A garage door is a large door on a garage that opens either manually or by an electric motor (a garage door opener). Garage doors are frequently large enough to accommodate automobiles and other vehicles. Small garage doors may be made in a single panel that tilts up and back across the garage ceiling. Larger doors are usually made in several jointed panels that roll up on tracks across the garage ceiling or into a roll above the doorway.
The operating mechanism is spring-loaded or counterbalanced to offset the weight of the door and reduce the human or motor effort required to operate the door. Less commonly, some garage doors slide or swing horizontally. Doors are made of wood, metal, or fiberglass and may be insulated to prevent heat loss. Warehouses, bus garages, and locomotive sheds have larger versions
There are many different types of garage doors, but there are three main materials that are used to construct them. The most common material for garage doors is steel because it is durable. Steel will not crack or warp in extreme weather, and it is much stronger than wood.
Steel Garage Doors
There are also steel garage doors that have been painted to look like wood. This type of door can be stained or even painted to match your home’s look. Steel doors are often insulated, which keeps the temperature inside the garage consistent, no matter how hot or cold it is outside.
Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum garage doors are similar to steel in strength and durability, but they are not as sturdy. Aluminum resists rusting and corrosion, and it is light enough that you can open and close the door manually. However, aluminum can dent easier than steel. Also, you may need to paint an aluminum door on a regular basis because it has a tendency to fade over time. Some aluminum doors come with vinyl cladding which helps resist fading and dents.
Wooden Garage Doors
Wooden garage doors are also available, but they require more maintenance than other types of garage doors because they have to be repainted or re-stained regularly in order to protect them from the elements. They also get dented easily when hit by a vehicle or anything else in your home.