Different Garage Door Types
There are five generic designs of garage door and the major manufacturers follow these basic methods of operation.
The popular term "Up and over" covers both retractable and canopy doors, however there are significant differences particularly if you are considering fitting an electric opener.
| Side Hinge | Retractable | Sectional | Roller | Canopy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Steel, Timber, GRP |
Steel, Timber, GRP, ABS |
Steel, Timber, GRP, ABS |
Steel or Aluminium |
Steel, Timber, GRP, ABS |
| Security | Depends |
OK |
Good |
Good |
OK |
| Automation | Yes with converter |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Draft proof |
Poor |
Good |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Good |
| Drive through | Frame needed - normally 75mm x 75mm + thickness of door |
Frame needed - normally 75mm x 75mm |
No frame needed mounts to rear of brickwork |
No frame needed mounts to rear of brickwork |
Frame needed - normally 75mm x 75mm |
| Space needed outside door | Half to whole width of door |
Approx' 1m clearance required in front of garage |
No clearance required |
No clearance required |
Approx' 0.8m clearance required in front of garage |
| Clearence needed inside garage | None |
Total height of door |
Total height of door |
varies: 20 x 20cm 30 x 30cm 45 x 45cm |
Approx' 2/3's of the door height |