The Most Popular Garage Doors for Modern Homes  

People usually don’t consider their garage door until it stops working properly. Yet, if you look  around your neighbourhood, you’ll see that every house is designed differently. Some garage doors roll up, others open and close by swinging, and a few are hidden when they disappear into the ceiling. 


 

To be honest, garage doors have evolved a lot in the past decade. Houses built in the 1980s were designed for a different lifestyle than we have today. Smart doors are necessary for today’s homes, since they shouldn’t disturb the neighbors with loud noises and should have a nice look from the road. 


 

Up and Over Doors Are Still the Main Choice 


 

If you walk along most residential streets, you’ll notice that up and over doors are common. They have been the preferred choice for people for many years. The door opens as a single piece and moves back into the garage on the tracks. Engineering that does the job without complications. 


 

There are two main kinds of these. When they are open, canopy versions are noticeable and might have hit you in the head before. If your driveway is not very long, retractable ones are useful, as they fit entirely inside. With the retractable type, you pay more, but you won’t have the overhang issue. 


 

Roller Doors Are Becoming More Popular 


 

Roller doors are now widely chosen, especially when houses are being built today. The door is neatly rolled into a cylinder that stays above the opening. There is no risk of your doors hitting the garage or the driveway. 


 

They are very useful when there is not much space. If your driveway is narrow or the roof is low, rollers will help you. Fewer pieces in the mechanism mean it is more dependable. 


 

Aluminium slats are usually used to make roller doors. They are not heavy, won’t rust, and come in a wide variety of colors. If your garage is chilly in winter, some manufacturers sell slats that are filled with foam to increase insulation. 


 

The downside? Cheaper models aren’t the best when it comes to noise. If the garage is next to a bedroom in the house, you should consider buying a quieter motor. 


 

For Those Who Like Technology 


 

Horizontal panels in sectional doors rise upwards along tracks. More people are choosing them because they want something a little more refined. You can choose steel, aluminium, or timber panels, and some of them even have windows included. 


 

Most doors are not as effective at sealing as these doors are. Paneling in your garage includes weather seals, so wind and rain are prevented from getting in. If your garage is used for work or storage, the extra protection against the weather is very helpful. 


 

It takes more work to install an up and over door than a basic door. The track system requires enough height on the ceiling and some space. When they’re installed, they function well and stay strong for a long time. 


 

A lot of sectional doors can be controlled through smart home technology. You may check if the door is closed using your phone or program it to open automatically as you arrive home. There are even some that have their own backup power to use when the electricity fails. 


 

Side-Hinged Doors are Back in Style 


 

At the moment, traditional side-hinged doors are quite popular. They open wide like big double doors, making it easy for someone who is used to walking through regular doors. 


 

They are ideal for people who walk in and out of the garage a lot. You only need to open one side to access the inside of the fridge. Automating them is also simple and inexpensive, since you can use smaller motors. 


 

The main point to keep in mind is that you need room in front of the garage for the doors to move. If your parking spot is right by the entrance or your drive is very steep, you can’t use them. Strong winds can be an issue as well – they may cause the tents to move or make it hard to close them. 


 

If your home or garage is styled after an earlier period, timber cladding will look beautiful. Everyday use is easier with steel, as they take less effort to take care of. 


 

Finding the Right Motor 


 

The majority of garage doors sold these days come with electric motors. Lifting heavy doors by hand is no longer needed, mostly thanks to roller and sectional garage doors. 


 

Strength in your muscles is more important than you might believe. Doors that are hard to open will become worn out more quickly and make a lot of noise. Drive motors that use chains are inexpensive but not smooth. If your garage is nearby your living area, investing in a belt-drive model will make it quieter. 


 

Having smart connectivity in every device is now commonplace. Controlling your garage door from your phone is handy and helps ease your mind if you aren’t sure if you closed it. 


 

If your garage is linked to the house or you use it for work, insulation is necessary. Doors with two layers and foam in the middle help maintain heat inside and also minimise noise. While they are more expensive to begin with, their energy savings will build over time. 


 

 How much you plan to spend, the size of the garage, how often you enter it, and your house’s design are all important factors. Make sure to find out what’s most suitable instead of opting for the lowest-priced product.