In terms of overall use and ownership, overhead garage doors are, by and large, the most popular option for homeowners. So many people love them because they are often affordable and easy to install. They’re also convenient and make the best use of space compared to garage doors that swing out or roll to the side.
Overhead garage doors also tend to be most easily coupled with automatic garage door openers, letting you enter the garage and close it behind you without getting out of the car.
To help you understand more about overhead garage doors and why so many homeowners love them, here are the different types of overhead garage doors and their benefits.
Single Panel Doors
In the 1950s, homeowners who wanted to park their cars began to turn to overhead track systems, which offered more convenience and efficient use of space than traditional swinging or sliding door panels.
One of the first models to emerge from this revolution was the single-panel overhead garage door. As its name suggests, manufacturers make this door out of one solid piece of wood, aluminum, metal, or any other material.
An overhead track allowed owners to pull outward on the handle. Thanks to the counterweight spring, the door rose effortlessly. The door then slid overhead, allowing owners to drive into the garage.
The biggest problem with this design was that it was frequently heavy, leading to track malfunctions. Plus, the door had to pivot outwards before it could slide overhead. Regarding the last problem, in particular, it meant that homeowners had to keep their cars parked several feet away when trying to open their garages.
Sectional Garage Doors
Manufacturers created their solutions as people grew dissatisfied with single-panel overhead doors.
The most popular idea was to cut the panel into sections. They would rotate freely while still joining each other and a guiding track. As the door was raised, each section could pivot at an angle individually rather than having the entire length of the door pivot. This feature meant the overhead door could be raised straight up without extra front clearance.
These days, most overhead garage door installation systems are sectional. That makes automatic garage door openers, tracks, and spare parts more accessible. Sectional doors are also easily insulated, adding to their cost savings without making them harder to install.
Roller Garage Doors
Roller garage doors are commonly seen in commercial buildings. They roll up into their housing directly above the garage door frame, preventing the need for an overhead track while freeing up ceiling space in the garage.
These systems are durable and secure, usually made of corrugated steel. But they are also quite expensive because of their commercial design. Most homeowners will not opt for this heavy-duty installation option unless they genuinely have industrial-style needs.
Choosing the Best Type of Doors for You
As you can see, many garage door types and styles are available. Sectional doors may still be the most common, but there are many different types of sectional overhead garage doors. Some homeowners may want a different system entirely because of their preferences.
Get in touch with CSS Garage Doors using our contact page. Learn more about all the overhead garage door options. Get help deciding which one would be the best fit for you.