A home with a garage is full of possibilities. Having garage space in your home increases the potential for all sorts of functional experiences, ranging from the classic holding of your household vehicles to building a creative workshop away from your main living area. But if the garage needs a spruce-up or remodel before being used, there are plenty of things you need to consider, such as what doors you’ll install. Two of the most common, well-regarded entryways are sectional garage doors and up-and-over garage doors.
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This article will break down the differences between these two forms of doors, touching on space requirements, functionality and general pros and cons, so you can make the most informed decision possible for your home.
Up-and-over garage doors
An up-and-over garage door is built from a single, solid panel, which pivots as one piece, before sliding up inside the garage ceiling. The panel has to swing out in front of the opening as it opens, meaning you’ll need enough driveway space to park far enough away that it can open cleanly. However, the ceiling tracks don’t require that much depth, as the entire width of the ceiling will be occupied by the panel when it’s open.
Pros and cons of up-and-over garage doors
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Pros |
Cons |
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More economical. Lower initial purchase and installation cost compared to alternatives, due to simpler construction (fewer components). |
Requires driveway clearance. Cannot be opened if a car is parked close to the door. |
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Simple mechanism. Fewer moving parts often results in lower maintenance requirements. |
Limited insulation. Due to the single panel and continuous seals, they might offer lower thermal and acoustic insulation. |
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Robustness. The single, solid panel construction can be very sturdy and durable in the long term. |
Less secure. Can sometimes be more vulnerable to forced entry attempts at the lifting mechanism compared to interlocking sectional doors. |
Sectional garage doors
Sectional garage doors are crafted from several horizontal panels, connected by hinges. The sections rise vertically and bend to follow the tracks along the ceiling, although they can also go down the side walls in the case of side-sliding sectional doors. One of the primary benefits of choosing these doors is that they don’t require any external clearance, but they will need a little more depth for the tracks.
Pros and cons of sectional garage doors
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Pros |
Cons |
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Excellent insulation. Insulated sectional garage doors are built with double-skinned, foam-filled panels and better sealing around all four sides, offering superior thermal performance. |
Higher cost. More expensive to purchase and install due to the complex panel construction and tracking hardware. |
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Space efficiency. No external clearance is needed when opening, allowing you to park right up to the door. |
More complex mechanism. More moving parts (hinges, springs, seals) that require more attention and maintenance over time. |
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Better security. Panels interlock when closed, and the rigid structure offers greater resistance to forced entry, robbery and leverage attempts. |
Requires headroom. Requires adequate headroom inside the garage for the tracks and curve radius. |
How to choose a garage door
If you’re caught between the choice of an up-and-over or sectional garage door, the choice should be guided by three primary factors: your budget, the size of your driveway and your insulation requirements. If you’re working with a tighter budget, but have a longer driveway and might not need the same degree of insulation, you should go for an up-and-over door. If you’re in a busier area with a shorter driveway, require better insulation and want to spend a little more on a modern aesthetic, a sectional is right for you.
Remember, there are plenty of other door options out there as well, such as roller and side-hinged doors, so make sure to do research into every choice before you make your investment!