Types of Garage Doors and Their Heights
When selecting the perfect garage door, understanding the different types of garage doors and their standard heights is crucial. The right choice not only enhances the look of your home but also ensures functionality and safety. Let’s explore the common types of garage doors and their respective heights.
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are one of the most popular choices for residential garage doors. These doors are made up of panel sections connected with hinges, allowing them to bend as they move up and down the track.
- Standard Heights: Typically available in heights of 7 feet and 8 feet, but can be customized to fit specific needs.
- Benefits: They offer great insulation, are relatively easy to maintain, and can be fitted with various materials like steel or wood.
Roll-Up Garage Doors
Often found in commercial settings but also used in homes, roll-up garage doors consist of narrow slats that roll around a drum at the top of the door opening.
- Standard Heights: Usually available in heights of 8 to 10 feet, making them suitable for both residential and commercial use.
- Benefits: Durable and space-saving, ideal for garages with limited inches of headroom.
Slide to the Side Garage Doors
As the name suggests, these doors slide to the side and sit parallel to the garage wall.
- Standard Heights: Commonly 7 feet to 8 feet tall, similar to sectional doors.
- Benefits: Great for garages with low ceilings or obstacles in the ceiling space.
Tilt-Up Canopy Garage Doors
These doors pivot upward and into the garage, sitting parallel to the garage ceiling.
- Standard Heights: Generally 7 feet to 8 feet tall.
- Benefits: Simple design and easy operation, though they require more space in front of the garage.
Custom Garage Doors
For unique needs, custom garage doors can be designed to fit any dimension, providing solutions for non-standard openings or specific architectural requirements.
- Benefits: Tailored to fit exact specifications, offering flexibility in design and functionality.
Choosing the Right Material
The material of your garage door affects not only its appearance but also its durability, maintenance, and insulation properties. Here are some common materials used for garage doors and their benefits.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel garage doors are known for their durability and low maintenance. They come in various styles and can be insulated for energy efficiency.
- Standard Heights: Available in standard sizes but can also be customized.
- Benefits: Strong, durable, and resistant to weather conditions, making them ideal for Florida’s climate.
Wood Garage Doors
Wood garage doors offer a classic and elegant look, adding charm and warmth to your home.
- Standard Heights: Typically available in standard heights but customizable.
- Benefits: Beautiful aesthetics, though they require more maintenance and can be affected by humidity.
Aluminum and Glass Garage Doors
These doors provide a modern, sleek look and are often used for contemporary homes.
- Standard Heights: Available in standard sizes but can be customized.
- Benefits: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and offer a stylish appearance.
Choosing the Right Garage Door for Your Needs
When selecting a garage door, it’s important to consider both functionality and aesthetics. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Functionality
- Vehicle Size: Ensure the door height accommodates your vehicles, whether it’s a standard car or a larger vehicle like an SUV or RV.
- Usage: Consider how often you use your garage and what for – storage, vehicle parking, or as a workshop.
Aesthetics
- Home Style: Choose a door that complements the architectural style of your home.
- Material and Finish: Select materials and finishes that enhance your home’s exterior.
Working with a Professional Garage Door Company
At ROX Garage Doors, we pride ourselves on offering personalized service to meet your specific needs. Whether you need help with garage door replacements, maintenance, or selecting the perfect new door, our team of experts is here to assist you. We ensure accurate measurements and professional installation, providing peace of mind and superior results.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Ensuring your garage door is installed correctly and maintained properly is essential for its longevity and functionality. Here are some tips to help you with the process.
Ensuring Proper Installation
Proper installation is critical to the performance and safety of your garage door. Here are some key points to consider:
- Professional Installation: Always opt for a professional garage door company like Rox Garage Doors. Our team ensures accurate measurements and proper installation, avoiding common issues like misalignment and improper fitting.
- Headroom and Side Room: Make sure you have enough inches of headroom and side room for the door to operate smoothly. Typically, you need about 14 inches of headroom for standard garage door openers.
- Balancing and Tension: Properly balanced doors operate smoothly and reduce strain on the garage door opener. Professional installers will ensure the tension is correctly set on the springs and cables.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your garage door. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and tracks, to ensure smooth operation.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the door for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, cracks, or damage to the garage door panels.
- Balance Check: Test the balance of the door by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If it stays in place, it’s balanced. If it falls, it needs adjustment.
- Weather Stripping: Check and replace weather stripping to keep out drafts and moisture, enhancing energy efficiency.
