When it comes to enhancing the kerb appeal of your home, few elements make as significant an impact as the garage door. However, it’s easy to overlook the importance of the functionality of the garage door and focus instead on the design. With our comprehensive guide, you’ll be clued-up on the most popular garage door styles.
What is an up and over garage door?
Up and over garage doors consist of a single panel that moves in an upwards movement, followed by a horizontal movement – that’s the ‘over’ part – along the ceiling of a garage.
This type of garage door has been the most popular in the UK for some time; they’re an inexpensive option, are easy to use due to their mechanism, and require minimal space inside the garage. They do command a small amount of space in front of the door, however, so this is not the best option if you have no driveway or a short one.
If you choose an up and over garage door, you’ll be spoilt for choice as there are plenty of colours, designs, and insulation options to choose from. You’ll have another important decision to make too: to automate or not?
Introducing the sectional garage door
Sectional garage doors are made up of several horizontal panels (rather than one large panel) that move along a track in an upwards motion and, upon reaching the top of the door, move horizontally along ceiling-mounted tracks.
The key advantage of this type of door when compared with an up and over garage door is that it doesn’t require any space in front of the garage to open and close, making it the perfect option for those who don’t have driveway space. The ceiling height is reduced due to the tracks and boom for automation, leaving your floor space clear for storage or parking your car.
If energy efficiency is high on your agenda, the sectional garage door is a great option; the door can be insulated on all four sides and has high-grade weather seals to keep the elements where they belong: outside.
Why consider a roller garage door?
In contrast to the sectional garage door, the roller door features much smaller horizontal sections that move upwards along a track before being coiled around at the ceiling next to the door opening. This clever mechanism allows you to retain much of the ceiling space behind the garage door while still offering a range of colour and insulation options.
Would a side hinged garage door work at your property?
Side hinged garage doors command plenty of driveway space to open and are great for those who wish to replace an old garage door without changing the overall look of the garage. By upgrading your door to modern materials such as insulated aluminium, you’re able to improve the energy-efficiency of your home while retaining a more traditional look. Modern is not a must; replace your timber door with treated timber to prevent warping and leave your home looking fresh and welcoming.
Will a side-sliding door suit my home?
Available with automation and in a range of insulated panel designs and colours, side-sliding doors are suitable for larger buildings with room for the door to move horizontally along the exterior of the building. Due to the track being entirely on the outside of the building, the ceiling space in the garage is made available – perfect for storing items such as canoes and surfboards, or for outbuildings with a low ceiling height.
Which garage door is best suited to my home?
Each style of garage door offers distinct advantages to cater to your preferences and needs. It’s important to consider the look that you’d like to achieve, the space you have available, security, and your budget when choosing the right garage door for your home.
At PCS Garage Doors, our suppliers are some of the finest manufacturers on the market. Get a quote from us today.