Garage doors aren’t usually the kind of thing you think about every day, until you need to replace the one you’ve got, or choose one for the new garage you’ve had built. In fact, most people probably don’t even realize that there are a number of different garage door types available, and spending a bit of time finding out more about them could help you find the most convenient solution for keeping your garage safe and secure.
One of the most common types of door found in many homes across the country is the canopy garage door, so called because when it’s raised, the bottom third of the door protrudes from the garage to create a canopy. One of the main advantages of this model is that you don’t need much clearance in front of the door to open it.
The retractable garage door is similar to the canopy but, as the name suggests, retracts completely into the garage when it’s opened. While this may be a slightly simpler mechanism, opening these doors usually requires more room, so they might not be ideal for short drives.
A sectional door may be a better option if you have limited space in front of your garage. Unlike other ‘up and over’ types such as the canopy and retractable garage doors, the hinged sections in this door mean it rises into the roof space along a curved track, and can be opened without swinging out onto the driveway at all.
While most home owners are more than happy with the low maintenance and easy to use garage doors that we’ve already looked at, others prefer the extra convenience of an automatic garage door – especially when it’s raining. Canopy, retractable and sectional doors can usually be modified with an electric motor and other parts to help achieve this.
For a more traditional look to enhance the exterior of your home, or if you have an over-sized or church-style garage, you might want to consider side-hinged doors. Available in a range of materials including steel, uPVC and wood, these can be ideal for more expensive homes, or those with garages that require custom built doors.
While most people probably choose a garage door based on price, with a better understanding of the different types available, you’ll be able to choose the one that’s best suited to your home. Even if it costs a little extra, you’ll find it hard to put a price on all those years of greater convenience.
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