Which Garage Door?
If you're looking for a new garage door, it can be quite daunting to get your head around all the different mechanisms and options available. This quick guide is here to help you understand the different types of garage doors, how they operate, and why you might choose one over another.
Each category contains a link to further information. If you have any questions that aren't covered here, please contact us by email or call our expert team on (01926) 463888.
Up & Over Doors
Still the most recognisable door style in the UK, this tried and tested one-piece panel design does exactly what it suggests: it goes up and over into the garage opening in one solid piece. Vastly popular for a reason, the Up & Over easily achieves the basic purpose of a garage door and is generally the easiest type of door to buy and install.
Key Benefits:
- Generally the easiest to install, delivered ready in one piece.
- Two choices of opening mechanism: Canopy (protrudes outside) or Retractable (slides fully inside).
- Highly reliable, tried and tested manual design.
- Easily upgraded to electric automation (Retractable gear recommended).
- Huge choice of designs, colours, and materials (Steel, Timber, GRP).
- Security Rated options now available (LPS1175 SR1).
- Select models available with a built-in pedestrian wicket door for easy access.
Sectional Garage Doors
A more advanced mechanism, these doors are built in horizontal panel sections that rise vertically upwards and then curve back into the garage on ceiling rails. Sectional doors are the ultimate premium choice, offering levels of insulation, engineering, and security that are simply not possible with other garage door types. If you are considering a roller door, you should always compare it against a sectional door first.
Key Benefits:
- Vertical Opening: Park your car right up against the door inside and out.
- Fantastic security and immense panel strength.
- Incredible insulation qualities (thick foam-filled panels with tested U-values).
- Maximises drive-through width and height.
- Available in incredibly large dimensions for bigger garages (Up to 8m wide!).
- Perfect for automation.
- Stunning double-glazed window and architectural design options available.
Side Hinged (Swing) Doors
Opening outwards like traditional double swing doors, Side Hinged Doors are a timeless option. They are currently experiencing a massive resurgence in the UK because they are absolutely perfect for garages that require regular pedestrian access (e.g., home gyms, workshops, or utility rooms). Modern options now recreate period beauty but with cutting-edge insulation, weatherproofing, and security.
Key Benefits:
- Allows quick, easy pedestrian access without revealing the whole garage contents.
- Stylish, traditional appearances available in Timber, Steel, and GRP.
- Excellent insulation available for garages converted into usable rooms.
- Supplied as a complete 'doorset' (sub-frame and locks factory-fitted) for very easy installation.
- Low maintenance with extremely easy daily operation.
- Electric automation is optional on all types and sizes.
- High security-rated specifications available (LPS1175 SR1 & SR2, RC2, and PAS 24).
Roller Shutter Doors
Roller Doors open vertically, but rather than tracking back into the ceiling space, the door curtain neatly coils up into a roll above the opening. This makes them perfectly suited for garages with obstructed ceilings or limited headroom. As the most widely copied door type in the UK, it is vital to stick to reputable, branded manufacturers to ensure you get safe, reliable internal components rather than cheap imports.
Key Benefits:
- Space Saving: Leaves the garage ceiling completely free for storage or lighting.
- Vertical operation allows you to park right up to the door.
- Highly versatile: Can be fitted inside, in-between, or outside the garage opening.
- Insulated aluminium slats provide good thermal efficiency and weather sealing.
- Electric automation is standard on most insulated models.
- Strong security properties (Look for 'Secured by Design' accreditations).
Round-the-Corner Garage Doors
No prizes for guessing where this door goes! A Round-the-Corner Door acts like a cross between a sectional and a roller, sliding horizontally off to one side and tracking along an inside wall. This traditional concept has been modernised with surface-mounted tracking, making it a fantastic premium option for extremely large garages or spaces with zero ceiling headroom.
Key Benefits:
- Horizontal operation requiring almost zero ceiling headroom.
- Partial Opening: Slide the door open just a few feet for quick pedestrian or bicycle access.
- Even weight distribution means incredibly smooth, easy manual or electric operation.
- Brilliant for unusually wide or very large structural openings.
- Available in Timber, Steel, or Aluminium.
- Bi-parting models available (two doors meeting in the middle).
