Whether you are building or renovating, choosing your garage door is a crucial decision. Design, security, thermal insulation and of course budget: many factors come into play. At Door Systems we have been designing and installing garage doors for years. Here is our transparent, technical and commercial analysis of the models available on the market.
Up-and-over overhead door (Hörmann type)
The simplest solution, recognisable by its standard vertical lines. Made in 20 standard sizes (we adapt your opening to the closest size), it is especially suited to outdoor parking spaces or uninsulated boxes.
- Controlled budget: the most affordable price on the market.
- Mechanical reliability: a simple, proven system.
- Indoor space saving: no loss of ceiling space in the garage.
- Manual security: very robust in manual version thanks to its latches.
- Basic customisation: a light cladding can be added (thin wood, aluminium sheet).
- Full thermal bridge: zero insulation, the single-skin panel lets cold and heat through.
- Outdoor hazard: the door swings outwards when opening (often forbidden when the garage opens onto a pavement).
- Security weakness when motorised: the bottom of the door is less well locked and vulnerable to crowbar break-ins.
Roller shutter garage door
Working like a giant window roller shutter, the curtain rolls up into a box. This is the last-resort door when space is critical.
- Extreme space optimisation: frees 100% of the ceiling (no tracks).
- Minimal side room: 7 cm on each side is enough.
- Adaptability: ideal for atypical garages cluttered with pipes or beams.
- Negligible insulation: very thin aluminium slats (often 7 mm), symbolic thermal protection.
- Very low security: the flexible curtain can be pulled out of its guides or levered up.
- Cosmetic wear: slat friction scratches the paint over time.
Sectional garage door (~50 cm panels)
Offering excellent value for money, it is the undisputed star of modern builds. It slides under the ceiling on horizontal tracks.
- Sealing & insulation: 40 mm polyurethane foam with peripheral EPDM seals blocking water and air.
- No outward swing: 100% vertical opening, ideal when the access gives onto a public road.
- Security: finger-trap protection and robust multi-point locking.
- Smart comfort: smooth, quiet operation, connectable to smartphones.
- Ceiling space lost: the tracks take over the top of the garage.
- No heavy cladding: dense solid wood, heavy metal or stone are impossible.
- Inevitable mechanical wear: many moving parts and tension springs that break after ~10,000 cycles.
- Segmented look: horizontal panel lines make invisible façade integration impossible.
Counterweight non-overhead tilting door (our speciality)
The Rolls-Royce of garage doors. Entirely built from our own robust aluminium profiles, it is our flagship product. Its secret? No springs at all, replaced by a wear-free counterweight system able to lift monumental loads and offer total architectural freedom.
- Unbreakable mechanism: no springs, a wear-free counterweight system needing very little maintenance.
- Absolute architectural freedom: THE door for invisible integration. It carries solid wood, Trespa, heavy aluminium, render and even stone.
- Premium insulation: up to 50 mm of high-density insulation.
- Armoured security: the rigidity of the bespoke frame makes it the most break-in resistant door.
- Premium budget: a higher initial investment, largely offset by the absence of breakdowns.
- Clearance required: the door tilts inwards, allow around 70 cm behind the door during operation.
Side-hinged and sliding doors (double doors)
These doors (often 2 or 4 leaves) recall the style of yesteryear. They open outwards or slide sideways, and are today generally made by joiners or window manufacturers.
- Charm: many architectural styles possible, ideal to keep a home's historic character.
- Ultimate technical solution: sometimes the only option when both ceiling and side walls are unusable.
- Natural pedestrian access: opening a single leaf is enough to walk in and out.
- Thermal weakness: vertical joints between leaves create thermal bridges and floor sealing is often poor.
- Awkward motorisation: bulky mechanical arms (TS100 + arm) that reduce the usable passage.
- Wind exposure: dangerous to operate in strong gusts.
Ready to choose?
Every project is unique. If budget comes first for a shelter or outdoor box, the classic up-and-over door is ideal. For standard insulation and space optimisation in front of your home, choose the sectional door.
But if you are looking for absolute aesthetics (invisible integration, heavy cladding), the durability of spring-free mechanics and true bespoke work, our counterweight tilting door is made for you.
