Most homeowners didn’t have a say in the garage door their properties came with so it’s a big surprise when they find out that so many options are available to them. Having a lot of choices is always better than the opposite but choosing just one can be overwhelming. To help you get started, you should take the time to get to know your options, the most popular of which include:
Up and Over Garage Doors
As their name indicates, these garage doors open upwards, moving horizontally to slide parallel to the ceiling. Up and over garage doors can be further divided into two types:.
● Canopy Doors. These tend to protrude from the frame when fully opened, forming a canopy and thus giving the door its name. Canopy garage doors popular because they are easy to install and operate as they are fitted with more lightweight panels.
● Retractable Doors. These slide completely inward into a garage when fully opened, an operation made possible by a series of runners and rollers that allow easy movement and extra weight support once panels are fully retracted.
Sectional Garage Doors
A favorite option in both American- and European-styled homes, the sectional garage door works like an up and over garage door but doesn’t swing out when being used. Instead, the garage door runs along a vertical track, which then turns parallel to the ceiling, tucking away its multiple panels.
Roller Shutters
Roller shutter garage doors are like sectional doors in that they are made up of multiple panels. However, their panels are tucked into a neat roll instead of sliding horizontally into the garage, a movement that can also be automated with a motor for easier operation.
Side-Hinged Door
One of the oldest types of garage doors around, the side-hinged door operates much like a standard double door, with two door panels swinging outward to open. They best complement more traditional home styles, but will work just as well in modern homes depending on the design of the garage door.
Make the most out of getting a new garage door by making sure you pick out the best one for you. Learn more about customization options you can take advantage of in Part 3 of this blog series.