Blog Archive: April 26, 2011

Today’s most popular door type by far is the sectional overhead door, which usually comprises four or five horizontally hinged sections that roll up into the garage ceiling on a curving track.

There’s little doubt that this is the most easily operated garage door design since the Victorian biparting door — a fact that explains its wide use as a replacement for older types.

First, a quick rundown on sizes: Single-bay doors are typically 8 or 9 feet wide by 7 feet high, while double-bay doors are typically 16 feet wide (occasionally 18) by 7 feet high. Double-bay doors are mainly found on broadly proportioned home styles such as California ranchers.

As for choosing a door design to suit your home’s architecture: Although the current fashion in sectional doors is for very showy and elaborate designs with raised or recessed panels, ornate windows and the like, these aren’t necessarily the best choice for your home. Ranch-style houses, for example, typically look best with very simple and unrelieved doors, and anything more ornamental can look overwrought, drawing attention away from the front entrance.

On the other hand, a bland, unadorned garage door will look very strange on a traditional home style. The best approach is to reflect the [more]