5 Types of Residential Garage Doors
for Every Home
Finding the best garage door for your home is more than just looks—functionality, maintenance, and space considerations also matter. In this article, we’ll explore five popular types of residential garage doors, talking about their benefits and what kind of home they best suit.
1. Sectional Residential Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are the most common type of residential garage doors. They consist of multiple panels that slide up and over the garage ceiling when opened. These doors come in various materials, including steel, aluminum, and wood.
- Best for: These doors suit most homes, especially in suburban neighborhoods where durability and ease of use are really important.
- Advantages: Sectional doors are often customizable, which allows for insulation to be made or window inserts. They also offer high security and can be automated.
- Maintenance: This requirement is highly dependent on the type of material used in this door. Steel doors tend to be the most durable and low-maintenance.
2. Roll-Up Residential Garage Doors
Typically, you can find roll-up garage doors in commercial spaces but they also can work for residential homes with limited space. They make these doors out of horizontal slats that roll up into a coil above the garage door opening.
- Best for: Homes or storage units with tight spaces or garages with low ceilings.
- Advantages: Space-saving, durable, and minimal maintenance. These doors are also designed to withstand high traffic and frequent use.
- Maintenance: Low, as the steel or aluminum construction is weather-resistant.
3. Side-Hinged Residential Garage Doors
Side-hinged garage doors usually work the same way as traditional barn doors, swinging outward from a hinge on either side. They are often made of wood or steel and lend a classic, traditional look to a home.
- Best for: Traditional homes, especially those with vintage or colonial architecture.
- Advantages: These doors are easy to manually operate, have a classic aesthetic, and are perfect for homes with limited overhead space.
- Maintenance: The maintenance is quite high, especially for wood doors which require regular upkeep to prevent warping or damage.
4. Tilt-Up/Canopy Garage Doors
Tilt-up or canopy garage doors consist of a single solid piece that tilts up and into the garage ceiling. These doors offer a simple design and are often more affordable than sectional doors.
- Best for: Homes with a clean, simple design, or mid-century modern homes.
- Advantages: Tilt-up doors are typically less expensive and easier to install, with a smooth and straightforward operation.
- Maintenance: Moderate, as they require checking the pivoting mechanism and maintaining the material, especially if it’s wood.
5. Carriage-House Garage Doors
Carriage-house garage doors were inspired by the look of old carriage houses. These type of doors have a rustic, vintage appeal. Modern versions of these doors combine the traditional swinging doors look with the convenience of overhead operation.
- Best for: Farmhouse-style homes, rustic homes, or craftsman-style properties.
- Advantages: A perfect blend of old-world charm and modern technology, these doors can be customized with decorative hardware, window inserts, and materials like wood or steel.
- Maintenance: The maintenance is quite high, especially for wood doors. Steel options are more durable and require less frequent upkeep.
Final Thoughts:
When you choose the perfect garage door for your home, take into account the style of your home, your practical needs, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Sectional doors are the go-to for versatility and ease of use, while roll-up doors are ideal for tight spaces. Side-hinged and carriage-house doors offer traditional aesthetics, while tilt-up doors provide a budget-friendly option for simple homes.
For professional, reliable garage door services, contact Seamless Systems. We’re here to help with all your garage door needs! Call us at (307) 680-6103