A Brief Guide to Different Garage Door Types

Are you renovating your garage and looking for a better garage door replacement?

Garages are a key part of many American homes, especially family households. Census says that 66 percent of occupied housing units in the US have a garage or carport.

In the guide below, we’ll discuss the garage door types and how you can pick the right one.

Different Garage Door Types

The classifications of the different garage door types come in a wide variety. The first includes the different electric types of garage doors based on how they move. Below are the most common types of electric garage doors you can choose from.

Roller Garage Doors

This is a popular pick for commercial and residential sectors, especially urban ones. It has vertical rollers, which the panels run on and roll up into a cylinder at the top. It’s secure, durable, rust-free, and great for small garages.

Sectional Garage Doors

In residential properties, this is the most popular option, but it’s also an expensive pick. This type has three or more hinged panels and uses vertical and horizontal tracks.

It’s a great door for all seasons and security purposes since the garage is a popular entry point for burglars. Other than its price, its cons include the need for frequent cleaning and lubricating.

Side-Sliding Garage Doors

This type of garage door operates on floor trolleys and opens up to one side. It’s the ideal pick if you have limited headspace and a lot of foot traffic.

It can open all the way or in little increments, allowing for pedestrian passage. This type isn’t that weatherproof and can be costly.

Tilt-up Canopy Garage Doors

Tilt-up retractable doors must work as electric garage doors. It has a single panel that retracts into your garage all the way and can accommodate heavy door panel materials. However, this type will take up a wide headspace.

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

This one swings outward like a standard swing door and maximizes garage space. It’s great for manual use since making them automatic involves a complex process. It’s not a practical choice if you have a smaller driveway.

Materials Used for Garage Doors

The other classification of garage doors uses the type of material used. If you’re planning to get a new garage door, you may also base your decision on your home’s exterior design. The different garage door classifications based on materials include:

• Composite
• Steel
• Vinyl
• Fiberglass
• Solid Wood
• Aluminum

Each one has its pros and cons. For example, wood doors look great from the outside. However, they also need proper garage door maintenance to keep the wood healthy.

A good alternative is a fiberglass door. You can get ones that look like wood doors, and you don’t need to pay high maintenance fees. This type of garage door is also durable and cheaper.

If you want the most durable material for your garage door, pick steel.

When you’re picking the material, keep the upkeep process in mind. You want to know how often you’ll need to call for garage door repair services.

Get the Best Garage Door Type for Your Home

Before you decide to get a new garage door, find the best type that suits your needs. We hope this quick guide on the different garage door types helped you out. If you want to keep learning about similar topics, check out the other guides on our site.