Whether you're installing a new garage door or updating the old one to a contemporary style, this guide will help you choose the right one. A garage door not only provides a gateway for your vehicles, but also enhances the overall look of your house. Select the door cautiously. Different types of Garage doors offer different features, so choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Some offer low maintenance, while some are energy efficient. Whether you choose a classic or modern garage door design, a high-security door, or a high-durability door, it should fit your needs.
This blog discusses various types of Garage doors, how they work, and how to choose the best option for your home.
Garage Door Styles
There are three style categories: Classic, Modern, and Carriage House. Most garage doors fall into one of these types.
1. Classic
Classic or traditional garage doors are defined by symmetrical raised panels. This door style appears clean, is beautifully ornamented, and gives it a fresh and classic look. This style, being simple but attractive, goes well with your home. Classic door styles are available in steel and fiberglass, with insulated or non-insulated options.
2. Modern
Modern or contemporary garage doors have a smooth, functional, and ornamental design. These doors focus more on colours and materials than heavy textures. These door styles are a good option if you're building a completely new contemporary home or upgrading your mid-century modern home. They come in steel, glass, and sometimes wood. When these materials are combined in one style, they give your contemporary home an elegant look.
3. Carriage House
A carriage house, also called a barn-style garage door, has two side-hinged doors that meet at the center. These doors go well with farmhouse-style homes. They add a rustic feel with rough wood and diagonal bracing. Carriage-house-style doors also go well with Craftsman-style homes, as their design complements vertical door tiles and horizontal rails. These doors usually have a wood-like finish. However, they can also have small glass windows and black and bronze decorative handles and hinges.
Types of Garage Doors
Roll Up Garage Doors
If you have a small ceiling space, roll-up garage doors can be a perfect option for your garage. These door types are widely used in industrial and commercial settings. Roll-up garage doors are made of aluminum or steel sheets with tapered, connected slats. These slats easily roll upwards, forming a tight coil at the top of the door frame.
Sliding Garage Doors
Sliding Garage Doors are mounted on the door frame and use horizontal tracks. These doors rest against the wall and slide to one side to open. These doors work the same way as a sectional door, but they are designed to turn on a hinge. Sliding garage doors are a good option if you have limited ceiling space. However, they take up space along a garage wall for sliding.
Tilt-Up Garage Doors
Tilt-Up Garage doors are made of a single solid panel. When you open it, it first tilts outwards and then lifts upwards. Usually made of wood or steel, these doors have a clean, traditional look. These doors need low maintenance as they have fewer parts. Tilt-Up Garage Doors are a good option if you have extra driveway space.
Side- Hinged Garage Doors
Side- Hinged Garage Doors swing outwards when you open them. These doors are easily accessible and well-suited to barn-style buildings. These doors need no ceiling space. Side-Hinged Garage Doors are widely used in workshops and commercial garages because they provide easy access.
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional Garage Doors have multiple panels that slide upwards along tracks. This garage door type is most popular among homeowners as it doesn't swing out and takes up a little space. These doors work with automatic garage door openers and are available in various materials, including wood, steel, and fiberglass.
Up and Over Retractable Garage Doors
It has a similar design to Tilt-Up Garage Doors. They are mounted separately from the frame, so they do not stick out and remain within the garage area. These doors require more space than canopy garage doors. While some homeowners choose retractable garage doors, these doors are tricky to operate and usually more expensive than other options.
Which Garage Door Type Goes Best For Your Home?
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best garage door type for your home.
Contemplate Your Climate
- Steel garage doors efficiently resist snow and wind.
- If the climate is often humid, Fiberglass doors are a good option, as they resist moisture.
Consider Security Features
- Roll-up garage doors are very strong and aren't easy to break.
- Steel garage doors are well-built and resistant to indentation.
- Smart garage doors allow you to access them from anywhere.
Select the Best Suitable Material
- Wood garage doors give a vintage look but need regular upkeep.
- Steel garage doors are durable and require minimal maintenance.
- Glass garage doors allow sunlight and are a good choice for modern homes.
- Fiberglass doors are resistant to indentation and moisture. They need a little maintenance.
Align With Your Home's Style
- The carriage house door enhances the look of traditional or craftsman-style homes.
- Contemporary garage doors come with clean lines and look best on modern homes.
- Side-Hinged garage doors add barn-door charm to rustic styles.
