The garage door is a crucial part of your home’s security and curb appeal. The garage takes up a significant portion of the home’s front facade, so it’s important it has a look that you want and contributes something to the overall feel of the entire house. It also needs to be durable and secure enough to protect everything you keep in there.

There are different types of garage doors and garage door material, and not all of them will work for your specific purposes. Understanding what types and materials are at your disposal can help you choose one that adds the right amount of style and security to your home.

Garage Door Materials

Image credits: Kevin Wolf via Unsplash

Steel

Steel is one of the most popular materials for garage doors. Its strength and overall value fit into almost any style and give you different design options. Plus, it is incredibly strong and can withstand a lot of abuse from the elements like wind and sunlight.

Steel is also lightweight. If you have a basic garage door that doesn’t have an automatic garage door opener, it could be the best option for you since you will have to lift the door manually. The wide variety of colors and textures available makes it especially attractive.

Wood

Wood garage doors can be very stylish and give your home a handmade, craftsman look. Wood is also eco-friendly and sustainable if you use the right kind. Because of this, if you try to help the environment with your material choices, you might want to choose a wood garage door.

Wood garage door styles are best used in mild climates that don’t see a lot of wind, rain, or snow. It can deteriorate fairly quickly if regularly exposed to moisture and needs refinishing or replacing quite often.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is not the most popular material for garage doors, but it has many benefits that you might not know. Fiberglass can mimic the texture of wood and can be finished to look just like the real thing for a fraction of the cost. It makes it a great budget option.

Fiberglass is also very durable and can withstand different weather and elements. It will not warp or crack due to heavy snow or ice. Because of this, it is a good choice if you live in an area that regularly experiences extreme weather.

Glass

Glass is a very chic and modern option for garage doors. Glass garage doors are often held up by aluminum frames, which are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. If you want a garage door that is made to your exact specifications, this might be the best option for you.

Types of Garage Doors

Sectional

Image credits: carywaynepeterson via Creative Commons

Sectional garage doors are one of the most popular types in the United States. They are made up of large panels set on hinges and roll on a track when opened or closed. This mechanism allows the door to roll up into the garage and be out of the way when it is opened up.

Sectional doors are usually steel and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Their low-maintenance design is one of the things that makes them so popular.

Roll-Up

Image credits: The Blow Up via Unsplash

Roll-up garage doors are one of the most low-profile options available. They use a design very similar to the sectional but with much smaller panels. It makes it easier to fit them into smaller spaces where there isn’t a lot of room on the ceiling since the smaller panels roll up into a drum at the top of the doorway.

Roll-up doors are usually built from steel and don’t require any brackets or springs. Because of this, they are low maintenance and can last for many years.

Side-Sliding

Image credits: Bernard Hermant via Unsplash

Side-sliding garage doors operate like a sectional door that has been placed on its side. They usually do not have any automatic opener and can be pushed open manually. It makes them perfect for garages that don’t have a lot of space.

They were originally intended for garages that didn’t have the height to accommodate a sectional door and automatic opener. It makes them a great option for people who have garages in packed-together urban areas.

Side Hinged

Image credits: carywaynepeterson via Creative Commons

Side-hinged garage doors are one of the oldest types still available on the market. Originally developed for carriage houses, these doors are just like traditional ones with hinges on the side that open up to a large space in the middle.

You can buy these doors on frames that are already hung. It makes them a great option if you want an easy installation.

Tilt-Up Canopy

Image credits: carywaynepeterson via Creative Commons

Tilt-up canopy garage doors are made up of one piece of wood that lifts and protrudes from the opening of the garage. It is a popular type of door for suburban homes and places with a lot of room in the front of the house.

These types of doors are a good choice if you want to add a little bit of extra shelter to your garage for when it is raining or snowing. The extra protrusion can keep you dry as you enter or exit your vehicle.

Tilt-Up Retractable

Image credits: Alan Light via Creative Commons

Tilt-Up Retractable garage doors work just like tilt-up canopy doors. The only difference is that they don’t protrude from the front of the house. These doors are suspended on a frame and tilt up into the garage all the way.

If you have enough headroom in your garage, you can use a door like this to give your home’s facade a sleek, low-profile look.

Barn-Style

Image credits: takomabibelot via Creative Commons

Barn doors sit on large tracks and have wheel hinges that sit in the tracks and slide along. They are not used as much for modern garages and usually can’t be made to be automatic. It means you will have to exit your vehicle to open them up every time.

While they may not be as convenient, these types of garage doors can have an interesting look. If you want to add something unique and unusual to your home, this could be a good option for you.

What to Look For in a Garage Door

When shopping for a new garage door, there are a few things you should keep in mind. One of the most important things is knowing whether or not you are going to install it yourself. If you are installing an automatic garage door opener, it is highly recommended to hire a professional. Automatic openers can be very dangerous if they are not correctly installed. The springs are very high tension and should not be handled if you don’t know what you’re doing.

You should also consider getting an insulated door if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. It is especially true if you are keeping tools or electronic equipment in your garage. Having weather stripping and polystyrene insulation installed with your new door can go a long way toward keeping your garage comfortable and secure.

Choose the Right Garage Door for Your Home

The main thing to remember with a garage door is that it should enhance the look of your home. Your garage door takes up a lot of real estate on the front of your house, and it should be something that will take the exterior to a new level.

By considering all of the different garage door types, you can pick the one that will work for your home and the space you have. Getting the right one will make coming home and leaving home much easier and more convenient as well. There are many different options, and by understanding what they are, you can make the right call.

Do you have a garage door that you love? Let us know about it in the comment section below!