Table of Contents
- Key Points
- Garage Door Materials
- Garage Door Design
- Garage Door Functions
- Garage Door Features
- Find Garage Door Design and Installation Near You
- When it comes to garage door materials, styles, features, and functions, there are a lot of choices to make for a new garage door installation.
- There is no “one size fits all” for the best garage door for each home, business, or other building.
- Once you understand available options, along with the pros and cons of each, you can make a more informed decision.
- Aluminum
- Fiberglass
- Vinyl
- Composite wood
- Standard style
- Carriage style
- Specialty doors
- Sectional
- Roller
- Canopy
- Retractable
- Swing
- Opener systems
- Smart technology
- Weather and energy efficiency
- Security features
Key Points
Selecting the right garage door is a big decision. It not only impacts functionality but can completely transform the look of a building.
And it has the potential to increase property value. According to a 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, which compares the costs of 23 major remodeling projects with the values they retain in resale, garage doors have a 194% return on investment!
Garage doors come in a variety of styles and materials, as well as with distinct features and mechanisms. It can be difficult to determine which is right for your home or business. The right answer depends on your particular style, preferences, and budget.
This article explains the different types of garage door installations available today. Keep reading to determine which characteristics best suit your garage door needs.
Garage Door Materials
There are dozens of material options for new garage door installation. However, some of the most common choices are steel and natural wood.
Steel is one of the strongest building materials available and is by far the most popular choice for garage doors. That is because it is durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. It also is fire resistant, energy efficient, and cost-effective (especially relative to its attributes).
Steel is highly recyclable, which makes it a sustainable option. Finally, steel doors are highly customizable and can be made to mimic other materials, including wood.
Many people choose wood garage doors for their aesthetic appeal. It can produce a more natural, rustic appearance, although different designs can still be suitable for more modern architectural home styles.
For this reason, it can greatly enhance curb appeal and potentially increase the value of your home. With proper maintenance, wood is very strong and durable, especially when it is made of from mahogany or cedar. It is also naturally insulating quality.
Other garage door material options include:
All of these are very lightweight, which can reduce strain on garage door mechanisms. They are generally corrosion-resistant, low maintenance, and cost-effective. Note that these options may not last as long as steel or natural wood doors, and are more susceptible to damage (for instance, aluminum can dent), so going with a reputable manufacturer is essential.
Garage Door Design
The next thing to consider is the style of door that may be best for your home or office. Common examples include:
Standard-style garage doors refer to classic, raised- or flat-panel designs with symmetrical layouts, producing a clean, timeless appearance. Standard doors are very versatile, so are the go-to for almost any home or business—from classic to modern and everything in between.
Carriage-style garage doors get their name because they are designed to mimic the appearance of horse-drawn carriages (19th-century “carriage houses” have the same origin). They offer a more traditional aesthetic and often come with bold, wrought iron hinges and handles, emphasizing the vintage look.
Carriage-style garage doors are typically made of wood, but you can find them produced from other materials as well. There are also come collections, like Amarr’s Oak Summit, that blend affordability and safety with a customizable carriage-style look.
Finally, many prominent garage door installers will offer specialty doors. This is a generic title that refers to any door outside the standard shape, size, material, or configuration.
For instance, you find full-vision glass garage doors or those with unique patterns, colors, and finishes. Other options include those that beef up insulation, a popular option in harsher climates.
Garage Door Functions
Beyond aesthetics, the design of your garage door can have a lot to do with its functionality. For instance, there are five main garage door types when it comes to how they open. These are:
Sectional doors are made up of horizontal panels that move and stack vertically, as the doors is raised. Roller doors are made of small slats that—as the name suggests—roll up onto a barrel or drum at the top of the garage door opening.
A canopy door is a solid piece that forms a canopy when raised. A retractable door is also a solid piece but slots back fully into the garage when raised.
Swing doors are distinct and have a look similar to barn doors. They are hinged at the sides and open outwards.
Garage Door Features
A final consideration when choosing garage doors is the different features that are available. Some prominent ones include:
One of the main features that garage door shoppers should consider is the type of opening and closing system. There are a wide variety available.
Chain drive systems are very affordable and durable, but can be noisier than belt drive systems. Screw drive opening systems are very reliable and low maintenance. Direct drive systems are also very quiet and have minimal moving parts.
Smart technology integration is another key consideration. Some setups allow for integration with smartphones or existing smart home systems. It allows you to monitor and open or close the door from almost anywhere.
Insulation is an important garage door component. It can increase energy efficiency, help regular indoor temperatures, and reduce noise. You can also opt for less insulated doors, which are lighter and more economical.
Since your garage door is probably one of the main entry points to your home, security is vital. Electric openers usually come with a locking mechanism. You can also get rolling code technology, which changes the access code each time the door is opened to help prevent hacking.
Find Garage Door Design and Installation Near You
We hope you found this garage door buyer’s useful. Now that you understand the different types of garage doors and the distinct advantages of each, you can decide which is right for your home. A prominent installer can further advise you on the best setup based on your unique garage goals and preferences.
Door Tech offers premier residential and commercial garage door repair in Anderson SC and throughout the Upstate. Our family-owned and operated company also offers new garage door sales and installation, as well as repairs and maintenance services. Contact us today to learn more.
