Has your garage door seen better days? Or maybe it’s started making worrying noises? If so, it might be best to invest in a garage door replacement.
Two of the most popular garage door styles on the market are roller garage doors and up and over garage doors. While up and over garage doors were the default choice for many years, roller garage doors have surged in popularity in recent years and are now a leading competitor.
So which is better? Read on to find out how the two face off on a number of factors.
Security
It’s important that your garage door is totally secure; otherwise, this could be a weak spot that potential intruders take advantage of. While both of these garage doors will increase security at your home, roller garage doors fit flush inside the garage opening and have no external handles or locks, meaning there are no visible leverage points to force entry.
Verdict: Roller garage doors have the edge in this area, offering superior security.
Maintenance
Most of us open and close our garage door multiple times a day so it’s only natural that it might experience wear over time, meaning maintenance is required.
Generally speaking, up and over garage doors feature a much simpler opening mechanism with fewer moving parts, so they usually require less upkeep than a roller garage door. Many roller garage doors also come automated as standard which, while convenient, can sometimes be more complex to repair if something goes wrong. However, both garage doors will need periodic lubrication to keep them running smoothly.
Verdict: For those who prefer a simplistic, low-maintenance option, up and over garage doors are the most suitable choice.
Space efficiency
If your driveway is on the smaller side or you have multiple cars, space efficiency should be something you’re taking into consideration. While up and over garage doors take up more room due to their outward swing, roller garage doors retract vertically into a compact box to maximise space both inside and outside of your garage, meaning you can park your car right up against the door.
Verdict: If you’re looking to make the most of every inch of space, roller garage doors are the way to go.
Price
In this cost of living crisis, it’s only natural that you’ll be more mindful of price when choosing your garage door. While garage door costs can vary depending on the brand, style, material and any additional features, up and over garage doors will usually come in at a lower price point than roller garage doors due to their more basic design.
Verdict: If you’re on a budget, up and over garage doors can help you to keep costs down.
Energy efficiency
Your garage door can be a weak point in the thermal envelope of your home, so it’s important to choose a well-insulated garage door. So are roller garage doors or up and over garage doors more energy efficient? While the level of insulation ultimately comes down to the material that the door is made from, roller garage doors have the edge as most are double-skinned and filled with insulating foam as standard. By contrast, up and over garage doors usually consist of a single-skinned panel.
Verdict: If minimising heat loss is your priority, it’s best to opt for a roller garage door.
So, which is better?
There is no right answer as to whether a roller garage door or up and over garage door is better; it all comes down to your personal preferences. If price is your main concern then an up and over garage door is a practical, low-maintenance option. However, if you’re looking to make a long-term investment that improves the energy efficiency and security of your home, why not opt for a roller garage door?
Whatever type of garage door you choose, it’s essential to work with a trusted garage door supplier. At the Associated Garage Door Group, we bring together the expertise of three leading garage door companies: Associated Garage Doors, JB Garage Doors and GD UK Garage Door Solutions. We’ve been working across Kent for decades, offering a range of garage door installation, repair and maintenance services – contact us to find out more.
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