Has your current garage door seen a few winters? For the sake of your curb appeal, it might be time for you to replace it.
On top of improving aesthetics, getting a new door can also increase your home’s value and provide an extra layer of security.
The older your garage door, the more maintenance you have to perform. Replace the door to cut out the chore.
Does that sound good to you? Before you can get started, you’ll need to choose from one of the many different types of garage doors on the market. Continue reading to find out what your options are.
Sectional Doors
If you drive down your neighborhood, you’ll see that almost everyone has a sectional garage door. It’s the most common type in the US.
As the name suggests, the panels of the door are broken up into sections. These sections are held together using hinges that allow the panels to bend.
As you open your door, it will move vertically up the track. When it reaches the top, the panels will bend so that the door runs parallel to your ceiling.
The main benefit of these doors is security. There aren’t many points where an intruder could break in. While they try to figure out how to make it inside your home, you have time to call the police.
If you have a smaller driveway, a sectional garage door will accommodate that. Some garages have strange ways of opening. If yours works on an arch, getting a sectional door might be your only option.
Roll-Up Doors
When you were a kid and had to carry a large project poster to school, you probably rolled it up and put a rubber band around it. Roll-up garage doors work sort of the same way.
As you open the door, it will roll into a drum that rests above it. Unlike sectional doors, it doesn’t take up your ceiling space. That frees you up to put in a ceiling fan or lamp.
This isn’t one of the best garage door styles in terms of curb appeal. It doesn’t offer any frills. The main benefit is the space-saving capabilities.
You don’t see roll-up doors attached to many residential garages, but that doesn’t mean they’re not a viable option.
Tilt-Up Canopy Doors
If saving space in your driveway isn’t an issue for you, tilt-up canopy doors could be a great option. The mechanism runs on a hinge that pivots outward. The door then tilts up and runs into the garage.
The door hangs a bit from the door frame, making parking larger vehicles a bit difficult, but if your garage has a low ceiling, it might be better than buying a sectional door.
Tilt-Up canopy doors aren’t quite as safe as sectional doors, however. They rely on the use of extension springs, which can be dangerous if they’re allowed to come loose.
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Carriage Doors
Carriage doors mimic the look of old houses that stored classic horse-drawn carriages. This style offers a unique look that will do wonders for your curb appeal.
Aesthetics isn’t the only reason why you should consider one for your home. They swing in and out, so they’re not likely to break or get stuck.
Most carriage doors are made of wood or steel. Both are durable materials that can withstand the elements.
This door type won’t take up any room on your ceiling, making it ideal for those who use their garage for storage. Carriage doors are also difficult for thieves to knock down.
Slide to the Side Doors
While most garage doors run along the ceiling, slide to the side doors move along the wall. They’re a bit easier to manually open than doors that run into the ceiling.
If you come home in the middle of the night, you won’t have to worry about your slide to the side door waking up the entire house because of the silent motor.
There comes a time when every garage door will need repairs. These doors make the process quick and easy.
Side Hinged Doors
Side-hinged doors open on a hinge like traditional barn doors. Most of them are made of wood, but you can buy steel ones as well.
They’re ideal for garages with low ceilings and can fit into most existing openings. You can have these doors automated, but it will take special conversion arms.
Bifold
Bifold garage doors open like closet doors. They fold to the sides of the frame.
There is no remote opener for bifold doors. You’ll have to open them manually, but they’re not too heavy.
If your area sees a lot of snowy weather, it might be best for you to choose a different type of door. Large amounts of snow can prevent bifold doors from opening.
The other issue with bifold doors is that it’s impossible to seal them as tightly as some of the other options on this list.
Types of Garage Doors
Are you thinking about getting a brand-new garage door? It can be a great way to boost your curb appeal and increase your home’s security.
If your current door requires heavy amounts of maintenance due to its age, trading it out for a new one will allow you to tick a chore off your list.
As you can see, there are many different types of garage doors on the market. No matter what type of garage you have, there’s an option for you.
Trying to find the best garage door installer? We’ve got you covered. Contact us to set up an appointment.
