Electric Garage Door Types

We have compiled this easy to use guide to help you decide which garage door best fit your need and budget.

Many customers tend to categorise garage doors as manual up and over doors and electric/automatic roller garage doors.

This is a little simplistic as the majority of ''up and over'' doors can be automated if specified at the time of purchase.

There are generally 4 main types of garage doors fitted to homes in the UK.

The Canopy Garage Door

This is the most common garage door fitted to homes in the UK. The majority of these are manually operated (due to cost) and are simply lifted up into the open position by the user. When opening the garage door lifts outward from the frame and when in the open position the door overhangs the garage entrance and causes an obstruction to the driveway. Some customers also find that they can drop slightly to head height causing accidents.

Installation: Easy all in one frame is secured to garage opening.

Automated: Generally manual

Insulation: Generally offers poor insulation

Suitability:  For customers on a budget who use garage infrequently.

Retractable Garage Door

This door opens in a similar fashion to a conventional canopy garage door but extends further out from the frame due to the mounting of pivet points. However the door then ''retracts'' and is stored in the ceiling of the garage on runners, leaving it flush with the entrance to the garage when fully open. As a result this door causes no obstruction to the entrance when open.

Installation: Relatively straight forward installation

Electric Automated: Very easy conversion

Insulation: Generally offers poor insulation

Suitability:  Customers who want to avoid door obstruction in their drive, but do not need insulation properties.

Roller Garage Doors

This type of garage door is lowered and raised from a roller mounted above the garage door in a similar manner to a window blind. To allow the flexibility required to roll the door is made up of small sections normally made of aluminium with a powder coating. Roller garage doors can effectively increase the width of your garage as runners actually sit behind the brick surround of the garage entrance. These doors can be automatic or manual although automatic has become much more popular option.

Installation: Normally around half a day

Automated: Automated is the most popular option

Insulation: Good, this construction reduces drafts

Suitability:  Customers who want convenience, insulation and unobtrusive storage and are prepared to pay for these benefits.

Sectional Garage Door

This is really a combination of roller garage door and a retractable garage door. The actual door is split in to large sections and rather than being rolled on to a drum, as with the roller door,  the sections move up to be stored in the roof ceiling on runners, as with a retractable door. Many retractable doors come with added insulation and can be an excellent choice if garage is to be used frequently all year round and needs to be draft free.

Installation: Normally 4-5 hours

Automated: Automated is the most popular option

Insulation: Very good, many models have added insulation

Suitability:  Excellent choice for those who want extended use of their garage and the convenience of a roller garage door.

My Home Improvements 24th June 2008

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