Did you know that replacing your garage door can yield a return on investment of over 80% when you sell your home? It’s true! The garage door is not only a practical necessity, but it’s also one of the most visible aspects of many houses. At 495 Garage Door, we have extensive knowledge about garage doors, and we want to provide you with an introduction to the different types of garage doors available and what factors you should consider when choosing one for your home.

Most Common Types of Doors

Swing-Out Door

Swing-out doors, as well as sliding barn doors, are great if you want to keep the ceiling clear for something or if you just prefer the distinct look they have. Outside they, of course, require room to open so you need to park and keep your driveway clean accordingly.

Roll-Up Door

A sectional roll-up is easily the most popular kind of garage door in the US, and as long as you have about 14 inches of headroom available in your garage, a roll-up door is a great way to save space.

Swing-Up Door

If you either don’t have a lot of headroom in your garage, prefer the swing-up opening mechanism or the overall look of a swing-up door, it’s a good alternative to a roll-up door, as far as saving floor space goes.

Sliding Door

A traditional door style in use for centuries, a sliding garage door can be a good option if you have the wall space for it, and like the Old World aesthetic it can bring to your house.

Most Common Door Materials

Steel

Garage doors made out of steel are great if you’re looking for a durable door that only needs to be occasionally cleaned and touched up. It doesn’t necessarily offer a soft aesthetic, but since it’s one of the most popular garage door materials, there are incredibly many style options to choose from.

Vinyl

If you’re looking for a durable and low-maintenance garage door but don’t find one you like in the selection of steel doors, vinyl is a great option. In fact, it’s often even more durable and very resistant to difficult weather conditions and dents, and it’s also rust-free.

Wood

For many people, you just can’t beat the beautiful craftsmanship look that a wooden garage door can add to a house. These doors do require painting and other maintenance every few years, so be prepared for that if you choose to go with a beautiful wooden door.

Fiberglass

For those who want the look of a wooden door but not the maintenance, there are some fiberglass options that offer the same aesthetic without requiring as much care.

Aluminum

For a more modern and sleek look, many customers go for aluminum garage doors. They’re easy maintenance and come in a wide range of styles that are often on the more sophisticated side. Homeowners living in areas with harsher weather conditions should remember that aluminum doors do not offer as much insulation as other garage doors though.