Garage doors do more than protect the family car. Custom overhead doors can enhance a residential exterior design and add aesthetic value and appeal to a property. Therefore, it’s important that a garage door complement your home's design while also supplying needed safety features. Choosing the right custom overhead doors can be tricky, given the different styles available. So here's a breakdown of the defining features of a traditional garage door versus a roll-up door.

Value of a Traditional Garage Door

Traditional garage doors are usually built as one massive piece that can either be tilted up and over or swung out. A canopy style up-and-over door is very affordable and is easy to open and close manually. However, this type of door can be noisy, and since it swings out when opened, cars have to be parked to allow enough space for this action. The retractable up-and-over is also popular. While this custom overhead door is quieter, especially when used with a garage door opener, it also takes up a lot of space. Its complex mechanism also means a higher possibility for repairs.

Understanding the Merits of a Roll-Up Door

These days, most homeowners prefer a roll-up door because of its flexibility and strength. Wooden roll-up doors look warm and boost a home's aesthetic appeal, while an aluminum piece is sturdier and lasts longer, as it can withstand extreme weather and does not rust easily. However, custom overhead doors that roll up can be pricey, with aluminum and steel versions generally costing more than wood ones. These garage doors can also get noisy and are prone to dents. Additionally, they require headroom—space between the ceiling and top of the garage door—of around 14 inches for a standard track.


Interested in a new garage door? Garage Door Systems can provide you with custom overhead doors in the styles and colors that you want, well within your budget. The company also provides garage door installation and repair. Call (608) 781-5881 and schedule a meeting with their highly trained staff or visit their website to learn more about their products and services.