Garage doors are often differentiated from each other in two main ways: the materials they are made with and the way the open. While many are familiar with overhead garage doors, other types include horizontal sliding doors and bifold doors. Popular materials for such doors include wood, steel and vinyl.
The most common type of garage door is the overhead garage door. These doors work on a track that lifts the door over the opening. They usually come in sections so that they can move around the bend in the track. They go from a vertical position when closed to a horizontal position above the garage floor when open. For a residential garage, this is the most common type.
Sliding garage doors share some similarities with overhead doors in that they are usually on a track. However, they always stay in a vertical position and simply slide away from the opening. Using such a door in a garage means it must have ample room on at least one side.
Bifold garage doors usually fold up to create an opening. The door is sectioned in the middle with the bottom pulled up toward the top when it is opened. Both the top and the bottom eventually come to a position that is nearly horizontal when opened, much like an overhead garage door.
The most common material for garage doors, whether for a residential garage or a commercial garage, is steel. This material is durable and costs less than many other materials. They also can be textured to look like wood so they look more impressive in a residential setting. Many steel doors are also insulated. Commercial doors are often very plain in appearance, though some may have windows to let in natural light, especially if a substantial amount of work activity is going on.
Wood garage doors are another option for those who want to go with a traditional garage door. While wood will have the tendency to rot or warp over time, it can be treated and offer many years of enjoyment. Despite the obvious benefits of steel, wood still remains a popular choice for garage doors.
Vinyl is another popular material for garage doors. Manufacturers of vinyl say it offers a number of advantages over wood and steel. These include dent resistance and colors that do not peel or fade. While some vinyl doors have a tendency to turn yellow over time, some are specifically made with special coatings that prevent this from happening.
