A guide to garage doors

For our first blog post, we thought we’d cover the basics – choosing your new garage door! With so many varieties available, it is often difficult to decide which style will best suit your home. With this in mind, Access Garage Doors has written this guide to help with your decision, outlining the benefits of all the styles we have available. We hope it proves beneficial to all those in the market for a new garage door.

Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors contain several horizontal slats, connected by hinges, which retract upwards in sections onto a ceiling track. Similarly to roller doors, their compact design and zero outswing makes them ideal for houses with small driveways. With automation as standard, sectional doors allow swift access to your garage and are perfect for those constantly on the go.

Sectional garage doors are typically double-skinned; not only is this good for insulation, but it provides an extra layer of protection against forced entry. They are commonly made from galvanised steel, and this robust material will ensure your garage door is durable for many years to come. With multiple colours and designs available, sectional garage doors can be customised to complement the exterior of any home.

Up & Over Garage Doors

Traditional, reliable and secure: up and over garage doors are hugely popular due to their simple, no-fuss operation. They are typically made from one sheet of material – this is commonly steel but could be wood or GRP fibreglass – however, insulation panels can be added for extra warmth. 

We have two types of up and over doors available: canopy and retractable. Both of these styles are highly customisable and are available in a huge variety of colours and designs, so you can be sure there’s something to suit every property. Typically, up and over garage doors are an affordable option, compromising on price but not quality.

Roller Garage Doors

Roller garage doors comprise multiple horizontal slats that offer a smooth, vertical opening mechanism. The door coils into a roll shape above the lintel, allowing you to maximise storage space inside your garage. As there is no outswing, they are ideal for properties with smaller driveways or multiple vehicles.

Roller garage doors are typically made from two layers of high-quality aluminium. This is then filled with an insulating foam panel for increased energy efficiency. Most roller doors are automated as standard, making them a convenient choice for those with mobility issues. The popularity of these doors has grown exponentially in recent years; their elegant and sleek appearance can elevate your exterior and even increase the value of your property. 

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Side-hinged garage doors are perhaps the best complement to period properties, offering a timeless and elegant look. As the name implies, side-hinged garage doors open outwards via a hinge, and their easy operation makes them ideal for garages that require regular pedestrian access. They are commonly made from timber for a warm and natural look, however, steel designs are also available for a more modern finish. 

Automated Garage Doors

Although many modern garage doors come with automation as a given, many of the above styles can have a motorised opening added for maximum convenience. Automated garage doors allow you to use your garage with the simple touch of a button, making them ideal for those with mobility issues. They are particularly useful in cold winter months as you won’t need to exit your vehicle to lock it away. Electric garage doors have an automatic locking system, minimising the risk of you inadvertently leaving your garage unsecured.

Whatever style of garage door that you’re after, Access Garage Doors has something to suit your property. We have a wide range of doors in stock and you can even visit us at our Bradford showroom to assess in person which door is right for you. We supply garage doors from a number of leading manufacturers, meaning that whenever you buy with us you can be assured of high quality and durability. We operate in properties across the West Yorkshire region – including Harrogate, Leeds and Skipton – so simply contact a member of our friendly team for more information.