Enhancing a property and adding to its kerb appeal is all about making the right choice of windows, entrance doors, landscaping and, of course, the garage door. David O’Mara of Hörmann UK explains more
Although often overlooked, the garage can be one of the most prominent features of a home’s frontage, and choosing the right garage door to complement your property’s exterior is important.
However, while aesthetics are high on the list of priorities, there are a number of other considerations to be taken into account, and with such a large selection of door types available as well as a wide range of price options, it can be confusing.
DOOR TYPE
The up-and-over steel garage door is still the most popular door in the UK. A practical and cost-effective solution, they are available with two types of mechanism; retractable or canopy. The retractable version opens fully into the garage, while a canopy door will protrude in front of the garage when open.
A roller garage door opens vertically, literally ‘rolling up’ into the aperture above the door opening, offering maximum space inside and in front of the garage. They are ideal for short or multi- car driveways as a car can be parked very close to the door, while the lack of a track mechanism within the garage means that the ceiling is free for lighting and storage. A smooth operating door, designed to be easy to use, is particularly suited to automation.
Sectional garage doors also open vertically and are suspended under the ceiling, again maximising space within and in front of your garage. Made up of individual panels, sectional doors can be customised to fit irregular sizes and shaped openings. As they provide enhanced security and thermal efficiency, they are becoming increasingly popular as more people use their garages for additional leisure space and storage.
Side-sliding doors offer the option of a door that opens to the side on a track and leaves the garage’s ceiling space completely free. However, they do take up more room to the side and can reduce the overall floor space.
For a more traditional look, side hinged doors, sometimes referred to as carriage doors, are a good choice. Opening outwards, they are usually supplied in wood and can be easily customised for a visually appealing garage door.
SECURITY
All modern garage doors should be supplied with the latest in high security mechanisms and quality locking systems to help deter intruders. Sectional doors which are automated can also be supplied with an anti-lift feature which gives additional protection against forced entry. It is also worth researching and selecting a door that has Secured by Design (SBD) certification for added peace of mind. The accreditation means the garage door will have undergone thorough independent security and safety tests, involving prolonged brute-force attacks.
THERMAL EFFICIENCY
Conserving energy and saving money is important to us all and it is a significant aspect to consider when selecting a garage door. A well-insulated garage door is ideal if there is an integrated garage, or if the garage is used as additional recreational or storage space.
It will help to maintain the temperature balance between home and garage and keep any items stored within the garage in good condition.
With their modern, double skinned panel construction and superior sealing, sectional doors tend to be the best choice when looking for a thermally efficient door. When fitted with an additional thermal break, sectional doors can achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/M2K.
AUTOMATED DOORS
Automating is well worth considering. The primary benefit of an automated garage door is the ease of operation, typically from within your car, especially beneficial in bad weather and when returning home late at night. Providing quick access into the garage using a secure, easy to use hand transmitter or via a mobile phone, most of the popular garage door types can be automated.
The latest hand transmitters use secure encryption protocols which provide a stable interference range that ensures no one can hack into the operating system and open the garage door. Bluetooth technology available on some controllers also enables you to open and close the door from a mobile phone or tablet, which is in addition to the conventional operation by way of remote control using handheld transmitters.
With the increasing popularity of smart home devices, some garage door manufacturers are introducing their own smart hubs which operate via an app and enable control from a central platform alongside heating, security, and other smart appliances.
STYLES AND FINISHES
With such a vast range of styles, finishes and colours on offer there is a garage door to suit a property no matter what its age.
Ranging from the more traditional raised panel door to the contemporary designs, enhancements such as glazing, design elements and inlays ensure ample opportunity to create a unique door style.
Surface finishes and colours include some of the latest trends such as finishes that replicate the contours of slate; and modern textured finishes such as concrete or rusty steel, through to contemporary metallic colours such as anthracite grey.
With so many options available, some garage door manufacturers provide online door ‘configurator’ tools allowing homebuyers to design their ideal garage. By uploading an image of the facade they can view it in place, helping buyers make the right choice.
David O’Mara is marketing manager at Hörmann UK