There are three common types of garage doors; sectional, rolling and tilt. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and the one you choose for your garage really depends on your particular situation.
Sectional garage doors are the most common type of garage door installed today and are ideal in the following situations:
The look of the garage door is critical in your choice
You require options in terms of the material from which your garage door is made
You would like to add windows or other decorative features to your door
There is enough clearance along the ceiling in your garage so the door can open freely
There is enough clearance at the head of the garage opening so the garage door can be installed and is not impeded by obstacles when it is operated
You have a reasonable budget
Rolling garage doors are common in certain types of situations including:
Ideal for garages or sheds
You are not overly concerned with a range of style and design options
You do not require windows or decorative features added to your garage door
You are happy with a steel garage door
Your garage door will be installed in a geographical area subject to extremely high winds (e.g. in Darwin or North Qld)
You wish to maximise storage space in your garage or shed
There is enough clearance at the head of the garage opening so the garage door can be installed and is not impeded by obstacles when it is operated
There is not enough clearance along the ceiling in your garage for a sectional garage door to open freely
Your budget is low
Tilt doors are the least common type of garage door installed today however they are ideal in specific situations including:
Garages which have extremely limited head height at the opening (for example less than 200mm). This is common in certain older house styles such as the famous Queenslander
You require options in terms of the material from which your garage door is made
You would like to add windows or other decorative features to your door
Tilt doors commence opening by swinging outward at the bottom so cars parked on the driveway must be done so back a suitable distance from a tilt door. If you cannot do so safely, then a tilt door may not suit your situation.
You have a reasonable budget