Your garage makes up a large portion of your home’s exterior. That means you’ll want to put some thought into your garage’s appearance in order to enhance curb appeal, increase resale value, and wow first-time guests. One of the best things you can do to improve the look of your garage is to purchase a new garage door. There are many different garage door types and styles to choose from. Here is our guide to garage door styles:
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are a popular choice among homeowners and for good reason. These garage doors—made up of panels connected by hinges—require little maintenance and are highly customizable. You can add windows to a sectional garage door, as well as insulation, decorative hardware, and other features. Sectional garage doors are most often made of steel, but you can get them in many other materials as well.
Roll-Up Garage Doors
Roll-up garage doors aren’t as commonly used in residences as other options. They are found mostly in commercial buildings, as they are durable and can withstand heavy usage. These doors–as the name suggests—roll up and around a drum when you open them. They last a long time, and they hold up well under inclement weather. If you’re interested in a roll-up garage door, you can consult a professional to see if it’s the right choice for you!
Side-Sliding Garage Doors
There’s no mystery to how this door moves; it’s in the name. This type of garage door is made from vertical panels. Side-sliding garage doors move along tracks that are attached to one wall of the garage. They are especially suited to small garages with little headspace.
Side-Hinged Garage Doors
These unique garage doors look like they might belong in a Victorian barn. Side-hinged garage doors—also called carriage-style garage doors—open outward instead of rolling up like most options. They are beautiful, elegant, and timeless. However, side-hinged doors don’t work with every home design. You should consult a garage door professional and ask whether it’s a viable option for you.
Tilt-Up Garage Doors
Tilt-up garage doors also open differently than traditional options. They are made of one solid piece, and they use a pivoting hinge to tilt upward. These doors do not retract like sectional or roll-up options. When they are open, tilt-up garage doors extend out past the entrance.
Garage Door Materials
Now you know five common garage door styles. You can choose the one you think will be most convenient and visually appealing. But you’re not done with the garage door selection process yet. You still need to consider different materials.
Wood
Wood is classic, stylish, and versatile. You can choose from many types of wood and stains. However, wood works best in temperate climates. This material doesn’t do well in extreme weather conditions, and wood is prone to warp and rot when exposed to moisture. Thus, this material is high-maintenance because you’ll have to inspect it every year and reseal it to prevent water damage.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass can mimic the look of wood without the maintenance requirements. Unlike real wood, fiberglass holds up well in moist climates, and it won’t warp or encourage mildew growth. However, this material doesn’t do well in cold, windy areas.
Aluminum
Aluminum lends a contemporary look to your garage door. It’s a versatile material that comes in different colors, so it’s sure to enhance the exterior of your home! But while metal is often a durable material, aluminum isn’t as strong as other options like steel. Aluminum dents easily because of its thinness and light weight.
Steel
Steel is one of the best materials you can get for your garage door. It’s durable, holds up well under the elements, and is customizable. This material is suitable for all climates, and it’s inexpensive. What more could you want?
Consult Garage Door Pros Today!
Picking the right garage door can be a challenging task. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through the process alone. The team at Garage Door Pros is here to help! Our experts will help you choose the right garage door based on your budget and style preferences. Contact us today for assistance!