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For many homeowners, garage doors are an essential amenity. They provide convenience, protection, and can even be an attractive exterior accent. The staff at Superior Overhead Door has provided residents of Oxford, CT, with garage door services for over 30 years, and they understand how important these features are. To help explain why garage doors are such a crucial part of any home, they share the history behind these amenities below.

The Beginning

The birth and evolution of garage doors go hand-in-hand with the use of wheels. They first appeared thousands of years ago, roughly around 3500 BC, when people needed a protected place to park their carts. Although they were simple, these wooden gates marked the first development of the “garage.”

While the construction didn't change very much until the 18th and 19th centuries, the overall concept expanded to accommodate larger vehicles and needs. In the colonial U.S., garages were often separate from the home but designed solely to house carriages, which were extremely valuable and essential for carrying goods and being used for agriculture. These wooden garage doors were much more reinforced for protection and also utilized metal locking systems.

The Creation of the Car

garage doorThe introduction of automobiles in the late 1800s created an even higher demand for garages among the upper class, and in 1902, the first term for garage—“garer”—was introduced by the French. Many were used in commercial areas for large-scale storage, but as personal automobile ownership increased, garages became more common among homeowners. This led to the modern overhead garage door, which was invented by C.G. Johnson in 1921—the man who would invent the first electric version in 1926.

The Impact of Garages on Real Estate

By the 1950s, garages became a staple of many homes, and garage doors were designed for both utility and aesthetics. Until the 1970s, most were constructed of wood. However, once cheaper, more effective options like aluminum, steel, and fiberglass composites became available, the trends changed. Modern garage doors have been engineered for even more effective use, and nearly 63% of homes across the U.S. have garages.

For all your garage door needs, turn to the staff at Superior Overhead Door. They offer top-quality repair and maintenance services, as well as installations, so you can get the most out of this important amenity. Give them a call today at (203) 881-2207 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about what they do.

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