Garage doors

The right garage door can improve the look of your home, increase security and provide convenient access to your garage.

An attractive garage door can make
all the difference to your home

Your garage door might not seem an important part of your home, but choosing the right material and style of door can have many advantages:

• Security – a sturdy garage door will protect not only your car but any tools or items you choose to store in there. A secure door is especially important if your garage is connected to your home to stop intruders gaining access.
• Aesthetic appeal – installing a garage door which complements the style of your home can really improve the look of your entire property. A smart exterior is particularly important if you are trying to sell your home.
• Convenience – an easy to use garage door will make parking your car and storing your possessions quick and simple.
• Weatherproofing – if your garage door is made of a durable material this helps to insulate and to prevent damp, draughts and weather damage. This will extend the life of your garage and protect your property.

Here is an outline of the different materials and styles of garage doors you can choose from:

Garage door materials

Steel/metal garage doors – these kinds of doors are often made of pressed metal and are extremely durable and maintenance free. Metal doors come in panels or boards and are cheap in comparison to other materials. Their biggest advantage is their strength, making them a good choice for security purposes and a long lasting option.

Wooden garage doors – timber garage doors are a stylish option but are also one of the more expensive materials. Added to that, they require regular maintenance to prevent them warping or rotting. However, when properly taken care of, wood doors are a strong, naturally insulating material. Wooden doors also look great, especially if you have a traditional or older property.

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) garage doors – this type of garage door is strong and durable - like a tough laminate. One of the main advantages of GRP is that it comes in many colours and finishes and can be made to look like wood – but without the maintenance.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) garage doors – this is the strongest material you can use for your garage door but it remains fairly lightweight and is maintenance free. Although it is an expensive choice, it provides excellent security, an attractive appearance and will last a long time.

Garage door styles

Roller garage doors – this type of garage door is made of either a single sheet or lots of horizontal slats which roll up vertically when opened, without taking up space with overhead tracks in the ceiling. Roller doors can be manual or electric but designs can be limited since each section needs to fit the roller pattern.

Choose the right material and style
for your garage door

Sectional garage doors – a sectional garage door rises up vertically when opened and slides backwards on tracks across the ceiling. They provide good thermal insulation and if you have limited space, a sectional door will mean you can park inches from the door and still open it.

Hinged garage doors – these are an old style of garage door and require room for the door to swing outward. As this type of door is heavy, the side hinges need to be very strong; this type of door is not very popular but is a low cost option.

Canopy garage doors – a canopy door is made of a rigid panel of material, by which springs operate to lift the door up and backwards to open, leaving a third sticking out. This is a very cheap, simple garage door option but canopy doors are not very insulating and cannot always be automated.

Retractable garage doors – similar to canopy doors, the retractable version swings the entire way into the ceiling, meaning they are space effective. With this type of door you need clearance room to pull the door up and out.

Automated/electric garage doors - automatic garage doors are good for added security and safety and are compatible with most types of door; however it can be difficult to have an automated canopy door.

How much do garage doors cost?

The cost of installing a new garage door will vary depending on the type of material and style you choose. Always make sure to hire a professional to install your garage door quickly, safely and efficiently. Get at least three quotes before you hire a contractor and check they have valid public liability insurance.