Sliding Garage Doors

Sliding garage doors offer an elegant and space-saving alternative to traditional designs. This guide covers types, materials, installation, and maintenance, helping you decide if this sleek option fits your needs. Maximize garage space and add modern style with a side-sliding entrance.

Find Garage Door Repair Services

Get a fast & free quote | Schedule your service today


When someone mentions a garage door, we usually think of the traditional sectional door that lifts up and rests parallel to the ceiling of our garage. Or maybe we think a little fancier and a carriage house style that opens out in front of the door. There is, however, another style that is gaining traction in the world of garage doors: the sliding garage door.

A sliding garage door does what it says – slides – to the side of the garage opening instead of above it. They are a unique garage door system that has numerous considerations, which we’ll discuss in this guide.

If you’re considering a sliding garage door, contact Garage.com to be connected with a top-rated company willing to help with your install.

What Are Sliding Garage Doors?

Defining a sliding garage door might seem redundant. They slide. But how, you ask? Instead of a traditional garage door, which has tracks on either side of the opening and then runs parallel to your ceiling, a sliding garage door has tracks above and on the ground of your opening and the door slides toward the left or right side and rests against the wall.

They are made with panels, but instead of being horizontal like a traditional door, the panels are vertical. They can be made from numerous materials and still allow homeowners the option to customize them to match their home’s aesthetics.

Types of Sliding Garage Doors

Sliding garage doors aren’t all the same. There are variations, just as with a traditional overhead door. What type you choose will depend on numerous factors, including price, weather and space considerations.

Side Sliding Garage Doors

This is the most common example of a sliding garage door. The tracks are situated on the top and bottom of the door and run toward the outside wall of your garage opening. They are highly customizable, but it’s important to note that if you live in a colder climate, you should add a heating strip on the bottom track to avoid freezing in winter.

Barn Style Sliding Doors

This is where you can get real fancy, if you have the space to pull it off. Homeowners can have a bi-parting slider that splits in the middle and each side retracts to its own outside wall, or you can have bi-parting sliders where the doors are on different tracks and can overlap. 

Or, go for the option of a bi-fold system that opens and folds against the outside wall in front of your garage opening. 

Benefits of Sliding Garage Doors

Even though sliding garage doors are rarer than their traditional counterparts, they do come with some nice benefits in the right situation.

  • Storage overhead: No more losing half of your garage ceiling space to a garage door with a slider. Hang some bins up there instead.
  • Can you hear that?: Sliding glass doors are typically less noisy than a traditional garage door.
  • Energy saver: Sliding garage doors do not require as much energy as a traditional garage door that must lift the panels, so your system doesn’t have to work as hard to accomplish the same goal. 

Limitations and Considerations for Sliding Garage Doors

Before you grab your phone and connect with an installer, there are some drawbacks with a sliding garage door that should be considered:

  • Space considerations: Just remember that while you gain overhead space in your garage, you lose that space on the side where the door slides along its tracks.
  • Install cost:Sliding garage doors cost more than a traditional garage door because they are not mass-produced.
  • Beware chilly weather: With the lower track more exposed to the elements than with a traditional garage door, you must be wary if you live in a colder climate that the component could freeze. To avoid the issue you’d have to install a heating strip, which of course costs extra.

Maintaining Your Sliding Garage Door

Just as you would with any garage door, regular maintenance for your sliding garage door is key to aiding its longevity and getting the most out of your investment. Visually inspect the tracks often and keep them clear of debris so the garage door runs smoothly along it. We also recommend yearly or bi-annual tune-ups so a professional can inspect and correct any issues and ensure everything is in top shape.

Common Sliding Garage Door Problems and Solutions

Wear and tear is always going to be at the top of the list here. It’s just nature. With sliding garage doors, however, the bottom track is something to be even more cognizant of as your vehicle rolls over it each day and it is exposed to the ground and could be more impacted by weather.

Because a sliding garage door is more rare and thus can be trickier than a traditional system, we recommend you call a professional (Garage.com can help connect you) to get the work done so you can be sure it’s done correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sliding Garage Doors

This depends on your needs and preferences. Sliding garage doors are very unique and have their advantages, but they also have plenty of considerations that only the homeowner can make.

Yes, a sliding garage door is typically more expensive than a traditional sectional garage door. This is because they are more rare, and thus the components are not as readily available to installers.

Yes, sliding garage doors can be customized with windows or decorative hardware. They also can be made with numerous materials to fit the aesthetic of your home.

garage repair service provider repairing a garage door track

Get Your Free Quote and Schedule Your Garage Repair Today

Find top-rated companies for fast garage repairs and service to make sure your garage door system lasts. Get free quotes from garage door companies in your area.

Tips and Expert Advice for Your Garage

Stay informed with expert advice on garage door maintenance, garage door service, garage door replacement, and upgrades. Explore our blog for guides, troubleshooting tips, and more.

garage door service provider applying garage door lubrication to springs

How to Lubricate a Garage Door

Want a garage door that opens without a racket? This guide walks you through lubricating all the moving parts so your door runs smooth and quiet. You’ll learn exactly what to lube, what not to lube, and how to do it right. Plus, we’ve got some simple tips to keep your door in top shape and save you from expensive fixes down the road.
garage door springs and middle track

Garage Door Spring Replacement

Garage door spring replacement is a critical maintenance task that typically costs between $200 and $1,000, with professional installation strongly recommended due to the high-tension and potentially dangerous nature of the springs. Understanding the differences between extension and torsion springs, recognizing signs of wear, and performing regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your garage door system and prevent unexpected failures.
artistic view of garage door going up, garage door track, hinges, panels and rollers.

How Garage Doors Work

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes every time you hit that garage door opener? This comprehensive guide demystifies how your garage door system works. From the mechanics of the door itself to the electrical and safety features that keep it operating smoothly, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this essential home feature.
Man working on garage door chain and tracks to repair a loos chain and tighten tension

How To Repair a Loose or Sagging Garage Door Chain

Worried about that noisy, sagging garage door chain? Our guide makes DIY repair easy! Quickly tighten it by locating the adjustment nuts on the trolley, loosening them, adjusting the chain tension until it’s ½” above a T-rail or ¼” above a square rail, and then re-tightening the nuts. Get all the details and learn when it’s time to call in the pros.
rack of garage dor springs in warehouse

7 Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need To Be Repaired

Are your garage door springs acting up? Don’t let a small issue become a big problem! Learn to spot the 7 warning signs your springs are failing, including a door that won’t open or loud noises during operation. This guide provides essential tips to keep your garage door running smoothly and when to call the pros.
garage door opener featuring force settings

How To Adjust Garage Door Force Settings

Is your garage door acting stubborn? It might just be the force settings! Learn how to quickly adjust them using the controls on your opener—typically dials or buttons—to ensure smooth and safe operation. To adjust force settings simply tweak the “up” and “down” force until your door opens and closes perfectly. Read on for brand-specific guides and crucial safety tips.
A teal vintage pickup truck parked in a suburban garage featuring a roll up door.

Roll-Up Garage Doors

Maximize garage space and enhance security with roll-up doors. Our comprehensive guide dives into the advantages of these versatile doors for both homes and businesses, covering everything from cost considerations and the intricacies of installation to essential maintenance tips that ensure lasting performance. Discover if a roll-up garage door is the right choice for your needs.
Beautiful suburban house with custom style garage doors featuring paned windows, wood trim accents and no hardware.

Custom Garage Doors

Unlock the potential of your home’s exterior with custom garage doors. Go beyond the ordinary and discover how personalization in materials, designs, and functionality can transform your curb appeal and reflect your unique style.
White garage door with window panel opening, new hardware.

Why Is My Garage Door Opening By Itself?

Why is your garage door opening by itself? This common issue can be alarming and a security concern, but often has a quick fix. From remote control problems to electrical issues and external interference, we’ll explore the potential causes and offer practical solutions. Learn when DIY troubleshooting is appropriate and when it’s time to call a professional to keep your garage secure.
New garage door replacement seen form inside the garage, showing all new parts and panels with paned windows across the top.

How Much Does Replacing a Garage Door Cost?

The national average garage door replacement cost ranges from $750 to $6,000, offering a significant return on investment of up to 193.9%. Factors influencing cost include size, material, style, insulation, and installation. Understanding when replacement is necessary and the various cost factors involved can help homeowners make informed decisions and enhance their home’s curb appeal and value.
New glass garage doors on updated ranch style home.

Glass Garage Doors

Upgrade your home with modern elegance. This guide explores the beauty and practicality of glass garage doors, covering styles, materials, and why they might be the perfect choice for your property.
garage door technician installing a direct drive garage door opener

Direct Drive Garage Door Opener

Explore direct drive garage door openers, renowned for their quiet operation and reliability, featuring German-engineered technology that offers superior lifting capacity and minimal maintenance for modern homes.