Looking for the perfect garage door? Choosing the right one is essential to the functionality, security and aesthetics of your home. From sectional to tilt and roll gates, explore the different options and technologies and find your ideal gate.
Step 1: Measure your garage
The most important step: measure your garage opening. Only with proper measurements will you know what kind of garage door will fit in your garage opening. Get accurate measurements, including height and width.
Step 2: Choose the style
Choose a style that matches the architecture of your home. Choose among all the different styles, including traditional, modern, rustic, and so on. Remember that color plays a big role. Consider any decorative elements, such as:
- Windows
- Color contrasts
- Panel designs
- Relief or engravings
- Lighting elements
- Decorative hinges
- Decorative handles
- …
Step 3: Choose the type of garage door
1. Sectional garage doors
You will find this type of garage door most often. A sectional garage door consists of horizontal panels lifted vertically along rails on the ceiling of the garage. This type is popular because it takes up little space, is safe and you can insulate it.
Sectional garage doors fit well with modern and contemporary homes because of their sleek and streamlined appearance. They are suitable for garages with limited space because they open vertically.
2. Tilt ports
Tilting gates consist of one solid panel that tilts and moves upward to open the garage opening. They are simple in design and have no rail system. They are simple in design and require less maintenance. You do need more space to open them.
Tilt-up gates fit well with traditional and classic homes because of their simple and timeless appearance. They are ideal for garages with enough space for opening the tilt mechanism.
3. Roller Shutters
Rolling gates consist of one large piece of flexible material, such as aluminum slats or insulated steel. This piece of material rolls up vertically above the garage opening. They are very space-saving and offer a sleek look, but are often more expensive than other options.
Roller gates are suitable for modern and minimalist homes because of their sleek and compact design. They are also convenient for garages with limited space because they are rolled vertically and do not require additional space for opening.
4. Side-hinged garage doors (doors).
These gates swing open along side hinges, similar to traditional doors. They provide easy access to the garage and can be insulated. While this option is often inexpensive, it is not the most convenient type since you open and close them manually.
Side-hinged garage doors fit well with historic and country homes because of their traditional look. They are ideal for garages with enough space on the sides for swinging open the doors.
5. Sliding gates
Sliding gates slide horizontally along a rail system to open the opening of the garage. They are often large and heavy and provide maximum security. Sliding gates are suitable for modern and luxury homes because of their impressive appearance and sturdy construction. They are ideal for garages with wide openings and sufficient space on the sides for sliding the gate.
Step 4: Choose the material
Garage doors are usually made of these 4 types of materials:
1. Steel
- Characteristics: Steel is a popular material for garage doors because of its durability, strength and affordability. It is also easy to maintain and offers good insulation.
- Suitable for: All types of gates, including sectional, tilt, roll and side-hinged. They are especially ideal for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly option with good insulation.
2. Wood
- Features: Wood garage doors offer a warm, natural look and can be adapted to a variety of designs and styles. However, they require regular maintenance and tend to be more expensive than other materials.
- Suitable for: Traditional and classic houses because of their warm appearance. They are especially suitable for tilt and side-hinged gates because of their weight and structure.
3. Aluminum
- Features: Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant and requires little maintenance. You can find aluminum gates in a variety of finishes and colors.
- Suitable for: Modern and contemporary houses because of their sleek and modern appearance. They are suitable for sectional, rolling and side-hinged gates because of their light weight.
4. Plastic (PVC)
- Features: Plastic garage doors are affordable, lightweight, durable and rust-resistant. They are also easy to maintain and available in a variety of colors and textures.
- Suitable for: All types of gates, but they are often used for sectional and roller gates because of their light weight and durability.
Step 5: Choose the insulation
Choose the right insulation based on these factors:
1. Use of the garage
If you use the garage as a workspace, a gym, or for other purposes where comfort is important, garage door insulation makes a big difference in the comfort level.
2. Material of the garage door
Not all materials are naturally insulated. Materials like steel and aluminum are not naturally very insulating, but you insulate them with polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam…. Wooden garage doors naturally offer more insulation than metal doors, but you improve these with additional insulating materials as well.
3. Type of insulation
There are several types of insulation materials available for garage doors, including polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam and reflective sheeting. Polyurethane foam is one of the most effective insulation materials because of its high insulation value and density. Consider the desired insulation level for your garage door. Some manufacturers offer garage doors with different levels of insulation, ranging from standard to high-performance insulation options.
4. Cost
Keep in mind the cost of insulated garage doors. The higher the level of insulation, the more expensive your gate will be. So carefully consider the investment cost versus the energy savings.
Step 6: Choose the technologies
Today, there are a lot of technologies that make using your garage door easier. Consider the purchase cost versus the convenience you get from the added feature.
- Remote controls: This is a standard feature on most garage doors. It allows you to open or close the garage door from your car. Nice and convenient!
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Allows you to control your gate via a smartphone application. Open, close and control it from any location with an internet connection.
- Smart home integration: Some garage doors integrate with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. This way, you control your gate with voice controls.
- Automated schedules: You set your garage door to open or close automatically at certain times.
- Security features: Security sensors prevent the gate from closing when there is an obstacle in front of the sensor.
- Security cameras: Some garage doors have a built-in camera or support the connection of external security cameras. This allows you to view live video streams of your garage.
- Access control and digital keys: Allows you to grant virtual access to family members, friends or delivery drivers via their smartphones. This eliminates the need to hand out physical keys.
- Advanced lighting options: Integrated LED lights that automatically turn on or off when the gate opens and closes, giving you better visibility inside the garage.
Note: Not all types and materials of gates are compatible with these technologies. So check carefully with your garage door installer. In addition, there is a safety limitation: it is not always possible to close your gate remotely. Suppose someone were to drive or step in or out at that very moment while you are closing the gate. Opening would always go, though.
5 tips for choosing
- Choose a secure port
- Go for ease of use
- Choose a good, quality brand
- Go for insulation if your garage is indoors
- Choose a gate that suits your home
With a wide range of options and technologies, choosing the perfect garage door is crucial for your home. Make sure your garage door is functional and also matches the style and character of your home.
Want to make your garage practical? Read here how to tackle this in three steps.
Are you going on a trip in Antwerp soon and want to park your car in a safe place? Then read this article on public parking in Antwerp.
Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:
Deferm, S. (2024, March 11). Choosing the right garage door: 6 steps (selection guide). Apartment.com. Accessed on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/de-juiste-garagepoort-kiezen-een-overzicht