Open Up the Possibilities: Garage Door Opening Styles

Whether you are designing a custom garage door for a traditional or modern home, you can stylize the door to open (or appear to open) in any way that you want. From simple overhead garage doors to swinging carriage doors, the possibilities are endless. 

One thing to note is that you should never be afraid of space limitations for your garage door. Traditional carriage doors swing open and need room to operate, but the best part about working with a custom garage door manufacturer is that your designed door can operate in any manner that you choose. You can have a garage door that looks like a carriage door but opens like an overhead garage door, making it easy to install on any home. 

There are many major styles of garage doors, each with their own way of opening. These are the most common. 

Overhead Garage Doors

Overhead garage doors open up overhead (hence the name). There are many types of overhead garage doors. These “sub-classifications” of overhead doors include: 

• Sectional garage doors: doors made up of panels that break apart as the door is opened and raised overhead and moved back together (seamlessly) as the door closes. 
• Roll-up garage doors: doors that open overhead and roll up into a drum. The door is unraveled as it is lowered and closed. 
• Tilt-up (canopy) garage door: typically used in traditional carriage doors, these one-piece doors open outward and upward on a hinge that tilts the door as it lifts into the garage. 

Sliding Garage Doors

Sliding garage doors operate by sliding into the garage, bending the door’s sections and ending up parallel to the wall of the garage space. These doors are highly stylized but take up wall space in the garage space. They do not require springs to open and can run on a motor like most overhead garage doors. 

Folding Garage Doors

Folding garage doors break into sections as they open and fold over onto one another. This gives the homeowner greater control over opening the door, allowing them to open it partially when entering or exiting. They can be designed to open overhead (vertically) or horizontally. They can also be designed to have multiple panels (sections) or as a bifold door that folds in half. 

Swinging Garage Doors

Swinging garage doors open outward on a hinge that is placed on both sides of the garage opening. These “old-fashioned” doors resemble barn doors and are most commonly seen on more traditional homes. They are ideal for homes that have obstructions overhead where overhead doors cannot be opened. 

Designing a garage door? Cambek can help you choose the right opening? Contact our team for a free consultation. 

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