Upgrading a garage door is one of the easiest ways to boost your home’s resale value. According to the 2023 Cost vs. Value report, garage door replacements offer a 102.7% return on investment.
If you’re in the market for a brand-new garage door, picking one style over another can be a challenge- especially when they’re so evenly matched. Roller garage doors and sectional garage doors are two of the most popular garage door styles in Australia, and choosing the best one for your place might just boil down to what you prefer.
To help you decide and shed some light on the differences between these two options, let’s take a closer look at each.
What Are Roller Garage Doors?
Roller garage doors are made from a metal curtain stamped with a ribbed design. When you open the door, it rolls up like a carpet and sits above the door opening, freeing up the rest of the ceiling space.
Because roller doors don’t stick out or take up extra space inside your garage, they’re great for compact spaces and short driveways. If your garage ceiling isn’t completely flat, or if things like support beams or overhead storage are in the way, a roller door could be your best option.
Pros
- Practical and durable
- Ideal for backyard sheds due to their robust construction
- Can be manually operated or fitted with automatic openers
- Well-suited for regions experiencing high winds or cyclones
- Allow you to maximise your garage’s ceiling space for storage
- More cost-effective than sectional or tilt garage doors
Cons
- Insufficient insulation
- Limited design options
- Require sufficient height at the opening to accommodate the roll-up mechanism
What Are Sectional Garage Doors?
Sectional garage doors are built from horizontal panels, or sections, linked by hinges. This design allows the door to bend around a curve as it opens, and then rest flat against the garage ceiling.
Most sectional door panels come in different widths and styles, so you can match them to your home’s design. Thanks to their versatility, sectional doors are suited to a wide range of aesthetics.
Pros
- Modern look and appeal
- Available in an array of colours and finishes
- Offers flexibility in materials, including options like wood, aluminium, and steel
- Lighter and easier to install
Cons
- Installation requires sufficient clearance along the ceiling
- Tends to be more expensive than roller doors
- Has more moving parts
Roller Doors vs. Sectional Doors: Factors to Consider
Both roller and sectional garage doors are sturdy, reliable, and space-efficient, meaning you can park your car as close to the door as you want. But their key differences lie in how they look and function. Let’s break it down to help you pick the best one for your garage door installation.
1. Design and Style
Your garage door takes up a significant chunk of your outdoor space, so it’s only fair that you want it to look good. While aesthetics and design are subjective, sectional doors offer more room for personalisation. You can choose from different materials, colours, patterns, and textures. Plus, they can come with windows, vents, and insulation for better practicality.
In terms of design, roller doors are limited. You can opt for either narrow or wider slats, but the basic horizontal slat pattern is standard across the board. That said, they’re a great fit for minimalist homes boasting a classic, clean, and metallic finish.
Both door styles come in a wide range of colours, so the choice really comes down to how much control you want over the design and overall visual appeal.
2. Cost Comparison
Thinking about costs? Roller garage doors usually come out on top for being more wallet-friendly. They’re simple in design and easy to put up, which keeps their prices down. Plus, they’re low maintenance.
Sectional garage doors might pinch your pocket a bit more at first because of their fancy features and variety of materials like wood or glass. But they could save you cash in the long run with better insulation, cutting down on heating costs.
3. Space Considerations
If space is tight, roller doors are likely your best bet. Since they can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, they’re perfect for smaller garages. Sectional doors need more ceiling space and are better suited for larger garages with ample headroom.
4. Accessibility
Often, old garage doors are replaced due to accessibility concerns. Manual doors can be tough to open for those with mobility issues, so opting for an automatic door can make accessing your garage much easier- and safer.
Roller garage doors come with automation as standard, which makes them a highly favoured option for improving accessibility. Sectional garage doors can also be automated, but you’d typically decide on this feature during the design phase.
Fitting a sectional door with automation involves more components like a motor and a boom, not to mention the space needed for the overhead tracks. If you’re looking for simplicity and ease of use, a roller door could be the better choice here.
5. Insulation
Sectional doors are often made with thicker materials and can include built-in insulation between the panels. If your garage doubles as a workshop or is attached to your house, a sectional garage door can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Roller garage door installations, with their single sheet of metal, typically don’t offer the same level of insulation. Although they provide some barrier against external elements, they might not be as effective if you’re looking for strong thermal control.
6. Maintenance
Generally, sectional doors require more regular service checks due to their numerous components like hinges and tracks. Roller doors are typically easier and cheaper to maintain since they have fewer moving parts.
Find the Right Garage Door for Your Home
And that wraps up our take on the differences between roller and sectional garage doors- and what factors to consider when you’re making your choice. Remember, a garage door is an investment in your home’s security and aesthetic. Pick wisely to make sure your new garage door improves your home’s beauty and functionality. Ready to install a new garage door? Let Filip’s Garage Doors help. Explore our range of options or get in touch for professional advice tailored to your needs. Feel free to reach out to us today!
