THE ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE TO garage doors

Discover which features to check for when you are looking to buy a garage door – ensuring you choose one that's not only functional but stylish and secure, too

- TERESA CONWAY WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM REBECCA FOSTER

Garage doors can be vital in keeping your property secure, so it’s important to pick a robust design. Choosing the right product comes down to several factors, including style, size, function and, of course, budget.

‘Often overlooked, the garage can be one of the most prominent features of a home’s façade and choosing a garage door to complement the property’s exterior is important – there’s no longer a “one size fits all” option,’ explains David O’Mara, marketing manager at Hörmann. ‘Garages are no longer being used just for cars,’ says David.

‘The space is increasingly being used for additional storage, as a workspace or utility area and even for home gyms. Thankfully, current product ranges offer a wide choice of functionality, design and finish. When purchasing a new garage door, it is important to consider what is most suitable for the space available and how the garage is going to be used.’

TYPES OF GARAGE DOORS

The type of door you opt for will typically depend on the space you have available, how you want to use your garage and the overall aesthetics of the design. These are the most common:

Up-and-over garage doors

This one-piece design is the classic garage door. As the name suggests, it lifts up from the bottom, either sliding out of the way below the garage ceiling when open, or creating a canopy at the front. ‘If space on the driveway and headroom in the garage are not an issue, then a traditional up-and-over steel door may be the best option,’ says David. ‘A cost-effective choice, the up-and-over garage door is still one of the most popular in the UK and is widely used in the new build market.’

Side-hinged garage doors