In the UK, up and over garage doors are the most popular garage doors. They are affordable, easy to install, and have been around the longest.
Up and over garage doors have a single flat panel, which tilts up and slides on a track system into the garage. There are two main types of up and over doors: canopy and retractable. Canopy doors will have a third of the door sticking out into the driveway when it is open. Retractable doors will fully tuck into the garage, which is the most common door type as it provides a fully clear driveway.
These doors are manually operated with little effort. To open the door, simply lift up the handle, and it will pivot back to rest in an open position while you drive in or out. They are light enough to be operated manually. It is also easy to add an automation system if you would like it to be an electronically operated door. It is also cheaper to automate these doors compared to other garage doors types.
The mechanisms do look reliable. It’s just a frame, a few springs for assist the lifting, and a track for the door to run on. We remove a lot of up-and-over doors that are still functional after more than 30 years. They just, look old and the seals are bad, and the owner want to opt for something nicer.
A decent up-and-over door tends to be secure. They are heavy, and a properly fitted lock is secure (we use multi-point locks for most of our installations. Automating doors adds even more security, because the motor will lock the door when it closes.
There is a range when it comes to insulation. There are uninsulated steel doors that will suffice for a basic garage, and then there are insulated doors, with foam sandwiched inside. The weather insulated doors are more expensive, but if you use your garage as a workshop, it is a lot more comfortable. There is a clear difference that you can feel.
It’s a quick installation process. We’ll fit the frame if one isn’t preset, hang the door, set the springs and mechanism, and adjust so the door opens and closes without a hitch. It typically takes a few hours. If we’re automating it, it takes a little longer, but the difference isn’t huge.
Keep in mind that the door needs space inside the garage to open. When it’s open, the door sits up near the ceiling, so if you have low headroom or use the ceiling space for storage, that’s something to account for. Also, you’ll need side clearance for the frame and mechanism.
You can choose any color for the door, although white is most common. It can have a wood finish, and we can arrange for specific colors to match your house. Standard doors are steel, but you can choose timber or GRP.
When it comes to up-and-over doors, price is primary factor in a customer’s decision. On average, a standard steel canopy door is about 400 pounds fitted. a portion of these doors have retractable options that cost about 600 to 800 pounds. Additionally, it’s about 200 to 400 pounds more for automated doors dependent on the motor. With the exception of sectionals and rollers, these doors do everything most garages require of a door.
To keep up-and-over doors functioning properly, maintenance is required. Check to see if the spring tension has loosened. Oil the hinges of the door and the internal mechanisms. Seals around the door should be in positioned properly. If the door is automated, strings should be serviced every few years. This is the same for any electrically operated door.
You should take care if retractable canopy doors are in the garage. The door does have a closing mechanism and can be driven into if the door is open and a car is parked too close to the garage door. It’s an obvious problem that it is and does happen.
. There are a few companies that make these doors: Garador, Hormann and Cardale. There have never been issues getting parts to these companies and they are usually British or European. The doors have decent warranties. These companies do build to last.
If you are unsure about what kind of garage door goes best with your garage, an up-and-over garage door is a safe bet. They are functional, cost-effective, and long-lasting, and they can be upgraded to be automated in the future, if you want. We offer honest advice about what garage door will best suit your garage. We can take measurements, show you some sample doors, and provide you with a quote. We will give you advice without the pressure to buy.