Up & Over Garage Doors vs Roller Garage Doors

Your garage door is a vital part of your home; it’s essential for security and is one of the first features visitors see upon arrival at your property. Therefore, it’s crucial to pick the right one for your needs. But with so many styles available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Roller garage doors versus up and over garage doors is a hotly contested topic with many differing opinions. With this in mind, the team at Access Garage Doors has written this article to settle this debate and help you decide which style is best for your property.

To make this judgement, it’s important to take into account the following factors:

Cost

Several factors can influence the price of your garage door, including the colour, material, brand and any additional features such as automation and insulation. For many years, up and over garage doors have been the default choice for many homes, primarily because of their affordability. Their straightforward, single-panel design makes them a low-maintenance, budget-friendly option.

By contrast, roller garage doors tend to have a more complex opening mechanism and often come with automation, which can bump up the price. However, if you visit a reputable supplier like Access Garage Doors, you should still be able to find a roller garage door that suits your budget.

Durability

The durability of your garage door is largely dependent on the materials used in its construction. Whilst both timber and steel are robust options, metal doors have the edge in terms of weather resistance, as wooden garage doors can often be more vulnerable to the elements. 

However, the style of the door is another critical factor. A typical up and over garage door consists of a simple, single-panel design that provides moderate protection. By contrast, standard roller garage doors are double-skinned and filled with insulating material, offering another layer of defence against forced entry and wear and tear.

Convenience

Roller garage doors offer a space-saving design, vertically tucking away into the ceiling when in use. This makes them ideal for homes with limited driveway space or multiple vehicles. Additionally, roller garage doors typically come with automation to maximise convenience. This means you don’t need to exit your vehicle to use your garage — an invaluable feature on a cold night. Some roller garage doors can be even paired with smart remote options, enabling you to control access to your garage from anywhere.

Whilst a typical up and over garage door is easy to operate with a no-fuss design, there may be better choices for properties with limited space, as there is considerable outswing when in use.

Energy-efficiency 

Your garage door can be a weak area in the thermal envelope of your home, so the garage door you choose is important. Roller shutter doors typically comprise two panels filled with an insulating material, and the door itself is constructed using tightly interlocking slats. This minimises draughts, resulting in an energy-efficient door that is sure to help keep costs down.

Typically, up and over garage doors have less insulation than roller doors and consist of one single panel of wood or metal. However, if you have your heart set on an up and over door, contact your local supplier to see if they have insulated options available.

Maintenance

Up and over garage doors have one of the simplest designs on the market and, once installed, should last for years with minimal interference.

Roller garage doors feature many moving parts and an intricate design, meaning they’re more likely to require regular maintenance. Furthermore, roller doors are typically automated, so you’ll need to examine the motor every so often to ensure it remains in good condition.

You should also keep in mind that, regardless of the style you choose, wooden garage doors will require regular protective coats to maintain their natural lustre.

So, which is best?

When it comes to choosing a garage door, the decision is a personal one that depends on your preferences. If you’re on a budget or don’t use your garage door often, an up and over garage door may be the best choice. These doors are durable and get the job done with minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective option.

On the other hand, those who frequently use their garage may prefer the convenience of a roller garage door. These doors provide energy efficiency, enhance the appearance of your home, and may even increase its value so you recoup your investment.

If you’re struggling to choose the perfect garage door for your property, contact the experts at Access Garage Doors. We have a huge range of roller garage doors and up and over garage doors available for homeowners across Harrogate, Leeds, Skipton and the wider West Yorkshire region. You can even visit our Bradford showroom and see our products first-hand.

Get in touch with our friendly team today — we’re always happy to answer questions and provide advice.