Need a new garage door but stuck deciding on the right design for your home? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll weigh up the pros and cons of both tilt and sectional garage doors, so you have the information you need to find the best option for your property. Read on to find out more.
Tilt vs sectional - what’s the difference?
Tilt garage doors: are a solid one piece tilting panel with pivoting arms at both sides. These pivoting arms allow the tilt panel door to raise upward and outwards until it rests horizontally against the garage door header.
Sectional garage doors: an updated version of the tilt door, sectional doors are made of separate panels, attached by hinges. When opened, these roll on tracks to the underside of the ceiling, requiring less ground clearance.
Pros of Tilt Panel Garage Doors:
- Require Very Little Headroom
Some houses (such as the Queenslander) have limited head height for opening the garage door. In these cases the tilt door would be the ideal option as it requires minimal headroom. - Fewer moving parts means a longer lifespan
Tilt garage doors are made from a small number of components, exposing them to less wear and tear. As a result, you’re likely to get more life out of a single panel compared to a sectional garage door. - Wide range of styles available
Since they’re usually made using one sheet, tilt doors can be made from a broad mix of materials. No matter the design of your home, you’ll have an easy time matching a tilt door to your exterior decor.
Cons of Tilt Garage Doors:
- They take up more room
As tilt doors don’t track underneath the ceiling, you’ll need to keep space clear in front of the garage door for easy opening. If you’re short on room, this could be an issue. - Not the best choice for storm-prone areas of Australia
If you live in a region that’s prone to cyclones, steer clear of tilt doors. Whilst built sturdily, they fare less well in harsh weather, and they can cause serious damage to property if they come off their hinges.
Pros of sectional garage doors:
- Visually appealing
If you’re planning on selling your property and are keen to boost curb appeal, look no further than a sectional garage door. Boasting a contemporary design, sectional doors ooze class and sophistication. - Open and close silently
No more flinching as you reach for the handle. Unlike their panel counterparts, sectional garage doors open and close near silently. - Space-efficient option
If your garage is more on the cosy side, consider a sectional door. They require less ground space to open and close, leaving you with more room to play with inside.
Cons of sectional garage doors:
- General Maintenance
More moving parts means more upfront cost, and sectional doors will require maintenance as and when their moving components break. As a result, the higher upfront price tag can quickly turn into a hefty ongoing expense. - Tricky installation
Owing to its more complex mechanism, fitting a sectional garage door can be a difficult task that isn’t easily handled alone. This can result in you having to add installation costs to your overall budget. - Less ceiling space
Whilst they buy you more ground clearance, your sectional door’s mounted track is going to occupy more ceiling space than some might like.
Need more help picking the right garage door for you?
Contact our friendly knowledgeable team now for a no-obligation discussion. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction!
