The different types of garage door designs

By Jim Hatley, December 28, 2021

The different types of garage door designs

Finding the Perfect Garage Door Style for Your Home

Types of garage door designs can significantly improve your home's curb appeal and functionality. Whether you prefer a classic look, a modern farmhouse aesthetic, or a sleek contemporary style, choosing the right garage door style is crucial for boosting your home's exterior charm.

When choosing the perfect door for your home, consider your home’s curb appeal, architectural style, and materials. For instance, wood garage doors offer timeless charm but may require more maintenance and repairs. In contrast, faux wood garage doors combine a natural wood look with durability. Glass doors with large windows or horizontal windows bring in natural light, perfect for a modern home with clean lines.

Clopay garage doors, known for their various styles and innovative features, provide options like tempered glass panels, decorative overlays, and high R-value insulation. Explore customizable designs to personalize the look and match the rest of the house, creating a cohesive exterior.


Sectional Garage Doors


These overhead doors are made up of panel sections connected with hinges to open systematically.  When a sectional garage door opens, the wheels on each side of every panel will roll inside the vertical tracks installed in the door opening. When this door is closed, it will be in line with the walls, but it will rest parallel to the ceiling as soon as it is entirely open.


They have two high-tension springs above the door, attached to cables that help operate the door. You also have the option to customize these doors with window inserts, decorative hardware, textures, and colors. These doors are typically low maintenance, either insulated or non-insulated, and steel. In Colorado, we highly recommend insulated doors for energy efficiency. 


Benefits of Sectional Garage Doors:

  • Space-saving in and outside of the garage.
  • Robust, safe, and sturdy.
  • Convenient and easy to operate.
  • Stylish and customizable.
  • Flexible and weather-resistant.
  • Easy installation and maintenance.
Interior of a modern garage with two automated sectional garage doors featuring metal tracks and window panels.

Roll-up Garage Doors


Roller doors are a bit more expensive than sectional doors. These heavy-duty doors do not have as many frills as sectional doors, but they are made to withstand heavy usage. Roll-up doors are very popular for commercial garage doors and are good for buildings with limited ceiling spaces.


This door type consists of 2-3 inch steel slat sections that roll around a drum above the garage door opening. High-performance roll-up garage doors can also be built by removing the springs or enclosing them to prevent rust, freezing, or corrosion.


Benefits of Roller Garage Doors:


  • Extremely durable and weather-resistant.
  • Secure and fire-resistant.
  • Easy to maintain.
  • Sound insulation to reduce energy consumption.
  • Keeps external noise out and maintains privacy.
  • More space inside the garage.
  • Industrial style is available in many colors and textures.


Slide to the Side Garage Doors


Slide to the side doors works well for garages with little headroom because they run along lower trolleys on the side of the wall. You may lose wall space, but they work well for houses with low garage ceilings. These trolleys are flexible enough to work with slight slopes in the floor or ceiling.


There is no need for a ceiling-mounted operator with these garage doors as they have a built-in retractable motor for automated operation. 


Benefits of Slide-To-Side Garage Doors:


  • Easy to use and open even during power outages.
  • A motor that operates quietly.
  • Less energy consumption as less air escapes.
  • Can open only partly to create smaller yet full-height openings for humans, etc.
  • More overhead storage space.
  • Easy to fix and maintain.


Tilt-Up Garage Doors


Just as with sectional garage doors, these doors get lifted up and swing out to rest parallel to the roof, providing a functional option for your home. These retractable garage doors go into the roof, making it suitable for low ceilings. They can be made from one solid piece of wood or aluminum and work with extension springs to help them retract.


Benefits of Tilt-up Garage Doors:


  • More overhead space.
  • Many different design options.
  • Affordable.
  • Easy to use.


Modern Garage Doors: Sleek Designs for Contemporary Homes

Modern garage doors with minimalist designs are a perfect choice for those with a modern home. These doors often feature clean lines, large windows, and materials like steel and aluminum. Contemporary garage doors not only elevate your home’s exterior but also add a touch of sophistication. Consider glass doors with tempered glass panels or faux wood garage doors with metal and wood accents to create a sleek, durable option.


Benefits of Modern Garage Doors:


  • Sleek and stylish appearance
  • Improves curb appeal
  • Durable materials like steel and aluminum
  • Customizable design options
  • Maximizes natural light with large windows
  • Low-maintenance


Carriage House Doors: Timeless Elegance for a Classic Look


If your home exudes a classic look, carriage house doors are a stunning addition. These doors mimic the appearance of traditional swing-out barn doors but operate with the convenience of modern mechanisms. Available in wood, faux wood, and steel, carriage house garage doors bring a warm glow to your home’s façade. Carriage house doors often feature decorative overlays, window panes, and raised panels to provide a vintage charm that elevates your home’s curb appeal.


Benefits of Carriage House Doors:


  • Adds vintage charm and elegance
  • Operates with modern convenience
  • Available in wood, faux wood, and steel
  • Customizable with decorative features
  • Ideal for traditional or classic home designs
  • Boosts the overall aesthetic and curb appeal


Choosing the Best Garage Door for Colorado’s Climate

Living in Colorado means dealing with extreme weather conditions, from freezing winters to sunny summers. Choosing a garage door with a high R-value is essential for maintaining energy efficiency and protecting your home’s interior. Insulated doors not only provide temperature control but also reduce external noise, making them ideal for homes in bustling neighborhoods.


For homeowners in Colorado, faux wood garage doors are a practical alternative to natural wood as they resist warping, cracking, and moisture damage. Steel and aluminum options, combined with polystyrene or polyurethane insulation, are excellent for durability and weather resistance.


Additionally, consider designs that allow for natural light without compromising insulation. For example, horizontal windows or tempered glass panels can brighten your space while offering thermal efficiency. A well-chosen garage door not only withstands Colorado’s elements but also improves the overall look of your home.


When buying a new garage door, consider the style and size of your home (or commercial workspace). Your new garage door should complement the style of your home to ensure curb appeal.
Tri-Lakes Garage Doors will build you a custom garage door, install a new garage door, and install a custom garage door opener.


Improve your property with our unique garage door designs! Serving from Colorado Springs to Denver, we offer custom solutions to suit your style. Give us a call now to learn about the various types of garage door designs available.

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