With regards to garage doors, up and over doors have great longevity, style and ease of use. In much of the North West and areas such as Warrington, they are quite widespread. Their range stretches from basic white steel to decorative wood designs that fit with older houses that are semi-detached. For decades, the dominant design for garage doors in the UK has been up and over doors, and for many house owners, the most cost effective and practical solution are these doors.
If you are thinking about getting a garage door, it is beneficial to take time to appreciate the things that make up and over garage doors so popular, and whether one, or more, is right for your home.
How an Up and Over Door Works
The mechanism is elegantly simple, one solid panel moves upwards and backwards into the ceiling space of the garage. This can be partial (canopy gear), or fully (retractable gear). That simplicity is a major part of the appeal. You will not find a complicated system of tracks running along the side of your garage, there are no sectional panels to maintain, and very few moving parts that can fail and cause issues.
Canopy gear is the most common setup for manual operation. When the door is open, the bottom third of the panel protrudes outwards forming a small canopy above the entrance, which is actually useful if you are caught in a typical Warrington drizzle while loading the car.
If you’re thinking of adding electric automation, retractable gear is the better option since it lets the panel fully slide back into the garage.
Canopy or Retractable — Which Should You Choose?
For those who prefer manual doors and enjoy the uncomplicated style, canopy gear is an excellent choice. It is less expensive, takes up less headspace in the garage, and is easy to put in for an experienced fitter. However, there is the downside that if you want to automate the door later it can be more complicated. Bow arm conversion kits are a viable option, but they are not the most esthetically pleasing option.
Retractable gear is the better choice if you think there is any chance you will want a remote controlled electric motor. It’s a common desire for Warrington homeowners after enjoying the ease of a retractable door. With retractable gear, the panel slides completely into the garage and is also smooth and evenly balanced so that an electric operator can function properly and consistently year after year.
Material Options
Of all materials, steel is the most widely used, and for excellent reasons. Modern steel doors have a long lifespan and are low maintenance. They have been galvanised and powder coated to resist rust. They come in many different factory colours and only need an occasional wipe down to keep them looking good. Steel doors look great on modern homes, as well as more traditional terraced and semi-detached homes.
For homeowners that desire something more unique, doors made from solid Western Red Cedar are Stunning.
Cedar wood has natural defenses against rot and, when properly maintained with a quality stain every couple of years, handles the British climate admirably. While being heavier and requiring slightly more maintenance, the genuine warmth and authenticity of real wood can truly enhance the front of a house.
If your house suffers from extreme weather conditions, it may be worth investing in GRP (glass-fiber reinforced plastic). It is free from rusting, rotting, and warping, and boasts convincing woodgrain finishes that mimic timber but without the upkeep and maintenance.
Security and Safety
Modern up-and-over doors have been designed with newer safety features that older models may not have, such as anti-drop systems that stop the door panel from descending uncontrollably if one of the springs breaks. They also have greater security features as well, with many new versions using multi-locking systems in conjunction with steel latching bars, making it much more difficult to break into the door.
Practical Advantages
Natural ventilation is an important and beneficial feature of an up and over door and one that is often overlooked. Air can slowly flow around the edges of the door once closed and seal off the frame. In an unheated garage, this prevents any moisture from building up on a car, tools, or other items, and protects against the humidity of the North West climate.
Nothing can match the speed of access provided by a manual up-and-over door.
Simply turn the handle and lift the door — you are in! When used manually every day, this is about as good as it gets for simplicity.
Is an Up and Over Door Right for You?
Providing your garage has adequate headroom and a flat, level floor, an up and over could be just what you need. They offer reliability and value for either manual or automated systems. Plus, because they come in a wide range of sizes, most garage openings will fit without the need for an expensive custom option.
We are local garage door specialists serving Warrington and the surrounding area, and we are more than happy to help you choose the best door for your property. You are welcome to visit us, give us a call, or send us a message to discuss the options that best fit your home and your budget.
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