Garage doors are available in a variety of different styles but also come fitted with operating systems to suit various applications. Here are some of the more common types of garage door:
Ideally suited where either economy is a factor or in situations where the door cannot intrude fully into the garage due to obstructions such as soil pipes, gas meters or doors that open into the garage from the house. Approximately one third of the door extends forward of the frame to form a canopy. In some circumstances these may be suitable for automation but more expensive to adapt from manual spring operation.
This is becoming increasingly popular as automation can be easily added without expensive conversion. Also unlike the canopy door, which is reliant on cables to assist opening, retractable doors use side mounted spring assisted lifting arms. Being more substantial, these rarely require replacement. The entire door retracts back into the garage on most makes.
The principal benefit of a sectional overhead door compared with an up and over door is that it does not swing out when opening or closing. The whole door is divided horizontally into four or more panels that run on rollers in vertical tracks that then turn 90 degrees at the top into horizontal tracks that follow the roofline. This is ideal for automation and low on maintenance.
Individual horizontal slats constructed from either steel or aluminium are linked together to form a tightly coiling curtain which rolls up around a shaft located above the door opening. These doors do not swing out during operation. They are usually fitted behind the structural opening to maximise width and height when open. They are usually supplied ready motorised. Other types are available made from a castellated sheet that forms the panel.
Historically one of the earliest types of garage door operation. The door, usually made from timber panels, slides sideways on an overhead track and bottom guide rail and then turns through 90 degrees to follow the wall back into the garage. Larger doors can be supplied as bi-parting, where two separate doors slide in opposite directions. This is an ideal solution to low headroom problems, as they do not swing out. They can be automated.
The original type of garage door fitted before the advent of the up and over door. The doors hinge outwards making them ideal for garages that are used for everything except the car because only one leaf of the pair has to be opened. Some makes offer a one-third/two-thirds split for each leaf, so reducing the size of the pedestrian access door. Side hinged doors are easily automated.
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