Roller Doors vs Sectional Garage Doors: how to choose the best option?
If you’re looking for a new garage door, choosing the right style is not always easy – especially when you don’t know the difference between your options. Most people will quickly narrow it down to roller doors and sectional doors (the two most popular choices), but which one is better?
Roller door vs. Sectional garage door: what are the differences?
Roller Door
A roller door is a continuous curtain of corrugated steel that rolls up into a drum. Made from steel or aluminium, roller doors are known for being durable and space-saving.
Renowned for their affordability, sustainability, and adaptability, roller doors crafted from steel offer a myriad of advantages that resonate with discerning homeowners and business owners alike. Their sleek, minimalist appearance not only enhances the architectural charm of any property but also endows it with a sense of timeless elegance.
Moreover, roller doors exhibit remarkable resilience against the rigours of frequent usage and adverse weather conditions, making them a steadfast choice for safeguarding valuable assets and providing reliable access control. This inherent durability ensures long-term peace of mind for property owners, mitigating the need for frequent maintenance and replacements.
One of the singularities that sets roller doors apart is their suitability for small garages. Unlike traditional up-and-over garage doors, roller doors ascend vertically into a compact drum, eliminating the need for cumbersome tracks and hinges that encroach upon valuable overhead space. This streamlined operation translates into a seamless user experience, as there is no requirement to manoeuvre vehicles away from the door’s path during opening or closing—an inconvenience often encountered with conventional garage door designs.
The space-saving nature of roller doors extends beyond mere functionality, as their unobtrusive profile harmonises effortlessly with diverse architectural styles, enabling seamless integration within any residential or commercial setting. Furthermore, the customisable nature of roller doors allows for tailored solutions that cater to specific aesthetic preferences and spatial constraints, empowering property owners to imbue their spaces with a touch of individuality and sophistication.
Sectional garage door
A sectional garage door, on the other hand, is a hinged panel-type door that tracks back along the ceiling of the garage. Used mostly in residential areas, sectional doors provide a variety of design options.
Sectional garage doors represent a pinnacle of versatility and innovation in modern architectural design, offering a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Crafted from a diverse array of materials including galvanized steel, aluminium, wood, or glass, sectional garage doors provide homeowners with an expansive palette of options to suit their individual preferences and architectural vision.
The wide spectrum of materials compatible with sectional garage doors translates into a boundless array of styles, colors, and finishes, empowering homeowners to infuse their properties with a distinctive touch of character and sophistication. Whether opting for the sleek modernity of aluminium or the timeless allure of wood, the customization possibilities are virtually limitless, ensuring a seamless integration with any architectural motif.
Beyond their aesthetic versatility, sectional garage doors boast a space-saving design that is particularly well-suited for homeowners contending with limited driveway space or the need to accommodate oversized vehicles. Unlike traditional garage door configurations, sectional doors operate by vertically lifting into individual sections, eliminating the need for clearance space in front of the garage—a boon for properties with constrained parking areas.
Moreover, the modular construction of sectional garage doors lends itself to the incorporation of a myriad of add-on features, further enhancing their functionality and utility. From windows that flood the interior space with natural light to ventilation grilles that promote air circulation, sectional doors can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of homeowners. This versatility makes them an ideal choice for individuals looking to convert their garage into a workshop or studio, where amenities such as thermal insulation can create a comfortable and conducive environment for extended periods of use.
Roller door vs. Sectional garage door: how to choose the best option?
Both roller and sectional garage doors are sturdy, and reliable and don’t take up too much external space, meaning you can park your car as close to the door as you want without worry. However, their main differences lie in their use and aesthetics – to decide which option is the best fit for you, it’s a good idea to consider which features you’re looking for.
Design options of roller door vs sectional garage door
Aesthetics are an important factor to consider when choosing your garage door, especially for your home – a higher number of stylistic options allows greater coordination between your garage and house.
In this regard, sectional doors are your best bet – highly customisable, they provide more choice when it comes to material, colour, patterns, and textures. This versatility enables homeowners to tailor their doors to match their aesthetic preferences. Additionally, sectional doors can incorporate features such as windows, ventilation grilles, and insulation, enhancing both visual appeal and functionality.
However, with their sleek profile and durable materials like steel or aluminum, roller doors exude a timeless elegance suitable for any architectural style. Offering simplicity and versatility, their colours can be customised to match your home aesthetics.
Whether choosing the streamlined elegance of roller doors or the customizable versatility of sectional garage doors, both options represent innovative design meeting practical utility in architectural solutions.
Cost of a roller door vs. cost of a sectional garage door
Regardless of whether you’re interested in a roller door or a sectional door, you should be looking at value for money (i.e., if the quality matches the price) rather than the cheapest product you can find.
Roller doors, typically made from steel or aluminum, are often favored for their affordability and low maintenance requirements. Their simple design and ease of installation contribute to lower upfront costs, making them a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners.
On the other end, sectional garage doors may require a slightly higher initial investment due to their modular construction and broader range of materials, such as steel, aluminum, wood, or glass. However, sectional doors often provide superior insulation properties, potentially leading to long-term energy savings and reduced utility bills. Their versatility also allows for wider customization options that can enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality, offering homeowners a balance between upfront costs and long-term benefits.
Space-saving of a roller door vs. a sectional garage door
While both roller and sectional doors don’t take up large amounts of space, their differences in mounting positions can impact a lot.
Roller doors can either be mounted on the wall or ceiling, whereas sectional doors are mounted on the ceiling or roof. If your garage is fairly large, a sectional door will fit right in. However, if your garage is small, you’ll be more likely to save space with a roller door as wall mounting is ideal for smaller garages. Sectional doors can’t be installed in garages with low ceilings or small spaces as they take up more overhead space.
Security of a roller door vs. security of a sectional garage door
When it comes to ensuring the security of your property, both roller doors and sectional garage doors offer robust options.
Roller doors, with their continuous curtain of corrugated steel, provide a seamless barrier against intruders. Their sturdy construction and lack of visible hinges or handles make them inherently resistant to forced entry, deterring potential burglars. They can even be customised to have a double skin/layer, providing an extra layer of security. Additionally, roller doors have less parts exposed, resulting in reduced wear and tear.
On the other hand, sectional garage doors provide added rigidity and stability, enhancing their ability to withstand attempted break-ins.
However, both roller doors and sectional garage doors are equipped with locking systems to safeguard your property. Options for enhancing security with upgrades and additional solutions are also available to provide reinforced protection for your premises.
Still not sure which one to choose between a roller door or a sectional garage door?
If you still can’t decide which option is right for you, get in touch with our friendly team at WA Roller Doors. Alternatively, you can browse our collection of Sectional Garage Doors and Roller Doors on our website.
