Pros and Cons of Different Types of Garage Doors

 Posted on February 07, 2025 in Garage Doors

Most of us are accustomed to the traditional roll-up style garage door. In many ways, the roll-up garage door is the gold standard of garage doors. This style of garage door is secure, easy to maintain, space-saving, durable, and energy efficient. What’s not to love? However, your unique home and garage style may lend themselves to a different type of garage door.

There are many styles to choose from, and each style has its own benefits – and weaknesses. If you are considering replacing your garage door, or you are building a new home and deciding on the type of garage door you prefer, it is good to have some information regarding the different styles.

When you speak to a licensed, highly knowledgeable Chicago, IL garage-building and repair expert from Blue Sky Builders, Inc., you have taken an important step in choosing a garage door that will give you years of reliable service. We have been in this business for more than 45 years, serving more than 50 communities in the Chicago area.

We can help you choose a new or replacement garage door, replace old garage windows, update the siding and roofing on your garage, add a steel entry door, or turn your garage into a usable office space, home gym, family room, and more.

What Are the Different Types of Garage Doors?

Roll-up garage doors are the most common type of garage door for many good reasons. Roll-up doors are the most compact, providing much-needed extra space inside the garage. While roll-up garage doors may require a bigger initial financial outlay, they tend to last longer and require little maintenance. The steel frame on a roll-up garage door is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.  Insulation keeps the garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.  In addition to the traditional roll-up style garage door, you might consider one of the following:

Canopy Garage Doors

Canopy garage doors are more common in the UK than in the U.S. A canopy garage door is a one-piece door with a spring mechanism at the top that lifts the door panel with cables on the side, forming a canopy when open.  

Canopy garage doors may be steel or wood and typically require manual operation through a torsion spring. The negative aspects of a canopy garage door include the inability to park vehicles close to the garage and the fact that they tend to be noisier than roll-up garage doors.

Sectional Garage Doors

Steel sectional garage doors have wider panels than roll-up garage doors and rest parallel to the ceiling when retracted. They allow homeowners more variety, as windows, insulation, or added hardware can be added. Steel sectional garage doors feature durable materials that resist damage and provide enhanced security.  

Retractable Garage Doors

Retractable garage doors fully retract back into the garage, unlike the canopy garage door. They run smoothly along horizontal tracks, reducing noise when opening and closing. However, this type of garage door requires more space inside your garage than other options. There is a greater chance of mechanical failure in retractable garage doors than in traditional roll-up garage doors.

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Many homeowners like side-hinged doors as one side can be opened to retrieve items from the garage. Side-hinged garage doors offer excellent security and more privacy. The slim, sleek design of the side-hinged garage door is aesthetically pleasing to many homeowners, and these doors tend to come in more colors and designs that increase curb appeal. Side-hinge garage doors are quiet and space-saving and come in traditional steel and aluminum, as well as fiberglass, PVC, and glass-reinforced polyester.  

Contact a DuPage County, IL Garage-Repair and Replacement Company

If you are considering replacing your garage door, our Downer’s Grove, IL garage-building and repair experts can help. When you choose Blue Sky Builders, Inc., you will benefit from a free on-site consultation from our highly experienced professionals. Call 630-852-8485 today for all your garage needs.