Roller Garage Doors Vs Traditional Garage Doors

For many properties, a garage door is an incredibly important feature from both an aesthetic and functional point of view. There are many types of garage door on the market and choosing the right one can reap many benefits for your overall home. 

In our experience, two types stand out in particular and these are roller garage doors and traditional garage doors. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, which we'll explore in this comprehensive blog to help you make an informed decision for your home. 

We’ll touch on the below topics to help you select between a roller or traditional garage door:

• Space saving
• Operation of the doors
• Security
• Insulation
• Cost
• Maintenance and more

If you’d like to see more garage door options or have any questions after reading this blog then please get in touch with our team here at UK Doors and Shutters. Simply call 01204 918 991 or use our online contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Roller Garage Doors Pros

Space Saving Design: Roller garage doors have great space saving capabilities in their design. They open and operate vertically as they roll upwards into a coil above the doorway. This is perfect if you’re conscious of using as much space as possible because the door itself doesn’t cause any blocking or disruption to the contents of the garage.

Smooth Operation: Roller garage doors operate in a smooth motion and are quiet whilst doing it which is appealing. They are typically powered by electric motors, allowing for convenient remote-controlled opening and closing. This feature is especially beneficial during a downturn in weather or when accessing the garage frequently throughout the day.

Enhanced Security: If security is high up your agenda which it is for so many then roller garage doors offer excellent protection against intruders. They’re manufactured in high quality materials like aluminium or steel, which are sturdy and durable and the locking mechanisms are sophisticated. Additionally, their tight-fitting design leaves little room for tampering or forced entry.

Insulation Options: Roller garage doors will often come with various insulation options to help regulate the temperatures inside the garage. If you use your garage as a workspace, entertainment space or functional zone then this will be of importance to you because you’ll want some control over the heat gain or loss in the area. Insulated garage doors contribute greatly to the energy efficiency and overall comfort of the space.

Customisation:  There’s a plethora of different customisation options available with roller garage doors. With lots of colours, finishes and styles on the market you will almost certainly be able to hand-pick the best one for your home. Whether you prefer a modern, sleek design or a more traditional look, there are options available to suit every taste and architectural style.

Roller Garage Doors Cons

Upfront Cost:  Although there are numerous benefits to having roller garage doors, they do come at a cost which is higher than a lot of other garage door products. The cost of materials, motorised mechanisms, and installation can add up, making them a significant investment for homeowners. However, if you can comfortably afford it then we’d suggest the positives outweigh the costs in terms of long-term durability and convenience.

Maintenance Requirements: As there are lots of parts and mechanisms in a roller garage door, there are essentially more parts that could go wrong. Though they are perfectly reliable generally speaking, it’s so important to keep your doors maintained and serviced well. This may include lubricating moving parts, inspecting cables and springs, and occasionally replacing worn components. While routine maintenance is relatively straightforward, neglecting it can lead to costly repairs down the line. 

Traditional Garage Doors - Pros

Variety Of Designs: Traditional garage doors also come in a variety of designs, materials and styles to choose from. This means you can pick the exact one you like and the one that fits best with your overall aesthetic. Speak to our team about seeing a wide range of traditional garage doors because they’re absolutely beautiful.

Affordability: Depending on your opinion, we would say that traditional garage doors are very affordable, particularly when they’re compared to roller garage doors. The cost of materials and installation is often lower, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners or those looking for a simple yet effective garage door solution.

Scope In Specification: The scope of traditional garage doors means there’s a choice for absolutely everyone because there are so many. From manual to automatic systems, to different materials, to designs, colours and more, you can almost tailor-make a door to suit your needs and requirements.

Traditional Garage Doors - Cons

Space Requirements:  As opposed to roller garage doors when space saving is a major advantage with traditional garage doors the door opens differently, usually swinging outwards or upwards that require some clearance. This could be problematic if you have limited space on the driveway or need to pack the garage out with storage.

Security Concerns: We are comfortable saying that traditional garage doors provide adequate security for most homes, but they may be more vulnerable to forced entry compared to roller garage doors. Certain designs with exposed hinges or weak points in the construction may be targeted by intruders, requiring homeowners to invest in additional security measures such as reinforced locks or alarm systems.

Get Your Quotation For Roller Garage Doors!

As you can see, there are lots of pros and cons to both roller garage doors and traditional garage doors. The best one is usually the one that fits your criteria the best. If you’re safety conscious or interested in tech and convenience then roller garage doors could be best. 

Ultimately you need to weigh up both options and make an informed decision.

If you still have lots of questions or would like more information then we’d be delighted to chat to you here at UK Doors and Shutters. We can also provide a FREE quote and survey at your property if you wish. All you need to do is get in touch with our expert team.

Call us today on 01204 918 991, or use the contact form.