If you have decided that now is the right time to consider purchasing a new garage door, then you may soon find yourself up against your first hurdle – too much choice! After all, there are several different styles of garage doors out there and deciding which is the right style can be a challenge. Two of the most popular types of garage doors you will find on the market are sectional doors and roller doors. Whilst the one you choose will ultimately come down to personal preferences, it’s still important to look at the difference between the two types to help you make that decision.
The differences – and the similarities
The two door styles are quite similar when it comes to how they open and close. They are compact, open vertically and do not take up any space in front of the garage when opened. This means you can park quite close and still open the door without any issues.
Where they differ more significantly is in the construction and aesthetics of the door. Typically, roller doors are made of aluminium, although they are also often available in steel. They are formed of individual interlocking slats that form a type of curtain that rolls up as the door opens. A sectional door, on the other hand, is created using multiple panels that are connected to form one large sheet. They can be made using a wider range of materials including, timber, aluminium, steel, and fibreglass.
Because sectional doors do not roll up, they need more space in a garage, both internally and overhead. This allows for proper installation and opening. A sectional door is opened by sliding along rails which then settle along the underside of the ceiling when fully opened. Roller doors, on the other hand, roll up neatly into a box. This can be installed either inside your garage space or on the outside of the aperture of the garage.
Aesthetics and design
Both door styles offer a range of designs. However, there is more room to personalise a sectional door. When it comes to roller doors, design options are limited; the only real choice is whether the slats you opt for are narrow or wide.
When it comes to sectional doors, however, there is a wider range of design choices to consider. There are more traditional designs and those that offer a contemporary aesthetic to your home, ensuring that you can find something to suit the age and style of your property. Modern designs offer clean, straight lines and are spaced further apart to give you a sleeker, more contemporary appeal.
Both door styles can be purchased in a range of colours, so when it comes to the look of the garage, door choice will often be a case of trying to increase kerbside appeal and overall design.
Which type is more secure?
One of the most important things to consider with a garage door is how secure it is. Both roller and sectional doors are incredibly secure and offer an effective deterrent to thieves. This is because there are no real visible leverage points. Both are very sturdy options, and both can be single or double-skinned, the latter making them even more secure. When purchased from a reputable manufacturer, both types should have good locking systems. This may not be the case when buying a cheaper door from a lesser-known supplier.
Both sectional and roller garage doors are incredibly secure options for the security-conscious homeowner. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the decision on which is the best option for your house is entirely down to personal preference. It lies mainly in the choice of materials used to make the door, the look you want and the amount of space that it takes up.
