What’s the Ideal Garage Door for Your Property?
The market offers four primary types of garage doors, each presenting its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In the UK, you’ll commonly encounter the Roller Shutter, Up and Over, Sectional, and Side Hinged designs.
This article aims to determine what constitutes the “best” garage door. We recognize that “best” is subjective and varies from person to person, so we’ll delve into the pros and cons of each garage door type.
Which Garage Door is Right for Me?
As with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. Investing more in a garage door typically translates to a greater array of features and benefits.
There are seven crucial aspects that define a garage door’s performance (or lack thereof):
- Aesthetic Appeal: What designers now frequently term “curb appeal.”
- Security Capabilities: How well it protects your belongings.
- Thermal Insulation Value: The extent of heat loss through the door.
- Weather Resistance: Its ability to keep out wind, moisture, and rain.
- Operation Type: Whether it’s fully automated or manually operated.
- Operational Noise: How quietly it functions.
- Warranty Duration: The length of the manufacturer’s and installer’s guarantee.
While other factors exist (like smartphone integration, for example), these seven are the major considerations. Identifying your priorities among these will help clarify which garage door is best suited for you.
Therefore, it’s vital to understand that what ranks highest for your specific needs might differ significantly from someone else’s priorities.
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Our certified surveyors can visit your property at your convenience. We will meticulously measure and assess your current requirements, then recommend the perfect product for you. This service is entirely free, with no obligation to purchase.
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What is the Best Garage Door Type if Cost Isn’t a Barrier?
Generally, the more you invest in a garage door (assuming fair pricing), the more features and benefits you will receive.
A high-quality garage door can actually provide significant long-term savings through improved heat retention. It’s important to calculate the potential annual cost savings, especially if your garage is heated, as this can amount to substantial savings over the door’s lifespan.
Opting for a fully automated system also enhances convenience, and a lengthy warranty means you won’t face repair costs in the near future.
So, if you can justify the higher initial expense, there’s one type of door that excels across all seven criteria mentioned (and more): the Sectional garage door (as pictured above).
You might argue that it doesn’t meet the “cost” criterion, given it’s typically the most expensive. However, I’d contend that despite its higher price point, it still represents the best value for money due to the extensive benefits it delivers.
The sectional garage door gets its name from its construction, typically featuring four to six horizontal sections that fold into the garage’s roof space. You might be thinking, “Surely a roller door would be better since it rolls into a tiny box? Isn’t that a technological advancement?” While it’s true that roller doors occupy very little space, which is a definite advantage, this comes with certain trade-offs, as you’ll see.
The sectional door is by far the most popular because it not only meets all the criteria outlined above but also enhances the visual appeal of virtually any building. Aesthetically, it undoubtedly adds value to any property.
So, what are the drawbacks of the sectional garage door? Primarily, the higher cost. A fully automated double sectional door might set you back approximately £3,000 plus VAT, depending on its size. This price typically includes full installation and a generous warranty; we provide a ten-year warranty on these doors. In contrast, a fully fitted up-and-over door with a warranty might cost around £700.
Several manufacturers produce sectional garage doors, but Hormann is generally considered the market leader.
Are Roller Garage Doors a Solid Choice?
Roller doors are undeniably one of the most popular garage door types today. Their excellent design requires minimal space, and we likely install more roller doors each week than any other style.
They consist of a series of horizontal slats that roll up and down to open and close. Everyone appreciates how neatly they coil into that compact box above the garage opening. The range of colors and finishes is virtually limitless. If you observe the garage doors in your area, you’ll notice a significant number are roller shutters, whether manual or automatic.
They are a great choice for increasing your property’s value, but there are a few points to be aware of if you’re considering purchasing one.
The sectional door we just discussed typically has a thickness of 42mm, or 67mm for industrial applications. This explains their superior insulation against cold and excellent sound dampening. In contrast, the roller door is comparatively thin, meaning its thermal insulation is virtually negligible.
Now, the importance of heat (and sound) insulation for your garage door might not be a high priority for you, whereas cost savings could be a very significant factor. Manufacturers often state that roller doors have brushes on the sides to block wind and a rubber strip at the bottom to seal out rain. However, owners of roller doors will often tell you that these don’t always perform as effectively as one might hope.
Again, you might not be concerned about your garage’s temperature or humidity levels, but for many, this is a crucial factor. If you have an integral garage, you certainly don’t want cold wind infiltrating through the door seals. If you use a dehumidifier in your garage to control moisture (very common among car enthusiasts) or use the garage for anything sensitive to heat, cold, or humidity, then this becomes an important consideration.
Finally, roller doors can also be a bit noisier during operation (though this is relative; sectional doors are remarkably quiet).
Considering these minor points, you’ll need to weigh your personal priorities. Some factors I’ve listed as important might be irrelevant to you. Cost could be a much more significant driver. An automated roller door can be installed very quickly, reducing labor costs, and the door itself is also considerably cheaper. Plus, the significant advantage of occupying very little internal garage space makes them appealing.
Get a Free Quote Today
Our certified surveyors can visit your property at your convenience. We will meticulously measure and assess your current requirements, then recommend the perfect product for you. This service is entirely free, with no obligation to purchase.
Book a free home survey.
Best Garage Doors – What About Up and Over Doors?
Up-and-over doors are ubiquitous. Builders favor them because they are incredibly inexpensive and can be fitted very quickly. In fact, they are the most budget-friendly door type on the market—unless you find a used one on eBay, of course. Prices typically start around £700, including VAT and full installation.
Are they any good? Well, that depends on your priorities. Their main strengths lie in their “cost” and “looks.” You can achieve immediate curb appeal without spending a fortune. The downsides include minimal or no thermal insulation, very limited resistance to wind and rain, and they are generally easier to breach than other models.
So, if you opt for this style, try to allocate funds for additional security features, which will be offered as an option. Supplemental thermal insulation can also be added either during installation or at a later date.
In summary, up-and-over doors are cost-effective, quick and easy to install, and provide a simple way to rejuvenate a worn-out garage that previously featured an up-and-over door past its prime.
Side-Hinged Garage Doors
Side-hinged garage doors are also very popular. This is a more traditional design that opens on hinges positioned on either side of the garage entrance. This style has been present for decades and remains widely favored. I recall my house having them back in the eighties. They are known for their simple design and straightforward installation, although a skilled installer is crucial for achieving good thermal insulation.
Side-hinged doors boast a great aesthetic. They possess a certain “French Chic” when executed well and can appear highly exclusive. This makes them more of a lifestyle choice, and they integrate exceptionally well with certain house designs where a more contemporary look might not be suitable. To be fair, what I’m describing here often leans more towards bespoke rather than off-the-shelf solutions.
There’s a considerable choice of materials, including wood, steel, and aluminum. For optimal security, choose double-skinned metal. Side-hinged garage doors can sometimes be more expensive than other types, but this largely depends on the material chosen. However, they offer many benefits that often justify the additional cost.
What is the Best Garage Door – Conclusion
As I stated at the outset, a higher investment typically translates into more features and benefits. As is often the case in life, cost will ultimately dictate the right choice for you. However, remember to consider the true cost over a ten-year period—factoring in maintenance expenses and the insulation benefits—rather than just the initial purchase price.
Despite any extra expense, you will experience the advantages of owning a quality garage door every single day, even on days you don’t actively use it.
If you’re interested in receiving a no-obligation quote for a new garage door, please feel free to call us or send an email. We operate five excellent showrooms serving Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and South Wales. Our showroom telephone numbers are listed below, and our phone lines are staffed 24/7.