Different Types of Garage Doors

Front entry doors receive attention for decorative features, but the garage door impacts curb appeal more. A front-facing garage door is prominently noticed, so it's important to choose the right one. Here's a guide to simplifying the selection process for different garage door types.

Sectional Garage Door

Sectional garage doors are a type of garage door that operates by vertically lifting and horizontally folding the door panels. Typically made from durable materials such as steel or aluminum, these panels are divided into sections that slide along tracks mounted on the garage walls and ceiling. When the door is opened, the panels fold up compactly, parallel to the ceiling, maximizing the available overhead space within the garage.

Sectional garage doors are known for their smooth and efficient operation, allowing for easy and convenient access to the garage. The segmented design of the door panels helps prevent potential safety hazards, as the door can be partially opened to allow for ventilation or accommodate taller vehicles without fully exposing the garage's interior. Additionally, sectional garage doors often come with insulation options, which can improve energy efficiency and help regulate temperatures within the garage space.

Roller Garage Doors

Roller garage doors consist of horizontal slats or panels hinged together, allowing the door to roll up into a compact coil when opened. When the roller garage door is activated, it moves vertically upward along tracks until it reaches its fully open position parallel to the ceiling.

One of the key benefits of roller garage doors is their space-saving design. Because they roll up into a coil, they do not require a large clearance space in front of the garage like traditional swing-out or tilt-up doors. This makes them particularly well-suited for properties with limited driveway space.

Roller garage doors offer enhanced security features as well. The sturdy construction and materials used in their manufacturing provide a strong barrier against unauthorized entry. Additionally, many roller doors can be equipped with automatic locking mechanisms and remote control operation, adding an extra layer of convenience and security for homeowners.

Slide To Side Garage Door

The door panels smoothly glide sideways along a track when opening or closing the garage. This horizontal movement allows for a compact storage position parallel to the wall, which maximizes the available overhead space and ensures that the ceiling area remains unobstructed. This can be particularly advantageous for properties with limited ceiling height or those seeking to optimize storage options.

Moreover, slide-to-side garage doors are well-suited for scenarios where a traditional overhead door's swing-out clearance might pose challenges. The side-sliding mechanism permits vehicles, storage, or other items to be positioned closer to the door, allowing for more efficient use of the driveway and garage interior.

The design's straightforward operation and sturdy construction also contribute to a long-lasting and reliable garage door solution. It also offers potential customization with various materials, finishes, and insulation options to suit individual preferences and climate requirements.

Tilt-Up Garage Doors

A tilt-up garage door is a type of garage door that operates by being lifted upward and outward from a horizontal position, ultimately tilting to a vertical position parallel to the ceiling. This design involves a single solid panel or a series of hinged panels, enabling the door to swing out and up in a single motion. When the garage is opened, the door pivots on a horizontal axis, guided by tracks and rollers, until it is positioned vertically against the inside of the garage ceiling.

Tilt-up garage doors are favored for their straightforward mechanism and durability. While they offer a reliable and secure solution for homeowners, they require ample clearance space in front of the garage to accommodate the swinging motion. 

Town & Country Door, a family-owned business since 1995, offers safe garage products, premium customer service, and expert repair in Metro Detroit. Specializing in broken springs, cables, and entry doors, we ensure reliable installations and repairs, open seven days a week. Contact us to get started.