A garage door is one of the most important components of your garage. It not only provides security but also can be a design statement for the rest of your property.



Before you build a garage or decide to give your existing one a facelift, it is essential for you to determine the style, shape and size of your garage doors. This will give you a fair idea on how much drive through width you require and also so you don't end up compromising on a stilted garage entry.

There are basically 5 types of garage doors. All manufacturers follow these 5 basic types in garage door manufacturing. The types are: retractable doors, canopy door, sectional door and side hinge door. These entire doors are different and unique in their performance and services.

Retractable Doors: This type of garage door, that when opened, a large portion of the door swings outwards. After that it retracts back into the ceiling of your garage. The pivot points of the doors are located at the top the door and this makes you unable to park your vehicle close to the door so you should ensure enough room is available on your driveway. The installation of these doors is easy. These types of doors are the easiest ones to be automated with a suitable electric opener.

These doors provide good security to your vehicles as they are fitted with four latches. These retractable doors are available in timber, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), steel and ABS. One point to note though is that this door provides you with a reduced drive through width, due to side spring assemblies.

Canopy Doors: When a canopy door opens it swings outwards and then slides upwards into the garage ceiling. It leaves one third of the door outside the garage. The security of the door is enhanced as the pivot points are located down the door. These doors are easy to install as no tracks are required inside the garage and the entire door mounts to the door frame. Canopy Doors are available in timber, steel ABS and GRP. This garage door provides a good drive through width.

Sectional Doors: Sectional doors are made up of numerous separate panels, which are hinged horizontally. They fit to the rear surface of your garage brickwork. The door rises upwards vertically and then backwards into the space of ceiling. Sectional Doors provide better security and protection against weather. The doors are provided with insulation. These are typically manufactured in steel. These doors can be assembled in 4 hours as they come in the form of a kit.

Roller Doors: Roller Doors roll up into the garage ceiling as a single curtain. They are fitted to the garage's rear surface of the front brick work. The roller doors as the name suggest rolls vertically upwards. These doors provide good security and protection levels. These doors are primarily manufactured in aluminum and steel. The installation of these doors is quite easy.

Side Hinge Doors: Side Hinge Doors are manufactured in steel, timber and GRP. These doors open outwards and look very traditional. These doors need appropriate clearance while being opened. The security of these doors is good if bolts are used at the top and bottom of the door.

Garage doors are an essential part of your garage. So while buying a garage door you should check for the quality, security and durability of the door.