Types of Garage Doors

After Henry Ford’s horseless carriage took the world by storm, people needed a better way to store their automobiles. The answer was garage doors that could be opened without leaving the car.

Garage Doors Newcastle has various styles and materials to complement any architectural style. To find the right one, consider your climate, maintenance preferences, and energy efficiency needs.

When car ownership became commonplace in the early 1900s, it became apparent that new vehicle owners needed a separate space for their automobiles. Originally, private garages used doors that swung open like barn or carriage house doors. However, these large, heavy doors caused problems when snow piled up, or other impediments blocked them from opening. Additionally, the hinges on these kinds of doors wore out quickly. This led to the invention of the first upward-operating garage door by C.G. Johnson in 1921. His innovative design allowed the doors to fold while lifting upward so that they ran parallel to the ceiling of a garage.

The overhead garage door revolutionized convenience and function, making it possible for people to easily protect their valuable new cars without the need for a stable or horse-drawn carriage house. Today, the overhead garage door is available in a wide range of styles and designs to complement any architectural style. The material from which the overhead garage door is made also impacts its appearance and durability.

Steel, vinyl, and wood garage doors each have a different look. Steel and vinyl doors are very durable, but they lack the warmth and elegance of wood doors.

A garage door is an important investment for homeowners. It can improve a home’s curb appeal and increase its value. A garage door is also an essential safety feature, providing a barrier against intruders and protecting family members and pets from inclement weather.

Garage doors are also vital components of commercial spaces, such as fire departments, warehouses, and storage facilities. These spaces often require larger and more functional overhead garage doors built to withstand heavier loads and more frequent use.

Regardless of the type of overhead door you choose, all garage doors require regular maintenance to continue operating smoothly and safely. Keeping up with your garage door’s cleaning, oiling, and inspections will extend its life and help prevent expensive repairs down the road.

Sectional Door

Sectional garage doors are popular in many neighborhoods, primarily because they are durable and easy to operate. They consist of horizontal panels (or “sections”) hinged together and rolled onto tracks to open and close. The sections slide overhead when fully open, maximizing space in the garage. This type of door is also known for its great insulating properties. Whether you choose the Therma Tech or Therma Safe series, these Hormann doors come with high R-values that make them energy efficient and help to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Since sectional garage doors are made of separate panels, they’re much easier to repair than single-panel models if there’s ever a problem with one or more of them. They also tend to be less expensive, which makes them a good choice for those on a tight budget.

You can also get a sectional garage door with windows, if you want to let in natural light or simply add a little extra style. These doors are usually made of steel, which is a good option if you want something durable and low maintenance. However, some manufacturers offer a variety of finishes that can enhance the look of your garage door. This includes a wood-panel look, wrought iron details, or even glass panels.

If you’re looking for a garage door that offers the best balance between durability and style, then consider a model from Clopay. This insulated garage door features an attractive wood-panel design with wrought iron details and vintage-inspired hardware. It’s also available in a range of colors to match your home.

Another option that blends classic styling with modern materials is the Therma 5000 from Haas Door. This garage door has a durable three-layer construction that includes a steel exterior, insulation layer, and ToughGard backing layer. Its unique finish is also designed to be fade-resistant and provides excellent corrosion protection. It’s an ideal garage door for a variety of applications, including commercial and industrial use.

Carriage House Door

While the name suggests these doors go best with carriage houses, the truth is that they look good with most house styles. They complement Craftsman and bungalow homes, Tudor and Mediterranean-style houses, and even ranch-style houses. Their unique appearance is also a selling point, as potential buyers see them as a sign of quality and care.

The doors come in a variety of designs to suit your needs and fit your architectural style. Some feature windows that allow natural light to filter into the garage, while others have decorative panels and handles that make them stand out. The options are almost endless, so work with a professional to determine what design will best suit your home and its surroundings.

Whether you choose wood, steel, or faux wood composite, these doors are low-maintenance and durable. They can resist warping, rotting, and other weather-related damage better than traditional garage doors. You can also get them insulated, which may help lower your energy bills.

A carriage house door enhances your curb appeal while maximizing the space inside your garage. You can store equipment and tools, or use the area for a workshop. The doors can even be installed so they open out to the side, giving you a seamless transition between your garage and the rest of your home.

Many homeowners choose carriage house doors because of their beauty. You can add custom windows, panel and handle designs, and other details to create a unique look that’s all your own. Plus, they’re often easier to maneuver than a traditional garage door because they don’t have any moving parts that can break or jam.

These doors are designed to complement your home’s architectural style and accentuate its features. They come in a variety of materials, finishes, and colors to match your budget. Wood carriage house doors offer a classic, traditional look that works well with rustic houses, while steel and faux wood garage doors are great choices for modern or contemporary houses.

You can even find a door with wrought-iron detailing to elevate your home’s exterior. The Gallery collection, for example, offers a grooved panel steel garage door that can be customized with wrought-iron hardware and windows. This garage door has a multi-layer construction and is available in a selection of color options, including Ultra-Grain walnut.

Roller Door

Modern Roller doors are an ideal solution for those looking to save space and money. Their minimal design means they don’t require the same level of maintenance as sectional or canopy doors but also don’t compromise on aesthetics. They look great in a range of colours and styles and can easily enhance the kerb appeal of any property.

They are designed to roll up vertically and neatly into a box, which can be located either inside or outside of the garage opening. This makes them easy to operate and leaves the majority of the garage space free. Roller doors can be a good option for homes with limited headroom as they do not have any panels and will sit parallel to the ceiling when open.

Roller doors are available in a wide range of designs and materials, with most having the option for windows to be fitted in the curtain slats (though this does affect insulation). They are able to offer some level of thermal efficiency, but it is not as high as the more traditional options as they have many tiny gaps between the slats which reduce the effective U-value. Figures are often published but these have to be taken as a guide as it depends on the exact door you choose.

The roller door can be supplied in a wide range of colours and finishes including wood grain and can even mimic the appearance of a traditional swing door when closed. There are a huge number of style choices for these types of doors and they can be customised with windows, decorative panels and other accessories to create the perfect finish.

It’s important to remember that both a roller door and a sectional door can be supplied with emergency operation, which allows you to manually operate the door in the event of power loss. This is normally accomplished by releasing the motor towing arm from inside or outside the garage using a handle or key mechanism.

Both sectional and roller doors are manufactured to a high standard with safety features to ensure your family and pets are protected from any potential dangers. It is always advisable to check out the manufacturer’s details and safety guidelines for any of the products you are considering purchasing.