BUILDING ENVELOPE


Garage door policies


Enhancing your property and adding to its kerb appeal is all about making the right choice for your home’s exterior – the windows, entrance doors, landscaping and, of course, your garage door. Here, David O’Mara of Hörmann UK offers his advice


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ften overlooked, the garage can be one of the most prominent features of your home’s facade and choosing the right garage door to complement your property’s exterior is important. However, while aesthetics are high on the list of priorities, there are several other considerations to be taken into account, and with such a large selection of door types available and a wide range of price options, it can be confusing. Here is my advice on choosing the right door for your home.


DOOR TYPE


The up-and-over steel garage door is still the most popular in the UK. A practical and cost-effective solution, they are available with two types of mechanism; retractable or canopy. The retractable version opens fully into the garage, while a canopy door will protrude in front of the garage when open. A roller garage door opens vertically, literally ‘rolling up’ into the aperture above the door opening, offering maximum space inside and in front of your garage. They are ideal for short or multi-car driveways as you can park a car very close to the door, while the lack of a track mechanism within the garage means that your ceiling is free for lighting and storage. A smooth operating door, which is easy to use and is particularly suited to automation.


Sectional garage doors also open vertically and are suspended under the ceiling, again maximising space within and in front of your garage. Made up of individual panels, sectional doors can be customised to fit irregular sies


and shaped openings. As they provide enhanced security and thermal eficiency, they are becoming increasingly popular as more people use their garages for additional leisure space and storage. Side-sliding doors offer the option of a door that opens to the side on a track and leaves the ceiling space of your garage completely free. However, they do take up more room to the side and can reduce the overall oor space in the garage. For a more traditional look, side hinged doors – sometimes referred to as carriage doors – are a good choice. Opening outwards, they are usually supplied in wood and can be easily customised for a visually appealing garage door.


SECURITY All modern garage doors should be supplied with the latest in high security


mechanisms and quality locking systems to help deter intruders. Sectional doors which are automated can also be supplied with an anti-lift feature which gives additional protection against forced entry. It is also worth researching and selecting a door which has Secured by esign certification or added peace of mind.


THERMAL EFFICIENCY Conserving energy and saving money is important to us all and it is a significant aspect to consider when selecting a garage door. A well-insulated garage door is ideal if you have an integrated garage, or if you use your garage as additional recreational or storage space. It will help to maintain the temperature balance between your home and garage and keep any items stored within the garage in good condition.


Ranging from the more traditional raised panel doors to contemporary designs, enhancements including glazing, design elements and inlays give ample opportunity to create your own unique door style


sep/oct 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 47


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