Sectional Versus Single Panel Garage Doors: What’s Right for You?
With the rise in popularity of sectional garage doors, many homeowners are left wondering if a single panel door is still worth installing. The final decision comes down to your specific needs.
Every home is different, but important considerations include the size of your garage space, your budget, and future maintenance costs. Knowing how a sectional garage door compares to a single panel garage will allow you to make a better purchasing decision.
In this blog post, we will compare single panel versus sectional garage doors and help you decide which one is right for you!
First, let’s look at the different features of each door.
Sectional Garage Door:
These types of doors are made up of multiple panels held together with hinges. These hinges allow the door to bend when in operation and take up less opening space. Units are typically steel, which means they’re strong and durable. The panels may also come with insulation for added energy savings and noise reduction!
Single Panel Garage Door:
Single panel doors are made up of a single, large door that opens and folds inward. These garage doors take up much more space when in operation but have the advantage of being easy to install. Standard steel frames provide good durability. Most units will feature insulation, as well!
Cost
One of the main reasons homeowners choose a single panel garage is because they are less expensive than sectional doors. A single panel door can cost about half as much as a sectional garage door due to a lower amount of moving parts.
Another cost to consider when choosing a door is the installation. A single panel door is easier to install than a sectional garage door and will typically cost less when installing a brand new door at your home.
Amount of Headspace
One of the most important considerations when choosing a garage door is the amount of headspace you need. Single panel garage doors usually just fit single car garage doors; larger spaces may be too big for a single panel door. On the other hand, a sectional garage door is more versatile and can be adjusted to fit a range of headspaces.
Single panel doors also require additional space to open and close properly; you’ll need to park further down your driveway to avoid hitting your car when operating a single panel garage door.
Maintenance
Single panel garage doors and sectional garage doors each have their own maintenance needs. Single panel doors are easier to clean, and because they require fewer parts to operate, there is less opportunity to malfunction. Sectional doors require more continual upkeep to ensure moving parts remain in operation.
Every few months, you want to lubricate moving parts such as the door hinges to continue proper operation.
The main challenge comes in the form of panel damage. On a sectional garage door, a broken panel can be easily replaced. For a single panel garage door, if a panel is beyond repair, the entire door will need to be replaced as the whole door is a single piece.
Door Styles
For the most part, both single panel garage doors and sectional garage doors can be made of the same materials, including steel, aluminum, and wood. The differentiating features are the style or look of the door. Single panel doors often have a more classic look, with the door and frame being a single piece. Sectional garage doors tend to have a more modern look and can feature decorative and ornamental panels.
Another option for door styles is accessories. These can include windows, hinges, and handles for a contemporary look. There are also different color patterns and designs that can be used to make a sectional garage door more aesthetically pleasing.
Do keep in mind that additional style changes will incur a higher cost.
Conclusion
When deciding between a sectional and single panel garage door, homeowners should consider how they will use their space and what features are most important for them before making a decision. After considering the price, you can then look at the style of the door and future maintenance costs. For additional assistance, or if you have any questions, be sure to contacts GDS Garage Door Solutions at ( 760 ) 994-4805.
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