Technical Jargon: Garage Door Types

Variations in garage door types are common across the country.  However, most can be classified into one of five categories.

Test your knowledge and let's take a look at the different classifications:

• Hinged - This style, similar to a hinged interior door in the home, is usually two symetrical doors that swing open to the left and right, and are supported by 4 or more hinges attached to the vertical portions of the door frame. These can be stylish in design and more common in upper end homes.

• Overhead Sectional - The most common of garage doors, this type is typically 3 or more rectangular panels held together with hinges at the panel edge. Rollers attached to the left and right perimeter hinges travel up a metal track bringing the door to rest parallel to the overhead ceiling.  This type of door is sometimes referred to as a Roll Up or Hinged, but technically is not.

• Roll-Up - This style mechanically rolls up like a curtain or roll of carpet to a storage area above the door frame. It is typically metal in construction and is found more often in commercial applications.

• Sliding - This type of door is attached to a horizontal overhead track with rollers that travel perpendicular to the direction of travel into the garage.  They can be automatic or manually operated.

• Tilt-Up - Lastly, this type of door, sometimes called "Up and Over Door", is usually attached to powerful springs on the left and right which open the door outward and upward in a large sweeping motion.  These doors are not desireable in areas of heavy snow, as one may not be able to open the door if it is blocked.