Garage Door Types
Choosing The Right Garage Door Type - User Guide
Buying a new garage door is an exciting process, but with all the options to choose from, it can soon become very overwhelming. This is why we have created this easy guide to help you find the right garage door for your needs. When choosing a new garage door, you will need to choose the right colour, material, style, and method of opening.
This easy guide helps you decide which garage door type is right for you, including:
- All 4 types of garage doors are explained.
- Garage door materials are available in the UK.
- Which garage door is the best value for money?
The Different Types of Garage Doors
There are four main types of garage door types that are available in the UK, These include.
- Roller Doors
- Sectional Garage Doors
- Up and Over Garage Doors
- Side-Hinged Garage Doors
Each type of garage door has its own benefits and methods of operation. Below, you will find a breakdown of each individual door type.
1. Up & Over Garage Doors
Up and Over garage doors have been and are still one of the most popular garage door types used in the UK for the last 60 years. They offer a simple, but sturdy, design, which makes them very easy to use with zero effort to operate. They have an enormous choice of designs, colours, and materials for you to choose from. Up-and-over garage doors are available in a number of standard sizes, along with the option to have your door made to measure to ensure the most secure fit.
As the name implies, you have to turn the handle and pull the door up towards the garage to open them up.
Up-and-over doors come with 2 types of gearing options: canopy gearing or retractable. A canopy door runs vertically on its track within the frame, ideal for manual operation, while a retractable door opens on horizontal tracks that go back into the garage, ideal for electric operation.
Available in:
- Timber
- Steel
- GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic)
2. Roller Garage Doors
The roller shutter garage door has become one of the most in demand garage doors in the UK over the last 10 years. With roller doors opening vertically into a small box above, having no internal track mechanism gives you more room inside your garage than any other door type.
Roller doors are made of aluminium with foam filled insulation in a 77-mm-deep slat. There is also the option to have a smaller 55mm slat, which is ideal for smaller openings and openings with limited headroom.
They are available as either manual or automatic; with automatic, you will receive a set of remotes that open and close the door at the push of a button. They also come with added security and safety features which makes them ideal for homeowners who use their garage to protect valuables like cars or motorbikes.
3. Sectional Garage Doors
Another option is the sectional garage door; they are very popular and offer a range of options, including security features, automation, insulation, design, and colour. Sectionals can be operated either manually or electrically. They have their own modern appearance.
They are called sectional doors because they open and close vertically in individual sections. There is no outswing from a sectional door, meaning you can park as close as you like without having to worry about the outswing.
Sectional doors are ideal for homeowners who want security, insulation, and a well-made garage door.
4. Side-Hinged Garage Doors
The traditional side-hinged garage door, instead of lifting up and above your head, it operates on a hinge, opening outward, meaning no space is required inside the garage, leaving the entire garage free for storage. The side-hinged door is simple to operate and easy to maintain.
Side-hinged doors come with a range of options, including having to choose the furniture, colour, style, material, and design, as well as a choice of a 50/50 or 70/30 split.
Available in a range of standard sizes, along with the choice to have it made to measure.
If you’re in and out of your garage a lot, then a side-hinged is the ideal choice for you.
Garage Door Materials
Choosing the garage door type is not the only choice; it also comes down to the material. The right garage door must be secure, durable, and efficient.
There are 4 popular garage door materials to choose from, and these include:
- Steel
- Timber
- GRP
- Aluminium
Which Door Is Right For Your?
Up and Over
- Budget Friendly
- Long Lasting
- Large range of options
- Electric or Manual
- Available in Steel, Timber or GRP
Roller Doors
- Security
- Safety
- Long Lasting
- Electric or Manual
- Insulated
- No Outswing
- Available in Aluminium
Sectional Doors
- Security
- Safety
- Long Lasting
- Electric or Manual
- Insulated
- No Outswing
- Available in Aluminium
Side-Hinged
- Security
- Safety
- Long Lasting
- Electric or Manual
- Insulated
- Available in Steel, Timber or GRP
Have some questions?
If you have some questions or need some more information, then reach out to us at info@garagedoorhub.co.uk. Or if you’re looking for a quote, use our directory to find local, trusted garage door companies near you.