The UK’s Favourite Roller Garage Door Solution
One of the original garage door types and now once again the most relevant for the 21st century garage and household. With most garages now being used as another room to the main house rather than for a car, you are most likely entering the garage regularly on foot. No need to open the door fully and expose everything to the outside world. You just want to walk in or out the garage. What better doors for this purpose than a pair of side hinged garage doors?
What isn't understood generally about side hinged garage doors is the advances in materials and manufacturing processes now mean for most purposes the best side hinged garage doors will be made out of steel. Whether that be single skin pressed steel or the more durable and prestigious double skinned insulated steel side hinged doors, both will have their place depending on your use of your garage.
Steel Side Hinged Garage Doors Offer:
• Effortless Operation
• Quiet and Smooth Operation
• Excellent Stability and Overall Integrity
• Great Security on the double skinned insulated doorsets
• Very low Maintenance and always fully finished as standard
• Easiest site Installation with factory preassembled doors
• Very long guarantees and minimal moving parts for longevity
• Insulated panels offer great sound and thermal insulation
• Choice of smaller pedestrian door option
• Traditional and Modern Designs
• High Quality durable external finish options
• Multiple Window Design and Glazing Options
• High Security Options
In short, for a single width garage opening, up to 3.5m wide, the side hinged doors offer so many garages the solution to easy, quiet daily access, with high performance in terms of the insulation, weather protection and sound deadening so many would appreciate. The simplicity of a hinged door speaks volumes against other more complex door types.
Our Range and Recommendations
If insulation is not relevant to your garage then the current best all round hinged garage doors for security, stability, weather proofing and strength are the GDO Icon doors. Reinforced pressed steel hinged doors, with many of the same features as the insulated hinged doors as standard. 3d hinges, uprated handles and greater levels of locking and security as well as being purpose made as standard with a factory fitted steel sub frame.
If your garage is integral to your home or you just want higher performance then look towards any of the double skinned steel insulated doors we offer in either 20mm, 40mm, or 51mm panel specifications with varying design options based on these.
The Carteck, GDO and Ryterna all offer very high performance, made to order insulated doors with high specification and manufactured ready for installation from the factory.
Insulated Side Hinged Steel Doorsets
Our comprehensive range of double skinned insulated steel doorsets offer the very best in terms of durability, security, quality and performance. We offer doorsets from leading manufacturers Carteck, Hormann and Ryterna with our very own range of GDO hinged doors, developed from the many years of experience we have in selling thousands of steel garage doors. All the doors are made to measure with a limited range of standard sizes for faster deliveries.
Many models can be manufactured in a straight 50/50 equal split or choose to have an asymmetric split, providing a smaller pedestrian access door to one side for convenience.
The doorset principal is simple enough, the doors are supplied with almost everything factory fitted and assembled including the outset fixing sub frame, making installation on site as easy as possible and removing any chance of fitting incorrectly (subject to understanding minor adjustments in the hinges and leveling).
Take a look at our insulated side hinged garage door range now >
Uninsulated Steel Hinged Doorsets
We have a comprehensive range of single skin, pressed steel hinged doors, once again factory fitted with the important parts, taking the effort out of installation on site.
We have our own extensive GDO range of doors along with the Garador steel range. Both ranges offer the doors with a steel fixing sub frame, which we strongly recommend is always used to reduce tolerances to a minimum for the best performance and durability once fitted.
NEW for 2026 - The superb GDO Icon steel range offers many of the same features as found on insulated hinged doors, but in a far lower price range in single skin steel. Purpose made as standard and always with a high specification on seals, handles and locking.
A whole range of styles and colours are on offer in standard or purpose made sizes to suit.
Many models are available with a straight 50/50 split or the asymmetric split to offer a smaller pedestrian door on one side for convenience.
These doors are ideal if your garage is perhaps detached and there is no requirement for insulation or higher levels of security.
Take a look at our single skin steel side hinged garage door range now >
Traditional Timber Hinged Doors
A wide variety of traditional, joinery made cedarwood timber side hinged garage doors which require carpenter skills for installation and a timber sub frame to suit. Durable and rot resistant cedarwood is ideal for garage doors.
We also offer a range of timber hinged door designs built into a steel chassis and sub frame taking away the need for a professional carpenter on site installation.
Some properties just scream out for timber. All the timber side hinged doors we offer are manufactured from Western Red Cedarwood and all are available with a factory finish which is recommended when ordering.
Take a look at our timber side hinged garage door range now >
Composite GRP Hinged Doors - CURRENTLY UNABAILABLE
For fully finished and traditional wooden garage door designs without the timber take a look at our range of composite GRP hinged garage doors. We offer our own limited range of GDO doors with the Garador GRP hinged door range also on offer.
Fully finished and set into a galvanised steel chassis these doors come complete and built ready for installation. Just choose your design, colour and size. All the doors come with a prefitted box section steel sub frame and we have standard and purpose made sizes.
The Benefits of Side Hinged Garage Doors
• Outward opening means no internal intrusion to the garage with tracks or springs
• Open only one side to access on foot at any time, minimal exposure.
• Simple control of locking with key to operate one or multiple locking points
• Hook locking options to hold the door panels tighter together when closed
• Made to measure up to 3500mm width
• 50/50 door panel split OR 2/3rd and 1/3rd on many models as option
• Thermal transmittance to 1.4 W/m2K U values on thermal specific models
• Up to 10 year guarantees on insulated steel models
• Can offer excellent levels of weather protection with thresholds fitted
Electric Operation
Most side hinged garage doors can be electrically operated and we offer various electric operators with the appropriate conversion kits required in our online shop.
A special adapter will simply push and pull the door leaves in and out using a normal boom type electric operator as the main system, but with steel rod adapters fitted to the door leaves.
We recommend emailing or calling us to sort out the best package combination for any electric operated side hinged doors.
Helpful information
Manufacturers
Roller Garage Doors are one of the most popular types of garage doors in the UK right now and Garage Doors Online have made it easier for you by showcasing the most popular and the best roller shutter door manufacturers, providing value for money as well as excellent quality and easy DIY installation. Guaranteed peace of mind and quality from the UK and Europe’s leading manufacturers. Proper warranties and features which are oprtions on others mainly standard in these doors. No corners cut in terms of safety or finishing.
All the roller garage doors shown below are fully compliant with the latest CE regulations required for safety regulations with remote controlled electric operated doors and are manufactured from the highest quality components, meaning guaranteed reliability and longevity.
Unfortunately, due to their popularity, there are a growing number of roller garage doors being offered that do not comply with established UK regulations. Doors using cheap and inferior components, many of which are unseen internal parts, can be dangerous, less secure and headache-inducing further down the line. At the bottom of this page is an independent evaluation of legal requirements, which you can use if you have any concerns regarding a roller garage door compliancy to regulations.
Our Current All Round, Best Selling Choice for an Electric Roller Garage Door
The GDO Roll77 Remote Control Somfy - in 18 Premium Colours
2 versions, one with an uprated internal control panel with built in light and alarm and a full hood cover included as standard.
Premium Insulated Aluminium Roller Garage Doors
- SeceuroGlide - have been tried and tested for years now and offer a vast array of quality options. All doors (except one) are electric operated and made to order, with a vast choice of colours and options. This is a premium product in roller doors. The basis of the design from the outset for Seceuroglide has been security and they are the most secure roller shutter garage doors on the UK market currently in this 77mm insulated construction. Apart from their LT and Classic version there is a Security Rated ‘Excel’ model, a Compact version is available and a Manual version, in more limited single sizes.
- GDO - Our very popular Roll 77 electric roller door range offers the SmartRoll version and range with enhanced controls and features including the ability to control with your smartphone via the Somfy app. Made to measure models using the world leading Somfy motor drive benefit from a 5 year warranty and faster opening speeds and a whole world of options to connect other home devices.
- HORMANN - A German manufacturer offering a unique roller door solution with the Rollmatic 2. An electric roller door with an external motor drive, 5 year warranty and unique benefits. Made to order with remote control Bi Secur system as standard.
Standard Insulated Aluminium Roller Garage Doors
GDO Roller Doors offer double skinned, insulated, aluminium curtains, with 55mm or 77mm slat options for a sleek modern look. The GDO ROLL77 is a range of electric aluminium roller doors, starting with models for those who do not always require remote control access. Simple and easy button or key switch operated electric roller garage doors, mainly for when you don’t use your garage for a vehicle and access is always on foot. A wide range of remote control roller doors with varying options on the controls and features. A roller door for every type of requirement based on your garage use and lifestyle.
The Seceuroglide LT is a more basic version of the best-selling Seceuroglide, but still offered with a superb manufacturer’s guarantee. It is fully compliant, has excellent remote controls and colour options, available with or without a full hood cover. Fast Delivery versions are also available in our online shop.
The latest Hormann Rollmatic T comes pre-assembled for easier installation. Made to measure as standard, it includes an electric motor and remote control system. Unlike the Rollmatic 2, the T model uses an electric tube motor drive, just like most other aluminium roller shutter garage doors.
The Gliderol Insulated Roller Door is a remote control aluminium door, made to order, with a wide range of colours and options. It includes safety edge detection as standard. A compact version is also available requiring only 205mm of headroom.
The Samson Suparolla is an electric roller garage door designed as a reliable, straightforward option. Made to measure as standard, it includes remote control operation, a safety edge, and an internal manual override. Fully compliant with UK legislation.
Budget Price Single Skin Steel Roller Doors
The Gliderol Single Skin Steel continuous curtain roller door from Gliderol is a great choice when simplicity is required. The door is simple, effective, lightweight and available as a manual or electric door up to 5000mm wide and 3000mm high. Excellent colour choices and all doors made to order, although we do offer some standard single sizes at very keen prices indeed.
This is THE roller garage door to go for if you don't need all the bells and whistles and are happy with a single skin curtain.
This door is a better option than ANY suspiciously cheap aluminium insulated roller door, which is actually only cheap because it is manufactured from low quality components used for basic window shutters, smaller slats and low powered motor drives with cheap controls.
Be Careful What You Buy When it Comes to Roller Garage Doors!
The electric roller shutter garage door is indisputably the garage door type that has seen the greatest growth in popularity in the UK recently; consequently the number of manufacturers of roller shutters has also seen a marked increase, with many vying for a share of the UK market. Unfortunately there appears to be quite an insurgence of rogue and cheap manufacturers that are willing to compromise safety legislation - and in fact blatantly ignore it or lie about it - in a bid to drive prices down to compete in the market. 
Many cheap aluminium insulated roller garage doors sold in the UK are illegal and are not even specified to be a 'garage door'. The most common form of safety being offered by these doors are various types of infrared beams, putting a light beam across the door either in one or several places. These are simply insufficient, non-compliant, and certainly not safe. The single light beam only prevents the roller door closing if the light beam is broken, however many items can obstruct a garage opening without necessarily blocking this beam. In this instance, the garage door may still close, crushing anything unfortunate enough to be in the way. Any lights beams which do make it to market for domestic use often have ongoing issues in the winter months with flase readings from rain or condensation in temperature changes leading to a door stuck open or closed.
Multiple beams also do not comply, and many reflector infrared beam systems can fail in bright direct sunlight during summer months causing great frustration as well as described above in winter months.
There have been a number of fatal accidents involving children in the last few years in the gate, blinds and shutters industry. This demonstrates that it is of the utmost importance to have properly tested and fundametally safe doors. Don't take the risk!!
The DHF (Door and Hardware Federation) are anxious to avoid any similar occurrences in the roller door industry, and are therefore strongly recommending that potential buyers of roller shutters read carefully before making any decisions.
Purchase with Confidence
Whilst researching roller doors, ask yourself these questions. Can you tick all of the points below?
Has the company that you are buying from been established for at least ten years?
Remember - under the Sale of Goods Act your contract is with your supplier, not the manufacturer. Do make sure that the company you purchase from is established and not likely to disappear or cease trading. If you have a problem, you will not have legal rights with the manufacturer. We are hearing way too often of roller doors failing within a year or so of purchase and nothing being available to sort it under a false warranty offering.
Does the roller door have a safety edge detection system on the bottom of the door?
Do not accept any statements that infra-red safety beams perform the same function - they do not! Many companies are selling insulated roller doors at seemingly very low prices and mostly they are not compliant with UK regulations, simply because they only use infra-red beams, lowering the cost of the door. Some of these companies state the infra red beam is a more expensive and better solution to the leading edge safety system, it isn't.
Is the roller door fitted with an anti-fall back system?
This is in case of internal failure on any part of the suspension or balancing system (size dependant). This ensures the door can never act like a guillotine should the motor drive unit detach from the barrel section internally.
Will it be CE marked to signify compliance with relevant legislation?
It cannot be legally CE marked if it does not have a bottom edge safety detection system, it is as simple as that! More recently a multi layered infra red beam system has also been approved but these systems are known to be a little more temperamental in adverse weather conditions.
Has it been wind load tested as per BSEN12424 & BSEN124440?
Although not essential, this does provide some reassurance that the door is tested and will provide resistance to the ever increasing high winds we experience in the UK. Particularly relevant on doors over 4000mm wide.
Does it possess sufficient protection to prevent entrapment when the door height is less than 2500mm?
Again not essential, but certainly worth thinking about. Have a full hood fitted or ensure the door can stop safely if an obstacle jams in the roll as it goes upwards.
If you have ticked all of the above the roller door in question should be fully compliant with current safety legislation but still look out for the use of smaller, cheap curtain lath sections which will have originated from shutters used for windows and doors for sound and heat insulation. They are not to be used on larger garage door sizes and will not be sufficiently strong over time.
