Sectional Garage Doors

The most popular garage door system used today is the sectional garage door. Why? Because they look good and function well, while conserving space both inside your garage and avoiding obstacles outside. 

Sectional garage doors are durable and can be stylish, adding value to a home for years to come. In this guide we’ll discuss considerations for your new sectional garage door, and when you’re ready you can contact Garage.com to be connected with highly regard companies ready to install.

What Are Sectional Garage Doors?

Sectional garage doors became popular in the 1920s as the mass production of automobiles made a garage door a more important feature of the home. While carriage house garage doors were the preferred method before this, that all changed as technology improved. 

Sectional garage doors have tracks on either side of the door and are lifted vertically and then horizontally parallel to the ceiling of your garage. It is both an efficient and space-conserving system that has become the go-to style for new garage doors.

Key Benefits of Sectional Garage Doors

There are numerous benefits to a sectional garage door, which is why it has risen to become the most popular choice during the last 100 years. Those include:

• Spacing: With the compact design of the door being lifted along tracks to run parallel to the ceiling, homeowners lose very little space inside. The door’s design also keeps the weather from affecting its movements, unlike in the past with carriage house doors being slowed by piles of snow.
• Choice of materials: Sectional garage doors can be made of wood, steel, aluminum, composite or vinyl. Each has its benefits depending on various factors including your climate and needs.
• Customizations: In addition to your choice of materials, you can choose what finished look you desire along with whether to add insulation for energy efficiency, windows for added flair and smart technology.

Insulation Options for Sectional Garage Doors

R-value is simply a material’s ability to resist a transfer of heat. Each material used for your sectional garage door will have a different R-value. How much insulation you need or want for your garage door will largely depend on what climate you live in. If you decide you want more insulation, and thus a higher R-value for your garage door, you can add it for increased energy efficiency.

Customization Options for Sectional Garage Doors

A sectional garage door has the option to not only come in various materials, but also can be customized in many ways:

• Windows: Homeowners have the option to add natural light and curb appeal with a row of windows.
• Finish: A variety of colors are available or doors can be made to look like real wood.
• Insulation: While most sectional doors come as a single panel by default, you can add another layer for increased insulation and energy efficiency.

Installation Considerations for Sectional Garage Doors

Installation for a sectional garage door can be a little trickier than a single-panel door because it is a more complex process with extra components. There are more hinges and screws involved with the horizontal sections that must be connected together, so it’s recommended to let a professional do the work and not try and do it yourself.

Maintenance and Care for Sectional Garage Doors

To keep your garage door in solid working order, we advise you to conduct regular visual inspections of the components to make sure they are moving smoothly (rollers on the tracks, no loose screws, etc.). We also recommend yearly tune-ups for a more professional check on the system as a whole. 

In addition to those, it’s important for you to keep the doors clean and free of obstructions. Keeping your garage door clean, whether it’s wood, steel or composite, will help the longevity of the door by reducing any adverse effects from the weather. Ensuring your tracks and sensors are clear of obstruction helps the door run more smoothly. 

Cost Analysis of Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors can range from a few hundred into the thousands of dollars. The final cost is more determined by the material chosen for your new garage door and any customizations added such as insulation or windows. Garage doors do add market value to your home, and studies have shown a solid return on the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sectional Garage Doors