There are a few different types of garage doors that one can choose from when installing or repairing a garage door. These different types of doors can be categorized based on what material they are made from and the type of insulation that they have. The basic types of garage doors must have a metal frame with a wooden or metal skin. This article will describe some of the most common types of garage doors and their uses.
The Steel Garage Door
Steel is a very popular choice for a garage door because steel is extremely durable and strong, yet still relatively lightweight. The weight factor makes steel desirable because it is easy to open and close without sacrificing too much durability or security. Steel has been known to last twice as long as aluminum while only weighing about 30% more than an aluminum door would weigh, thus making it incredibly cost-efficient over time for those who invest in steel garage doors.
The Standard Roll Up Garage Door
This is the most common type of garage door. It features a roller on either side and when they are pulled up by hand or with a motor, the door moves upwards into a pocket in the top of the doorway above the garage. This kind of door has several disadvantages, including noise while opening and closing, vulnerability to weather damage since it lacks any insulation whatsoever, and dust that accumulates from all the parts moving up and down each time it’s opened or closed. Another problem with this type is that it requires manual labor every time one wants to open or close it – pulling chains attached to each end of the door by hand which can be difficult or even impossible for some people to do. For this reason, it is not generally recommended that homeowners purchase garage doors of this type.
The Sectional Garage Door
This type of garage door is also known as a “barn door” and while they aren’t as common nowadays, they were once very popular. They are made up of several different panels which slide past each other on tracks mounted along the top of the garage so that, when opened, it gives more space to drive through than does a standard roll-up door. The main advantage of this type of door is that it can be moved electrically – whether by hand or with an electric motor. This makes them easy to open and close no matter how one may be feeling on any given day. However, there are some disadvantages; each panel must be installed separately, the tracks running along the walls can sometimes be difficult to install properly, and because of all the moving parts it takes to open them, they can wear down very quickly. They are also rather loud to open and close.
A Sectional Overhead Garage Door
This is another type that was once popular but has since fallen out of favor for several reasons. Some people prefer the style because each section slides into one another when opening or closing instead of sliding past one another like with sectional doors; however, these days this type of door is not recommended mainly because there are many problems associated with its installation. The biggest problem involves the tracks running along the top which often need adjusting – either by hand or with some kind of motorized system – otherwise they do not run parallel which can cause problems with the door staying on track while opening or closing. Also, because they are made up of more parts than either roll-up doors or sectional overhead garage doors, another problem is that they are not as durable as one might hope for them to be – especially if they are not installed properly. Finally, because of the number of moving parts on them, they are also rather loud while opening and closing.
The Custom Garage Door
In recent years this has become one of the most popular garage door types to purchase for several reasons. They look very similar to sectional doors but do not have sections that slide past one another while opening or closing. Instead, these garage doors use individual panels that pull inward from both sides instead while being opened or closed. This type is usually more expensive than either standard roll-up or sectional overhead garage doors; however, some benefits come with that higher price tag including no noise when opening or closing (because there are fewer moving components), much less vulnerability to weather damage since it lacks a gap in the middle when opened, and they are much more durable. They don’t require manual labor to open or close either since there is no chain involved – instead, it’s done with a button on the outside next to the garage door opener or from inside the car itself with an electric motor attached to them. Many homeowners add insulation to them as well since there is nothing except air between each panel which helps keep it warm in winter and cool during summer months.
The High-End Custom Garage Door
As was mentioned above, custom doors are not cheap; however, for those who can afford one, they can be extremely beneficial especially if installed properly by qualified professionals. Not only do they look great on any type of home but also because of the material they are made out of, these types of doors can last for decades without needing any type of work done to them. The downside with this type is that there are very few garage door companies that stock custom-ordered doors so homeowners must have them built by a local company which, as one might imagine, has an impact on both their price and how long it is takes to install them.
As was mentioned above, the two main reasons most people choose roll-up or sectional overhead doors are because they are less expensive than other options and because they require little maintenance; however, those who do not mind spending a bit extra and want a garage door that will stand up to time no matter what should consider either high-end custom garage doors or modern sectional overhead garage doors. In the end, the decision is up to you and your home’s needs when it comes to which type of door you should have installed. Best Garage Door Repair North Hollywood offers completely free no-obligation inspections in Los Angeles County for new garage door installations or garage door repairs.
