What most people tend to neglect is the fact that a new garage door is a great investment, especially since it can last for a very long time. In addition, it can easily account for up to 20% of the front elevation of your property. There are many reasons why you need a new one. It could be that your current garage door is no longer able to provide you with much-needed security. Or maybe fixing it will only cost you more than you can spend on installing a brand new one.

At first glance, you might find a wide range of choices to be a bit confusing. And considering the many styles and types of variables (finishes, operation, options, etc.), the process can really be overwhelming. Heck, there are even electric garage doors these days, which only add to the many selections of garage door types available on the market.

To help you make a better decision, make sure to check out the different types of garage doors below.

1.Up and Over Canopy Garage Doors

Up and Over Canopy Garage Doors
This one right here can be likened to a side hinged garage door. However, up and over garage doors, which are unframed, usually require at least 70 mm square timber goalpost frame. In order for you to select the right sized door, all you need to do is measure the size found inside the door frame. This type of garage door comes with a canopy lifting gear, but it does not necessarily have sections. Why exactly? That is because they are purely made of one solid piece. And with its pivoting mechanism, it is able to tilt up into your garage.

2.Up and Over Retractable Garage Doors

Up and Over Retractable Garage Doors
Sure, this type of garage door is somehow similar to the aforementioned. However, its main difference is its ability to lift up and right into your garage, a process possible thanks to its retractable lifting gear. And considering the fact that it is suspended independently from the frame, the garage door does not protrude past the front of your house.

This configuration, however, is going to require you to have more space when compared to the canopy up and over garage door. While most homeowners love to go for this type, the garage door tends to be quite a lot more difficult to operate than other types. Also, they appear to be quite expensive.

3.Side Hinged Garage Doors

Side Hinged Garage Doors
The side hinged garage door is one that comes with an old-fashioned design. It swings when you either open or close it from a hinged frame. This garage door type quickly resembles those large barn doors you see. Moreover, they are usually composed of wood, although more and more galvanized version of the door is starting to invade the market.

Interestingly, the demand for side hinged garage door has risen these past few years. They are becoming more popular in garages with limited headroom or some obstructions. You have the option to purchase them in either in pre-hung steel frames or easily fit into existing openings. Lastly, it has the ability to be automated through the help of specialized conversion arms.

4.Roller Garage Doors

Roller Garage Doors
There is no doubt that you have seen this type of garage door many of today’s commercial applications. But believe it or not, it is also starting to be a popular choice in the residential space. Just keep in mind that a roller garage door comes with a no-frills design option, as they specifically built for areas that have limited ceiling space. Roller garage doors, which are also known as coiling doors, are designed to withstand heavy usage and operations.

5.Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional Garage Doors
This is without a doubt the most popular garage type in the list. Most sectional garage doors these days are made up of panel sections, each of which is directly connected using hinges. As you open or close the door, the wheels located at the edge of each panel also roll inside a vertical track.

The hinges you see between each panel section are capable of bending over a curved portion of the aforementioned track. Thanks to the existence of this feature, the door is able to sit parallel to the ceiling when it is completely open. The same thing happens even when it is closed.