Pro’s and Con’s of a Roll-Up Garage Door

Nowadays, there are many options to pick from when you need a new garage door. One of them is a roll-up garage door. It’s made of small, thin slats that fold one by one into a roll at the top of the opening. Often used in commercial settings, it can be modified for use in a home and serves the same purpose as a traditional garage door.

We’ll now explain the pro’s and con’s to help decide if a roll-up garage door is right for you:

Roll-Up Garage Door Pro’s

  • Ideal for Homes with Limited Space: Roll-up doors essentially fold out of the way when they open. Little clearance is needed and the door doesn’t take up ceiling space. Cars can be parked inside closer to the wall and there’s more room for storage.
  • Feature a Durable Design: Resistant to wear and tear, roll-up doors tolerate heavy rainfall, hail, wind, and ice. Most are wind load certified and can be installed in hurricane-prone areas, while fewer parts mean less maintenance.
  • Improved Home Security: Roll-up garage doors are strong and don’t have exterior handles. Therefore, intruders have more difficulty trying to open them. The motor also functions as a durable lock, which helps improve security.
  • A Wide Range of Options: Manual and automatic versions are available, while you can choose from a range of colors, finishes, and materials including steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Manufacturers also offer models with built-in foam insulation.
  • Increased Efficiency: By installing an insulated garage door, you can limit heat loss, outside noise, and air leakage. This can reduce heating and cooling costs as well as reduce the load on your HVAC system.

Roll-Up Garage Door Con’s

  • They Often Appear Industrial: Many homeowners don’t prefer the aesthetics, and the options for design changes are limited. Any painting or finishing must be completed before the garage door is installed.
  • Installation Isn’t Easy: It can take a team of experienced professionals to install a roll-up garage door. Roll-up doors come in various sizes, which dictate the installation process. This is not a DIY project.
  • Initial Costs Can Be High: Roll-ups can be complex and expensive to install compared to other types of garage doors. Costs vary depending on the construction material.
  • Fewer Customization Options: There isn’t much variability from one roll-up door to another. Each has horizontal lines created by the slats. Roll-ups don’t provide much space for windows and don’t come in patterns.
  • A Heavier Construction: Another downside to roll-up garage doors is their weight. They’re heavier compared to other garage doors, especially when insulated, creating challenges during installation and repair.

Discover Your Options with Mesa Garage Doors

We offer numerous residential garage door types, styles, and options in Southern California. Repair services are available as well. To learn about our products, services, and 714-989-7421.