What are the most common types of garage doors

Oct 1, 2020

Garage doors are one of the first things people notice when driving past your home. They can instantly boost curb appeal or drag it down if outdated. Choosing the right style not only enhances your home’s look but also improves convenience, safety, and value.

At Garage Door Guy Corp of Central Arkansas, we know choosing the right door can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, here are the 6 most common types of garage doors you’ll find today, along with their benefits.

1. Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors are your most common garage door. This is what typically comes on every rental house that you visit. It is a simple solution that is pleasing to the eye. They are the number one most common garage door in the United States and here is why. They are typically made from steel, very low maintenance, and can be easily customized with different colors, hardware, and windows.

Sectional garage doors are made up of multiple panels that are connected by hinges. Whenever you open your garage door, it lifts up to the top of the garage where it rests overhead. High tension springs are what is used to keep the door from closing on you whenever it is opened part way.

2. Roll Up Garage Doors

Roll up garage doors are the second most common garage door but you don’t typically see them in homes. These are used most often for commercial locations or apartment complexes where you may park in a parking deck. They are great for areas without much ceiling space, as they roll up into a cylinder when the garage door is opened. This design is typically a little more expensive because the equipment used is so heavy duty and built to withstand the harshest of conditions and an incredible amount of use.

3. Slide-to-the-Side Garage Doors

The slide to the side door is a lot like the popular sectional garage door, except that instead of hanging above the head, it opens to the side where it rests against your garage wall. These are often popular choices because they take away the risk of the garage door falling on your car or your head if there is damage done to the door.

4. Side Hinged Garage Doors

This popular garage door design has made a comeback in recent years as one of the more popular garage door choices due to its unique style. They operate like two barn doors that open and close on a hinge that is on the side of each door. It is a very old fashioned design that is regaining popularity. They can be automated or manual; steel, wood, or glass. This is a great and unique option if you have little overhead space in your garage.

5. Tilt-Up Canopy Garage Doors

The tilt up canopy garage door may give you superhero vibes when you see a picture. Imagine Batman and Robin jumping in their batmobile to go save the world. This is the type of garage door we would imagine they would leave out of. There are no sections on this unique garage door, only one large piece of equipment that is attached with side hinges. The door lifts from the hinges and tilts up into the ceiling of the garage. When it is open, it extends past the front of the house and then closes again to be flush with the building.

6. Tilt Up Retractable Garage Doors

The tilt up retractable garage door is a combination of the tilt up canopy garage door and the ever popular, sectional garage door. It is still one solid piece, like the tilt up canopy garage door, however it has a raising mechanism that lifts it up into the top of the garage, without letting the door protrude from the front of the building. Of the six most popular garage door styles, this is the one that is chosen the least by homeowners. It is an expensive model and takes up a lot of space in the garage.

Choosing the Right Garage Door for Your Home

With so many options, it can be tough to decide which garage door is best for your needs. That’s where our team at Garage Door Guy Corp of Central Arkansas comes in.

We’ll help you:

  • Select the right style for your home’s design
  • Customize with colors, hardware, and windows
  • Ensure safe, professional installation

👉 Ready to upgrade your curb appeal? Contact Garage Door Guy Corp today to schedule your free consultation and discover the perfect garage door for your home.