How to Choose the Right Type of Garage Door

It’s tempting to go online and pick the first impressive-looking garage door you see there. Unfortunately, many people do just that, and then they end up with ill-fitting, overpriced, or completely unsafe doors that put their garages in additional danger.

How to avoid this outcome? A solution exists, and it’s simple: read this guide to learn what type of garage door you should buy.

Identify Your Budget

While you might feel eager to start looking into garage doors right this moment, it’s better to take a step back and consider your budget first. How much can you afford to spend on this purchase?

Think carefully, and don’t forget to take the installation costs into account. Before coming to a decision, make sure you find your garage door design because the prices differ wildly based on the model. Typically, the simplest garage door is going to cost you anywhere between $700 and $1,600. If you’re interested in more sophisticated models, you might need to spend about $3000 or more.   

Common Types of Garage Doors

Now that you’ve identified what design you’re interested in and how much you can afford to spend, let’s consider the different types of garage doors based on their mechanisms.

Sectional Garage Doors

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This is the most typical kind of garage door. It’s made of split-panel sections that move vertically as they open, so the door becomes parallel with the ceiling. Take a look at the facts below: you’re going to need them to decide if you want to buy this type of garage door.   

• Due to their popularity, it’s easy to find sectional garage doors in different designs and colors.
• Such doors are universal, so they are compatible with most garages, though you’ll still need to take the measurements.
• Sectional doors are pretty safe, which minimizes the risk of accidents. 

However, there is a drawback to this type of door. It requires substantial ceiling space since the tracks on which it hinges go there. 

Tilt-Up Canopy or Retractable Garage Doors

The mechanism of these types of doors depends on the ceiling of your garage, too. Canopy doors, as their name indicates, tilt up to form an entrance; they leave a part outside, which forms a so-called canopy above the ground. Retractable doors, on the other hand, disappear entirely. 

Both types are lightweight, but they are rather difficult to install, which might reflect the cost. Also, they offer a lower level of security, so if you’re worried about potential forced entry, it’s better to choose other models. 

Roll-Up Garage Doors

The point of roll-up garage doors is obvious from their name. They open vertically by rolling up, forming a tight coil above the entrance. This is what else you should know:

• Roll-up doors have steel slats, which makes them durable.
• It’s easy to maintain them in good condition, and they help save you some space.
• Because of the factors above, these models are more expensive than others.

Another aspect is that roll-up garage doors tend to have plain designs, so if you’re interested in something creative, you might have a hard time finding it. 

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Side-hinged garage doors simply swing open as a regular door. They take quite a bit of exterior space, but if you don’t mind, you’ll appreciate their classic look and easy maintenance. By choosing such doors, you won’t have to deal with padlocks or do any manual lifting. 

Select Your Preferred Material

Garage doors can come in steel, wood, fibreglass, or vinyl. Steel is more durable and affordable, while wood offers a comfy feel. It’s a hassle to protect wooden doors from rain and other outside threats, though.  

Fibreglass garage doors resemble wooden models to a great extent, but they are more resistant to outside influences — and more expensive. Vinyl doors are durable, and it’s easy to take care of them, but most models come in the same colors, which can get repetitive. Learn more about each of these materials to make a final selection. 

Make an Informed Decision

When choosing your perfect garage door, think about what you can afford first and foremost. Choose a design you love, consider different types of doors, and then see what materials they are made of. 

Safety matters, that’s for sure, but you must also like the way your door looks. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from, so with some research, you’ll be able to find your perfect fit!