Disadvantages Of Installing Sectional Garage Doors

If you're upgrading the look of your garage, you want a garage door style that will boost your home's curb appeal. You may want to start your search by focusing on the physical design of the door before moving on to the materials and colors. The most common design selection people make is a sectional garage door. This design consists of a few horizontal panels connected with hinges. As it opens and closes, the hinges make it easier for the entire garage door to make the 90-degree turn required. It's easier to leave more free space inside the garage when you're using this type of door design, as you don't have to allow for an inflexible design to move back and forth.

Even though the sectional is a highly popular option that offers some advantages, it might not be perfect for your home or business. Perhaps a different modern garage door design idea would better match your garage, such as a single-panel model, which doesn't bend at all. The single-panel door slides as one piece into the upper area of the garage. You also might use a roller door, which wraps around a cylinder, almost like a piece of carpet, although this option is only starting to become a popular selection with residential installations.

While the sectional garage door is popular, we'll break down the disadvantages of using this design so you're aware of all the potential drawbacks. You can then decide whether you want to look at one of the other design options.

The biggest drawback to putting in a sectional garage door is the challenging installation process. Installing one of these models is definitely not a DIY project for the vast majority of homeowners. Not only do the installers need to place the hinges in the proper locations and keep each section squared up, but they also must install tracks, cables, and springs that guide the opening and closing of the sectional garage door. Everything must be aligned properly, or you'll have a poor level of performance, which is why you should rely on a professional installer. Some manufacturers of garage doors require you to use a professional for installation to keep the warranty valid.

The sectional design offers plenty of durability, but you do need to have regular maintenance performed to keep it performing well, which can be a hassle. Regular lubrication of the hinges and rollers will keep the sections moving in sync and keep them squared up. Without a well-maintained door, it may not roll smoothly toward the ceiling of the garage as intended, making operation a challenge.

As another disadvantage, sectional garage doors tend to weigh quite a bit because of the materials and the hardware needed to secure each of the panels. A sectional garage door may weigh anywhere from 80 to nearly 500 pounds, depending on size and materials in use. An accident where the garage door suddenly lets go could cause serious injuries or fatalities.

Some people find sectional garage doors to have a bulky-looking design. The springs, tracks, and visible hinges between each section might not fit your home's look if you have a modern, sleek residential design. Roller doors have sleeker lines, while the single-panel design has a clean, vintage look with no sections. Aesthetics and fit are very important considerations. After all, you don't want your garage door to hurt your home's resale value.

Another disadvantage to this style of garage door is the noise it can generate during operation. Because the sectional design has so many moving parts, noise is common during opening and closing. You can reduce some of the noise by tightening any loose screws and providing proper maintenance and lubrication on the moving parts. However, you might prefer roller door designs, which often consist of materials made to reduce noise during operation compared to sectional garage doors.

Perhaps the biggest drawback to sectional garage doors compared to other options is the initial cost. Because you have to hire a professional and install multiple pieces of hardware to put in the door and tracks, it drives up the cost versus simpler designs. Additionally, because this design is so popular, the increased demand may drive up the price for materials and installation in your local market, especially if you need the job done quickly.