are the most popular type of garage door in the UK and typically open and close by running horizontally along a track that is mounted to the ceiling. The door is balanced and supported by a set of torsion springs located above the opening, which also helps to lift the door as it opens.

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This door style is often favoured for garages used as workshops, as they provide good access to the overhead storage racks. Roller garage doors can be manual or automatic and are available in a wide range of colours and styles to suit your home.

4. Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Side-hinged garage doors open outwards and are hinged on the side of the door. They are typically opened with a handle or a key, and some can be opened using a remote control. They are the most common type of garage door, and they are typically the least expensive to install.

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This type of door is typically made from wood, but can also be made from metal or other materials. Side-hinged garage doors are available in a variety of sizes, and can be fitted with a variety of different types of opener, including manual and electric ones.

5. Side-Sliding Garage Doors

Side-sliding garage doors use a series of rollers and tracks to glide horizontally along the side of your garage. They are opened and closed by a door opener that is mounted on the ceiling of your garage.

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This type of garage door is often used in commercial applications, as it can be opened very wide to allow large items to be loaded or unloaded from the garage. They also require more space to open and close, so they may not be suitable for homes with limited space.

6. Panelled Garage Doors

Panelled garage doors are made up of panels that are attached to a frame. The panels can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, glass, metal, or plastic. These garage doors are often considered to be more aesthetically pleasing than other types of garage doors, and they can be customised to match the style of your home.

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These doors are affordable, easy to install and provide good insulation and security. One disadvantage of panelled garage doors is that they are more expensive and require regular maintenance, and the panels can become damaged if they are not properly cared for.

7. Carriage House Double Garage Doors

The carriage house double garage door is a unique type of garage door that is made up of two separate garage doors mounted on a single track. The doors are mostly made of wood and have decorative hardware to give them a rustic look.

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These garage doors are perfect for homeowners who want the look and feel of a traditional carriage house door but don't have the space for a large single garage door.

8. French Style Garage Doors

French style garage doors are quite popular due to their elegant and stylish appearance. They are often made of timber and have decorative panels that add to the overall look. French style garage doors are usually hinged at the top and open outwards.

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French-style doors can be opened manually or with the help of a motor and can be designed to open either inwards or outwards. These garage doors are very popular as they have a classic look and feel.

Different Garage Door Materials

When choosing a garage door, one of the most important factors to consider is the material. The different Garage door materials are:

• Wood

• Steel

• Aluminium

• Fibreglass

• Vinyl

• Glass

Every door material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, it is advisable to choose the garage door material that blends well with the exterior of your home as well as fits in your budget.

Final Thoughts

There are many different types of garage doors available on the market, and the type you choose will depend on your needs and the style of your home. Each type of garage door has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to opt for the one that matches your requirements.

FAQs on Garage Doors

1. What Type Of Garage Door Is Most Durable?

Sectional garage doors are considered to be the most durable garage doors in the UK. This is because the side rails on a sectional garage door tend to operate smoothly even in case of harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes, heavy rains, snowfall, etc.

2. What Type Of Garage Door Is The Most Insulated?

Sectional garage doors are the most insulated of all garage doors. These doors are generally constructed in 20mm or 42mm, or 67mm thick insulated steel double skinned foam-filled panels. Sectional garage doors are generally constructed from galvanised steel for strength and longevity.

3. What Is The Most Cost-Effective Garage Door?

Up-and-Over garage doors are considered to be the most cost-effective garage doors in the UK. The prices of good quality up-and-over garage doors start from £500 and rise up to £2000.

4. How Long Should The Garage Door Last?

A garage door is required to last for around 15 to 30 years. The lifespan of a garage door depends upon various factors such as the style of the door, material of the door, quality of the door, weather conditions, usage of the door, and maintenance of the door.