What is the Best Type of Garage Door for My Home?
Choosing the right garage door can feel overwhelming due to the wide range of styles, materials, and features available. The best type of garage door for UK homes ultimately depends on several factors, from space availability and security needs to how much insulation you want and design preferences.
Sectional garage doors are generally considered the best all-round option for most homes, offering excellent insulation, security, and space-saving operation. For smaller driveways or garages with limited headroom, roller doors are a great choice, while up-and-over doors are cost-effective and low maintenance.
We’re compiled a guide to the different types of garage doors and their benefits to help you make a confident and informed decision.
Garage Door Types Explained
Before choosing a garage door, it is important to understand how each type works and where it performs best.
Sectional doors are one of the most popular modern options. They’re made from horizontal panels that lift vertically and slide along tracks positioned on the garage ceiling. Since they open upwards instead of swinging outwards, they’re ideal for properties with short driveways or limited exterior space. Sectional doors provide superb levels of insulation and security, making them particularly suitable for attached garages or spaces used as workshops.
Roller doors are designed for homes where space is limited. They roll neatly into a compact box above the garage opening, which maximises both interior and exterior space. Most roller doors are constructed from aluminium, which makes them lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. They’re highly secure and tend to be automated as standard. While they may not always match sectional doors in terms of insulation, modern designs have significantly improved thermal performance.
Up-and-over doors remain a traditional and affordable option. These doors operate by tilting outward and then sliding into the garage, and are available in canopy styles, where part of the door extends outside when open, and retractable designs, where the door sits fully inside the garage. Although they require more space in front of the garage during operation, up-and-over doors are simple, reliable, and cost-effective, making them a practical choice for many homeowners.
Side-hinged doors offer a classic appearance that suits traditional or period properties. These doors open outward like a gate and are particularly useful for homeowners who frequently access their garage on foot, because they allow for easy entry without needing to open the entire door.
Side-hinged doors don’t use ceiling tracks or internal mechanisms, so they allow for the full use of your overhead garage space. However, you do need to ensure there’s sufficient clearance in front of the garage for the doors to swing open.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Material
The material of your garage door plays a major role in durability, maintenance, and appearance.
- GRP garage doors are a great choice because they’re highly durable and resistant to rust, warping, and rotting. They require very little maintenance and perform well in harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for the UK climate.
- Timber garage doors offer natural beauty and can be customised with paint or stain. However, they require regular maintenance to protect against weather damage.
- Steel garage doors provide excellent strength and security at a moderate price point. When insulated properly, they also offer good thermal performance, making them a balanced and popular choice.
Features to Look For
Secure Garage Doors
If your garage stores valuable items or provides internal access to your home, security should be a priority. Sectional doors typically offer excellent protection through strong construction and multi-point locking systems.
Roller doors with aluminium slats and electronic locking systems also provide high security. Look for features such as anti-lift mechanisms and reinforced locking points.
Insulated Garage Doors
Insulation is especially important for garages connected to your home or if you plan to use it as a workspace. Proper insulation also helps reduce noise, which is beneficial in residential areas. Sectional doors generally offer the highest insulation levels, helping maintain temperature and reduce energy costs, but all doors can be insulated.
Appearance and Kerb Appeal
Garage doors can account for a large portion of your home’s exterior, so style is an important factor. Modern properties often suit sleek sectional or roller doors with clean lines and minimalist finishes, while traditional homes can benefit from side-hinged timber doors or decorative sectional designs. Opt for colours and finishes that complement your windows and front door which will significantly enhance overall cohesion.
Affordability
While up-and-over doors are one of the most affordable options initially, higher-quality sectional or GRP doors can offer better long-term value through durability, insulation, and lower maintenance costs. It’s important to consider these factors, as well as installation, maintenance, and energy efficiency, when evaluating overall cost.
Choosing Between Styles
Manual vs Electric Garage Doors
Another feature to look at is manual versus electric operation. Manual garage doors are usually more affordable and simpler to maintain, plus they’ll continue to operate during power cuts. However, they require more physical effort, which may be inconvenient in bad weather, for individuals with limited mobility, or for double garage doors which will be heavier to move.
Electric garage doors, on the other hand, provide greater convenience and are easy to use. You can open and close the door from your car or home with a remote control, which is especially useful during rain showers or at night, and most automated systems include safety features such as obstacle detection and auto-reverse functions.
Although electric doors are more expensive up front, many homeowners find the convenience worthwhile. If you opt for a manual door, it can be upgraded to electric operation later if you change your mind.
Sectional vs Roller Garage Doors
As the two most popular choices when it comes to a residential garage door, sectional and roller doors each have their own distinct advantages.
Sectional doors offer superior insulation, a wider range of design options, and various panel styles to match any home aesthetic, while roller doors are more compact, rolling into a box above the opening, making them ideal for garages with limited headroom. While generally more affordable, roller doors tend to offer fewer design variations and less insulation.
Both styles provide excellent levels of security and can be easily automated. Your choice depends on your priorities: choose sectional for insulation and style variety, or roller for space-saving and budget considerations.
Request a Free Survey with CDC Garage Doors
The best garage door is one that combines functionality, security, durability, and design to suit your home and lifestyle. Carefully consider your space and property style, as well as materials, insulation, appearance, and your budget, to help you select a garage door that enhances both practicality and kerb appeal.
Need a helping hand choosing between the options? Our knowledgeable team can offer expert guidance – get in touch to discuss our range of high-quality garage doors.