Some Things to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door
A garage door is one of the most important components of your garage. It not only provides security but also can be a design statement for the rest of your property.
Before you build a garage or decide to give your existing one a facelift, it is essential for you to determine the style, shape, and size of your garage opening. This will give you a fair idea of how much drive-through width you require and also so you don’t end up compromising on a stilted garage entry.
There are basically 5 types of garage doors. All manufacturers follow these 5 basic types in garage door manufacturing. The types are retractable, canopy style, sectional, and side-hinged doors. Each of these is different and unique in its performance and services.
Retractable Doors: This type of garage door swings outwards, up, and back into the ceiling of your garage. The pivot points of the doors are located at the top and this makes you unable to park your vehicle close to it. You should always ensure enough room is available on your driveway. The installation is easy. These types of doors are the easiest ones to be automated with a suitable electric opener.
They provide good security to your vehicles and they are fitted with four latches. They’re available in timber, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), steel, and ABS. One point to note though is that this door provides you with reduced drive-through width, due to side spring assemblies.
Some Things to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door
Canopy Doors: When a canopy door opens it swings outwards and then slides upwards into the garage ceiling. This leaves one-third of the door outside the garage. The security of the door is enhanced as the pivot points are located down the door. These doors are easy to install as no tracks are required inside the garage and the entire door mounts to the door frame. Canopy Doors are available in timber, steel ABS and GRP. This garage door provides a good drive-through width.
Sectional Doors: The sectional is made up of numerous separate panels, which are hinged horizontally. They fit to the rear surface of your garage brickwork. When opened, it rises upwards vertically and then backwards into the space of ceiling. Sectional Doors provide better security and protection against the weather. Many of them are provided with insulation. These are typically manufactured in steel. Most of these doors can be assembled in 4 hours by a professional as they come in the form of a kit.
Roller Doors: This style rolls up into the garage ceiling as a single curtain. They are fitted to the garage’s rear surface of the front brickwork. As the name suggests, these roll vertically upwards. These doors provide good security and protection levels. You’ll generally find them manufactured in aluminum and steel, and some even come insulated. The installation of these doors is somewhat easy, though professional installation guarantees a smooth and quiet operation.
Side Hinge Doors: Side Hinge Doors are manufactured in steel, timber and GRP. These doors open outwards and look very traditional. These doors need appropriate clearance while being opened. Their security is good if bolts are used at the top and bottom of the door.
Garage doors are an essential part of your garage. So while buying a garage door you should check for quality, security and durability.
