Garage Doors

Up and Over

‘Up and over’ is the most popular, widely recognised type of garage door, which consists of a solid, one-piece door that is lifted up and over the head, and then lies horizontally suspended above. These doors are also often described as ‘canopy’ or ‘retractable’, which refers to their opening methods. Canopy mechanisms form a ‘canopy’ when opened, with around one third of the door outside the garage overhead, whilst retractable mechanisms draw the door back inside.

Space-Saving Doors

If you can’t afford the space for an outward swing, then you’ll require either a sectional or roller door. Sectional doors fit behind the garage door opening; they tend to be split into four horizontal sections and slide first vertically, then horizontally into the space above the opening and are suspended under the ceiling. Roller doors open vertically, up and around in a coil, meaning the ceiling in the garage can also be kept clear. Because neither doors have an outward swing, you can park right in front of the door: a planning necessity if the garage is built directly next to the pavement, where it is not permitted for the garage door to swing outwards. Both options are ideal for arched or unusually shaped openings, because the curtain sits behind the brickwork.

Sizing Up

The traditional width for a single garage door is seven foot — not very wide at all. If you have room, opt for doors that are 7’6” wide. Standard opening heights are 6’6” and 7’. Many companies also offer custom sizes. If you are planning a double garage, you have the choice of a double door or two singles. Two single doors usually work out cheaper, though you will have to build a dividing pillar; if you opt for a double door opening, you will need to install a lintel measuring around 4.5m to cross the gap.

Materials

The commonest choice is a steel door, which can be purchased primed and ready for painting. Though this is the cheapest option, the door will require some maintenance and will need to be repainted every couple of years. Alternatively, for a little more money, steel can be purchased with either a powder or vinyl (Plastisol) coating, which does not require as much maintenance, and can potentially keep its looks for ten to 15 years. Powder-coated doors can then be repainted.

Timber doors can cost twice as much as steel, but look far more attractive. Cedar and marine ply are often used, but check the wood is sustainably sourced. Timber doors need to be treated to protect the wood from the elements. You can buy the doors pre-treated, but may want to do it yourself to get the required stain colouring; they will need occasional further treatments.

GRP (glass-reinforced polyester) doors are ideal if you want the look of timber without the maintenance. They come in a range of realistic wood grain effects and textures and, though expensive, require no further finishing and are maintenance free. Smooth GRP is also available in a range of colours.

Finally, ABS is a lightweight and impact and dent-resistant material that can closely match the look of modern white PVCu windows and doors, while also sharing their maintenance-free properties.

Traditional Style

For a traditional-style home, timber side-hung doors, which open outwards, are the most in keeping; the planning authority may even insist on them if you live in a listed building or within a Conservation Area. Bear in mind that, because of the outward swing, a good clearance space is required in front. Also, ensure you keep them simple in style — garage doors have only existed since the 20th century, so making them overly mock-Tudor or Victorian can look peculiar.

Automation

Still considered something of a luxury item, automated operating systems are actually an affordable convenience, costing around £250-350. They allow you to open the garage door either inside the house or from the comfort of your car — an invaluable asset when arriving home on a cold, wet night. More sophisticated models can switch on welcome lights and open entrance gates as well; but even the more basic operators come with timed welcome lights that come on whenever the door is opened. Automated systems are not available for all types of door, such as side hung and canopy up and overs (though there are one or two exceptions to the rule), so check with the manufacturer.

Security

Formerly viewed as a potential weak spot to opportunist thieves, these days garage doors come fitted with high-security locking systems, such as full-width duallocking bars and multi-point locking, as standard. Check that the garage door you are buying meets British Standards, and for extra peace of mind, link it up to your home’s burglar alarm system.

Insulation

If your garage is attached directly to the house, or if you plan to utilise it for another purpose, such as workshop space, you should purchase a door that is as thermally efficient as possible. Sectional doors tend to offer better insulation properties.

In the gallery:
1 White Maine GRP sectional door from Anglican, POA (0800 500600);
2 Windermere timber up-and-over door from JELD-WEN, from £1,173.60 (0845 122 2890);
3 Double door panels from Garador’s new range, POA (01935 443722);
4 Timber side sectional sliding double door from Rundum Meir, from £1,800 (0151 280 6626);
5 From the new Decograin Mahogany sectional door range by Hörmann, POA (01530 513000);
6 SeceuroGlide insulated aluminium roller door from SWS, available in 15 finishes, £1,400 (01524 772400);
7 Remote-controlled roller door from Roché, available in a range of colours, POA (0800 085 1461);
8 Sectional steel doors by Everest, with optional electronic remote system, from around £3,500 (0800 008 7094);
9 Customised door design by Silvelox, as shown would cost £5,315 + VAT (0800 915 1019);
10 Timber side sectional sliding door by Rundum Meir, prices start from around £1,800 (0151 280 6626)

Further reading:

• A Guide to Planning the Outside Spaces of Your Self Build
• A Buyer's Guide to Rainwater Goods
• A Buyer's Guide to Porches, Porticoes and Canopies

Further contacts:

• Distinctive Doors—Specialist Suppliers of Domestic Doors