Two weeks ago, our office received a telephone call from a homeowner interested in obtaining a new garage door. As we asked several questions, the caller became a little confused when we asked, “What Garage Door Style Do You Want?” He thought that all garage doors are the same, so we had to discuss the several different types of garage door styles available. Of course, there are many different constructions and popular garage door styles.
But there are several distinct types. In our service area of the greater West Chester, PA area and along the Philadelphia Main Line, here are some of the more popular garage door styles.
Sectional Garage Doors – The most popular type of garage door is the sectional garage door. It consists of horizontal panels that are hinged together and fitted with wheels. Mounted within a track, the entire assembly is operated using a torsion bar to counterbalance the weight of the door.
Some benefits of the traditional sectional garage door are that it takes up the least amount of space and that it can be automated at a nominal cost. Drawbacks include poor energy efficiency.
Carriage Garage Doors – Also known as swing-style garage doors, Carriage garage doors are another garage door style that has become increasingly popular. Operating like a big pair of French doors, Carriage garage doors are most often fabricated from wood and hang from jambs on hinges.
They offer a strong visual appearance. Because the carriage doors swing, they tend to be much more energy efficient. They are much easier to seal and prevent intrusion. One downside to swing-style garage doors is that they require more room to accommodate the opening of the garage doors. So, if a vehicle is parked too close to the garage doors, they cannot be easily opened. Furthermore, this type of garage door is much more expensive to automate than the traditional sectional garage door.
Single Panel Garage Doors – Created from one large panel, Single Panel garage doors are perhaps the most simple to understand. These doors swing upwards using a spring mechanism. Unfortunately, the biggest weakness is the amount of space required to allow the door to open easily. As with carriage garage doors, single-panel doors require greater clearance to allow easy opening.
Contemporary Garage Doors – Complimenting a home’s appearance has become increasingly important, and contemporary garage doors integrate a variety of design elements that can be very attractive. Today, a range of high-tech materials and treatments can be used to create dramatic looks that can improve curb appeal. Opaque glass and translucent materials enable homeowners to create a unique appearance that many modern homeowners enjoy.
When it’s time for you to do some research on which type of garage door would work well with your home or business, give us a call. We are always happy to review these choices and others to make sure you choose a door that will work well for your needs and look great.
What’s your favorite garage door from these popular garage door styles?