Are you planning on replacing your residential garage door, or perhaps constructing a new one? If so, it’s important to understand what sizes and types of residential garage doors are available to suit the style and functionality of your home. With an array of materials, styles, colors and prices to choose from, selecting the perfect garage door for your house can be overwhelming! In this blog post we will explore some popular sizes and types of residential garage doors that could help inspire you during your selection process.  From standard single-style designs up to stately carriage-house style entryways – there is something made just right for every home out there!

1. Most common sizes of garage doors

One thing to keep in mind is the size of your garage door opening. Most homes will have a set size for a garage door that cannot be changed or customized, so it’s important to know the size before purchasing. Here are the most common sizes for residential garage doors:

8 feet x 7 feet Short Panel or Long Panel

This is the most popular size for residential garage doors, thanks to its practicality and versatility. These 3- and 4- panel doors are suitable for front garage doors as well as sliding garage doors.

9 feet x 7 feet Short Panel or Long Panel

A relatively new design that has become very popular in recent years, these basic 9 x 7 foot designs offer great versatility and lower operating costs. At this size, you can easily access the inside of your garage from the outside without having to do any work on the door itself.

16 feet x 7 feet Short Panel or Long Panel

The latest design trend in residential garage doors, these panel sizes are ideal for homes with a large garage. The benefits of 16 x 7 foot doors include easy access to the garage, larger storage space and also commercial-grade garage door closers.

2. Most common types of garage doors

The type of garage door you select is important for various reasons, including insulation, available features, cost, weight, and more. Here are the most common types of residential garage doors:

Steel back

the traditional residential garage door, this style is popular for its sturdiness, durability and affordability. These garage doors are excellent for noise and vibration control. If you have a large garage needing access from both outside and inside, this type of garage door may be ideal.

Vinyl back

The downside of this type of door is the noise level. They are  weather-resistant and easy to maintain. However, they can fade easily and can be more prone to other types of damage than a steel back garage door.

Hollow back

As the name suggests, these doors are hollow on the back. They offer no  insulation and also have a low weight. However, the doors have a tendency to not hold up very well to the elements, especially in high winds and heavy snow. 

3. Measure your current garage door or garage door opening

Before you start shopping for a new garage door, you need to measure your current door and/or garage door opening. If you’re not sure which type of garage door would fit your property best, there are many options to consider.

To measure your garage door or garage door opening:

• Measure the height from the ground to the top of your current garage door’s header.
• Measure the width of your entire garage door, including the frame. 
• Measure the height from the ground to the bottom of your current garage door’s threshold.

4. Decide which type of garage door is right for you

Once you’ve measured the size of your garage door, it’s time to start looking for the perfect door for your needs. 

While steel garage doors are common and durable, they can be quite expensive. Vinyl garage doors tend to be more affordable, but they’re also sensitive to ultraviolet rays, making them prone to fading. Hollow-back designs are the most energy efficient, but they can also be more expensive than other design styles. Lastly, the types of garage doors are not mutually exclusive – some doors combine qualities from multiple styles, offering the best of many worlds!

Conclusion

We hope this blog post has helped you to find the perfect garage door for your home! If you live or work in Connecticut and need a new garage door, check out Connecticut Garage Door Service for the best deals and installation service in the area!