What types of garage doors are right for me?

Deciding which types of garage doors are best for you can be more difficult than you think. Obviously, this is a product that needs to be durable as it will be used heavily and besides, we all want it to last for many years.
To help you choose the best garage door and garage door service company, we will advise you and provide practical information to help you make the right decision.

Types of garage doors depending on your location

First, it is important that we have a clear idea of what type of door we have or want and what their location is. They fall into two primary categories.

Closed garage

For those houses where the garage is closed, we must use a door that closes tightly and allows us to make the most of the interior space, as this is usually the minimum required to park a car inside. For this, we have two types of openings, folding or sectional, both with fixing to the ceiling.
The hinged gate, thanks to the design of the side guides, allows you to have a minimal reduction in the width of the passage, which makes it an ideal option for those garages that have a reduced width. On the other hand, sectionals that open allow us to make the most of the total length of the interior space, since we can leave the car parked almost touching the door from the inside, without affecting its closing or opening.

Open garage

When we talk about open garages, the system we use is different. In most cases, we do not have a roof to fix the structure, so the openings will be sliding or hinged, manual or motorized.
The choice will depend on the shape and the space available for the location of the door after its opening. Sliding doors need a lateral space for sliding, equal to the width of the opening plus 100 mm, so if we do not have this space, we must choose a swing opening with one or two leaves.

Types of garage door openings

First of all, opening can be done manually or automatically. This second alternative is also offered as an option for manual doors already installed. The automatic option will extend the service life of the door, as its movement is smooth and constant, and will also ensure safety.
There are two types of opening for external doors: overhead and sectional.

• Overhead. The hinged garage door rotates vertically along the axis from perpendicular to the ceiling (when closed) to parallel to the ceiling (when opened). You need a free and accessible space from the outside of the garage of about 1.20 m, that is, the space that protrudes from the facade when it is opened. They are the most economical.
• Sectional. A sectional garage door consists of panels that slide vertically, with the help of guides on the rail, until they become horizontal in relation to the ceiling. In other words, this is a type of opening that adjusts to the slope of the ceiling. It is recommended to install a ceiling motor adapted to the weight and dimensions of the door. The sectional opening does not take up space either inside or outside the garage, although it is worth paying attention to possible obstacles in the ceiling. In addition, it offers a high level of thermal insulation. This is a very quiet model that allows you to park the car almost at the door.

There are side, left or right openings with the same function as the horizontal ones and will slide along the wall of your garage. The lower guide will not obstruct access.

Service

All types of garage doors require maintenance: it consists in regularly lubricating the rails or the opening mechanism with oils or lubricants – silicone-based ones are recommended and lubricants are never used.
Depending on the material, the door will require special care and its own cleaning method to withstand the elements. You should constantly check the condition of your door. It is recommended to periodically check that the door is properly balanced. Often this can be done by the service company, like ST Garage Door, that installed your garage door.

What type of garage door to buy by material?

Aluminum garage doors are an ideal choice because aluminum is a very durable material, which increases its durability over time. In addition, these aluminum gates have a smooth surface that allows them to be customized as desired, both in color and size, making them a very versatile option for all types of garages or carports.

How to select a garage door from among several types

To make the right choice when choosing a garage door, consider the following steps:

• Assess your needs: Understand what you will be using the garage for and what your priorities are, such as safety, aesthetics or ease of use.
• Research Options: Explore the different types of doors available and compare their features and benefits.
• Consult a professional: You can contact us without obligation. We will make sure to help make your project a reality.
• Ask us for a quote: Ask our consultants for a free and non-binding quote where you can check everything you need, including the final price.
• Consider maintenance: Assess the long-term maintenance requirements of the door you are considering. We have different plans at our disposal.
• Take your time: Take your time with your choice. Take the time to make an informed decision. If you have any questions, please contact us.
• Check warranties: Make sure you understand the warranties offered by the manufacturer or installer.

Aesthetics also play an important role when picking our garage doors. It not only has to be functional, but it is also very essential that both its color and materials match the rest of our house.

Conclusion

As we have already seen, there are many types of garage doors that you can choose from. Among all the models currently on the market, sliding garage doors are the most popular due to easy automation and this type of garage door simply could be maintained by a service company.

Among all the models currently on the market, sliding garage doors are the most popular due to easy automation and this type of garage door simply could be maintained by Next Level Garage Service.

For example, in the STI Garage Door you can choose the model you like best, with the finish that best matches the style of your garage: wood effect with different textures or standard lacquers with a wide range of colors, from wood or white finish to black.