July 7, 2011

Garage Doors : A Look At The Main Types

Some people will go through their life without ever having to buy a garage door. But if you need to replace an existing door that is past its best, there are probably more styles to choose from than you realize. As well as being responsible for keeping your car and all your belongings safe and secure, a garage door plays a big part in how good your home looks, so it’s worth spending some time looking at the different options available.

The canopy garage door is one of the most popular choices for a lot of home owners because it’s easy to open even if there’s only a small amount of clearance in front of it. They get their name because of the canopy created by the bottom part of the door when it’s open, and are probably one of best options for those on a tight budget.

Another ‘up and over’ style garage door, retractable garage doors differ from canopy doors in that they fit completely into the roof space of the garage when they are opened. Choosing this style of door may be more about individual preference than practical benefit, as you need more room to open them.

If you’re really pushed for space in front of your garage, the sectional door may be your best option. The door itself is made of hinged sections which mean that it can be opened by raising the door along the specially designed tracks, and no clearance is needed in front of the garage.

The vast majority of the different ‘up and over’ garage door types can be adapted so they can be opened electrically. Some models may be easier to modify than others, and additional parts as well as the electric motor might be needed, but an automatic electric garage door is the ultimate in convenience.

Side-hinged garage doors may be a better alternative to the ‘up and over’ door types, particularly if you want a more individual look for your home, or the opening for you garage is a unique size or shape. Traditionally made of wood, but also available in a variety of other materials, these could be more suitable for situations where a standard door isn’t appropriate.

Picking out your new garage door might not be something you want to spend too much time thinking about, and for anyone with a limited budget it could be the cost that makes the decision. However, knowing that you have a number of options to choose from could help you to find a door that doesn’t cost much, but is more convenient and looks great too.

Next : Side Hinged Garage Doors Or Made To Measure Garage Doors

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