Sectional doors are becoming more common in the UK; however, more traditional up-and-over doors still prevail. There are pros to each system type, but sectional garage doors are worth evaluating if you are considering replacing your garage door.
Sectional garage doors consist of 4-5 hinged panels. When opened, these panels roll up onto tracks and sit flush against the ceiling, which keeps the front of your garage clear. This feature is especially useful if your driveway is short or if you park in front of the garage.
Sectional doors also provide more functionality than up-and-over doors. When up-and-over doors are opened, the door panel takes up ceiling space inside the garage. In contrast, sectional doors open and leave the garage fully available. This creates more clearance inside the garage for storage or for taller vehicles, which is especially useful for taller vehicles!
It’s true that they provide insulation. Since the panels snap together and are compressed with insulating foam, they are better at keeping the cold out than most others. If you use your garage as a shop, or have a portion of it converted into added living space, that contributes a lot to the temperature insulation. Even if you are only using it to park, your car is a little bit warmer on cold winter mornings.
They are structurally solid. Unlike the up and over doors, or ‘Flex Doors’, they are solid panels. There is no flex, and the locking mechanism is integrated into the framework. Most people automate their doors, which provides even greater security since the motor locks the door when it closes.
It is true that it does take longer to install than the up and over doors. This is the part of the process that takes the longest, so if it is your first time using a sectional, budget a full day of install time. Aligning everything, and track installations for the sides and the ceiling are what take the most time. This part of the process is what takes the most time, but it also the least complicated.
The first downside would be the price. Sectional doors are considerably more expensive than up and over doors, both in the cost of the doors and the cost of the install. Starting prices for manual doors are about £800 and go up to around £2000 for fully automated, insulated sectional doors. They do tend to last a long time and most people that get them say they would get another one.
Clients can choose their sectional doors in a variety of finishes. The most common and most durable finish is steel. Aluminum is lighter, but dents more easily. They look nice, but the wood finish is more expensive and requires maintenance.
You want to make sure your garage has enough overhead room for the tracks that open the doors, and enough space to the sides for the vertical tracks. Before we provide quotes, we always do measurements to make sure everything will fit.
Maintenance, if any, is almost zero. Just check the rollers from time to time, spray the tracks with lubricant, and keep them clean. If automatic, the motor needs to be serviced every couple of years, but that goes with any electric door.
Mostly, we install Hormann sectional doors. They are German made and built to last. Garador has good ones too. Both companies have been in the doors manufacturing industry for decades and if any spare parts are needed, they are readily available.
If you would like to see some of the doors we have fitted, feel free to check our gallery. Even better, just call and we will come out to discuss your plans for your garage.