The overhead garage doors are the most commonly used garage door model available in the market. They replaced the traditional swinging garage doors. When you compare the different sorts of overhead garage doors, you consider both the function as well as the aesthetic characters, along with cost of installation and materials used.
Types
Usually there are three sorts of overhead garage doors. The tilt-up garage door is the oldest of the three and has a single panel, which is lifted up to the ceiling-mounted pivot. The second is the roll-up type of garage doors, which are made of several small sections that are joined together into one large unit. The door rolls overhead into a tight coil when opened. The last is the sectional overhead garage door unit. They are the most common and have three to four panels joined by hinges, which allows them to roll overhead.
Materials
The overhead garage doors are available in various materials that include wood, steel, aluminum and even fiberglass. Steel is one of the most common and affordable option. Installing is easy and it offers great security. The wooden doors are however, visually appealing, but do not hold up like the other materials. The aluminum garage doors are quite resistant to rust and corrosion, and are good option for the coastal areas. The fiberglass is a durable material, but might suffer severe damage and crack in extremely conditions.
Superb styling
The idea of panels and the technological developments have brought in some new styling and opportunities that you can utilize in your sectional overhead garage door. You can also consider including features of the latest overhead garage door designs that appear similar to the expensive custom-built solid timber paneling. This brilliant styling is achieved the use of various materials. These high performance garage overhead doors are also available in a smooth or the wood grain textured finish.
Features
All the three different types of overhead garage doors are available with the smooth and also paneled finishes. You can also equip them with glass vision lites and can paint sun catchers. Some fiberglass units also feature integral dyes or pigments, which provides a colored finish without the use of paints. The overhead units can be operated manually with chains or track system or can be operated with automatic operators.
Benefits
The Sectional overhead garage door offers the largest variety of designs and styles that tends to be durable and weatherproof. The tilt-up variety is the most affordable one since they are the older style. The tilt-up is usually smooth and clean and require very little maintenance. The Roll-up garage doors are suitable for the tall openings. They also take up very little ceiling space as compared to other units.
Drawbacks
Each of the various types of overhead garage door has some drawbacks. A periodic maintenance is required in the Sectional units in order to minimize the mechanical difficulties. The Tilt-up doors are not much weatherproof or safe than the other available options. The Roll-up units are quite expensive. Since they have the largest number of parts it requires more maintenance over a period of time.