Buyers Guides - Garage Door Operating Gear

There are five main operating mechanisms or lifting gear, depending on the type of garage door selected.

The most common type is an Up and Over garage door. It comes with a choice of two operating mechanisms: Canopy or Retractable. These enable the door to be operated easily, with the door moving out - up - and over into the garage ceiling space. Canopy gear has fewer components and takes up less space than a retractable model. Its main disadvantage is that about one third of the door sticks out from the garage when opened. Retractable gear allows nearly all the door to be 'parked' inside the garage when opened. This may be essential if your garage opens onto a street. It also provides smoother movement and is better suited for electric operation.

Side Hinged garage doors have the simplest type of operating gear - hinges mounted on the door frame. These enable a pair of doors to swing outwards when opened. They are easy to use, but prevent a second vehicle from being parked close to the garage door outside. This may be an issue with a short drive. Door stays prevent the doors blowing open or banging against the wall either side of the garage.

Roller garage doors are ideal if you have several vehicles and limited space within the garage. They operate vertically and roll around a drum mounted above the garage opening. They are usually mounted behind the garage opening - so do not intrude on the drive through width or height available. Vehicles can be parked right up to the door curtain on both sides and it can still be opened if you want to get into the garage. The operating mechanism is designed for manual or electric operation.

Sectional garage doors are also ideal if you have several vehicles. The door curtain rises vertically and then travels round a track and on into the ceiling space. They are usually mounted behind the garage opening and maximise the drive through width. They do not roll up when opened and require part of the ceiling space for 'parking'. This may restrict storage space within the garage. They are ideal for electric operation and may also be used manually.
They are also available as an insulated door.