Are you wondering what an 'up and over' garage door is? Confused by 'canopy', 'sectional', and 'roller'? Need help deciding whether to go for timber or steel?

This simple guide will help you choose the right garage door.

The five types of garage door

There are five main designs of garage door....

Retractable: as it opens, most of a retractable garage door will swing outwards and upwards, and then will glide back into the ceiling of your garage. Retractable garage doors are cost-effective and easy to install. However, this garage door type is not fully sealed or insulated, meaning you'll have a cold garage in winter - and you won't be able to park close in front, due to the way it opens.

Canopy: a canopy garage door swings outwards and upwards, but not as much as the retractable. This type of door is also cost-effective and easy to install, but make sure you don't park too close to the front of the garage. Canopy doors are not fully sealed or insulated, but are slightly more secure than retractable due to the location of the pivot points (two-thirds of the way down rather than right at the top).

Sectional: made from several separate horizontal panels, sectional garage doors rise vertically up, then back, little by little, meaning that you can park in front of your garage. Sectional doors are more secure, often sealed around the edges, and can be insulated, keeping your garage warm. This is particularly important if your garage opens onto your home, or if you use it as a workshop. Unlike retractable and canopy doors, no door frame is required, giving you greater width.

Roller: with roller doors, no depth at all is needed inside your garage, as it will roll up onto a spindle in the ceiling. You can park right in front of your garage, and no door frame is required, giving greater width. Roller doors provide good protection against the weather and can be insulated.

Side hung: if there is no clearance at all in your garage, a side hung door is a good choice. It opens fully outwards - so no parking in front of the garage, and lots of clearance is required.

What about 'up and over'? You haven't mentioned it!

It's simple - 'up and over garage door' is a popular term used to describe either retractable or canopy designs.

Timber or steel?

When choosing the material for your garage door, bear in mind how much maintenance will be needed. Timber doors are attractive, but should be gently cleaned on a regular basis, and stained and sealed every few years. Steel garage doors can be insulated, and won't crack or warp.

Now you have a better understanding of garage door types, you've made a great start. Next, you should think about measuring your door opening, plus the options for motorisation and installation. A good garage door company will be able to give you plenty of help and advice in all these areas.

UP & OVER DOORS is a perfect place to buy garage doors, up & over doors, sectional doors, side-hung doors, roller doors, speciality doors, canopy doors, security & accessories, openers and spares parts at the lowest prices.