Opening up the possibilities

Garage doors have improved hugely in recent years as the value placed on them by homeowners has increased. David O’Mara of Hörmann looks at the different options available and how to decide which is best for you

Garage doors have undoubtedly become the new must-have property style statement and, over the past few years, the variety of designs, features and accessories being offered by UK door manufacturers has simply exploded.

When it comes to choosing a door, kerb appeal is still the number one priority for most buyers. In fact, research shows that having the perfect garage door could boost a property’s value by up to 4 per cent. So what are the top current trends and more importantly how can buyers ensure they’re choosing the right garage door for their home?

It might seem like a relatively minor aspect of a self-build project, but garage doors can have a major impact on the overall look of a property which can in turn affect its value. Many doors are now available in a range of finishes but the difference between individual features can be considerable. Some doors optimise space, while others focus on style, insulation and security, so it’s important to identify your priorities early on and factor this into the project as soon as possible.”

‘Up and over’

Up and over garage doors have long been the number one choice for UK homeowners and they still undoubtedly dominate the market today. These types of doors are available in two styles: canopy and retractable. A canopy door lifts up and out with around a third of the door protruding, while a retractable door, as the name suggests, slides completely into the garage on tracks suspended from the ceiling.

As with any style of garage door, up-and-overs can be automated or manually operated and they are often less expensive than rival products. It’s worth noting, however, that these doors require significant exterior space to open so, for houses with short driveways, another alternative may be more practical.

Roller doors

When space is an issue, roller doors are an increasingly popular choice. These doors don’t require any ceiling room, as they open upwards with the door rolling around a central drum. Similarly, there’s no need for overhead or wall tracks. Despite being a popular option for several years, 2016 has seen significant design improvements for this type of door with more cost-effective options being introduced.

Style has been prioritised, with some manufacturers now colour matching the guides, fascia and box to the door curtain as standard. Safety also remains an important factor, with some doors coming equipped with an optical safety edge, operated by a wired connection to ensure that the door stops as soon as the beam is broken.

Sectional doors

However, if you want to stand out from the crowd, there’s one trend that’s rapidly emerging this year – the demand for garage doors that suit both the industrial and luxury domestic market. This has led to increased use of sectional garage doors, offering eye-catching, contemporary alternatives to the traditional door.

Gone are the days when garages purely functioned as a storage unit. Instead, they have now become domestic leisure and business spaces; doubling up as home offices, bars and gyms. For car enthusiasts and collectors, they’ve been converted into impressive vehicle showrooms where windows and lighting have become a top priority. For families, garages can also provide essential additional living space where insulation is key.

If the garage opening is an unusual shape, such as an arch, sectional doors are the option to choose. They’re fitted behind the opening and add a stylish finish to a garage’s facade. They also offer excellent insulation, as the better designs come with seals around all four sides of the door.

Scratch-resistant glazing has become a key feature, creating a truly striking overall look with mirroring and transparency. Door frames can be hidden to ensure that nothing detracts from the seamless appearance. Side-sliding sectional doors are also available if headroom is limited, recessed into tracks along the wall, offering a useful alternative to the traditional sectional style. If aesthetics are the priority, homeowners can also consider a complementary entrance door.

Of course, security is also something that shouldn’t be overlooked. All good quality doors will offer multi-point locking, but for added peace of mind, choose a design with police-approved Secured by Design accreditation. These doors have been put through their paces by experts to prove that they can withstand common methods of forced entry.

With a huge selection of doors on the market, it’s important to be able to differentiate between the options. A high-quality product, carefully selected will not only add to a property’s appeal and overall value but also stand the test of time.

David O’Mara is the UK marketing manager at Hörmann