The world of garage doors is changing. Here Jon Watson of Garador looks at the new trend of multi-use doors and what they can bring to your build

Multi-use garages are an accepted part of modern life. While storing and protecting vehicles is still a key function, today garages are also used for general storage, gardening equipment, DIY tools, home gym apparatus and even as a home office. This means features such as security, technology, insulation and even natural light all need to be factored into the garage door selection process.

The most important of course is to select a garage door from a recognised brand you can trust. After that, there are many other factors that need to be looked at.

SECURITY

Many homeowners assume that their garage doors are secure, but the truth is that they can be vulnerable to break-ins if proper precautions are not taken. With expensive equipment now proving an additional attraction for burglars, security has become a major factor which needs to be considered when choosing a garage door.

It makes sense to look for garage doors which have the valuable Secured by Design accreditation. This is a special UK police initiative that recognises extra security, and garage doors which carry this mark have been engineered specifically to offer an extra level of security. In popular up and over garage doors, for instance, you may find additional back braces have been fitted on the inside for great rigidity; improved and reinforced locking systems may have been installed and even ‘anti-snap cylinders’ with a ‘sacrificial’ front may have been added to help prevent entry even after an attack.

None of these additions will detract from the functionality of the design of the door but will help to improve security and give confidence that your valuable possessions are protected, especially when you are not at home.

TECHNOLOGY

Automated garage doors are another area that needs proper attention. With modern technology progressing quickly, some electrically operated garage doors have older hand transmitters that can be compromised by thieves copying signals. To counteract this, some manufacturers use 868 MHz high frequency radio signals with ‘rolling code’ technology that makes the radio frequency code almost impossible to copy, as it uses a different code each time the hand transmitter is used to operate the garage door. Even better is the bi-directional radio technology now available which provides even more security by using the same 128-bit encryption that is used by many banks for their online banking security. This has been designed to prevent signal copying that even the most tech savvy burglar might employ.

It seems an obvious aspect to mention, but it can be easy to leave your garage door open for a spell when you are going in and out. Thieves can operate in a surprisingly short timeslot, and a system worth considering is smart operation. Look for a leading brand which offers its own app for remote control; this means you can operate and check the status of the garage door from the comfort of your home as well as on your phone.

INSULATION

In multi-use garages, insulation is important. An ill-fitting or poorly insulated garage door offers poor protection against the elements, potentially resulting in draughts or rainwater ingress. Today there is a good choice of garage doors offering varying levels of thermal efficiency depending on the type of equipment stored in the garage. 

When contents need to be kept both warm and dry, an insulated sectional garage door is a good choice. Ideally you need to find a door with foam-filled sections and with rubber seals around the edges to prevent drafts and rainwater from getting in. This type of garage door is particularly useful for homes with integrated garages. A garage door fitted into a strong box chassis will not only save time and the effort of having to construct a timber sub-frame, but will also ensure a perfect fit.

NATURAL LIGHT

In so many instances, having a design of a garage door with windows that allow natural light inside the garage is vital, especially if the space is being used for something like a home office. There are numerous styles on the market which incorporate glazed windows to let in natural light. These can add additional character to a door as well, and if you choose a trusted brand, you can be certain that the windows have been carefully designed so that security has not been compromised. 

As the trend for multi-use garages continues, additional innovations are coming in, including more advanced side-hinged garage doors designed with helpful features such as built-in door stays and dampeners for a smoother door action. These new style single side hinged doors offer full width opening for cars, of course, but also offer single door access into the garage which can be opened and closed quickly and easily to obstruct opportunist burglars.

The industry is adapting to new trends. While in some cases the choice of models and styles can seem overwhelming, with the right information and advice anyone can quickly find the best garage door for their property.

Jon Watson is managing director of Garador