When building a garage, some homeowners decide to go with an insulated panel door. They may think the single-skin door will be less expensive or more aesthetically pleasing. However, there are many differences between these two types of doors that should make you reexamine your options before going with a single skin door.
Single skin doors- A single-skin garage door is made out of a sheet of aluminum and usually has insulation in between the two panels. The problem with this type of door is that it only has one skin, making it more susceptible to dents or damage from objects striking the surface. This isn’t good for a garage door, since it will happen frequently when opening and closing the door. And if you have children or pets around the house, then you can expect to see more dents in your single-skinned doors than insulated sectional garage doors.
Insulated Sectional Doors- Insulated sectional garage doors are made up of several parts that fit together in the same way that many cars are made up of several parts. The three main components to insulated sectional garage doors are the panels themselves, which come in different styles and designs, along with many available colors. The tracks, which secure everything together and help guide the door up and down without any problems, and the insulation between the two panels keeps the garage cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
As you can imagine the cost of an insulated sectional door is more expensive compared to a single skin panel door. However when you consider the cost long term, you will likely save money on a sectional door due to its durability and hardwearing qualities. Once a single panel garage door is dented or damaged it not only looks bad but it also hinders the security of the garage and therefor increasing the chances of someone breaking into the garage.
With a sectional door, damage is less common, and if it does become damaged, replacing a single section is an option rather than replacing the entire door which is the case with single panel doors.
One factor to consider with either a insulated sectional garage door and a single skin panel door is the material it is made out of. The most common material used is steel. However, sectional garage doors are insulated which means that they are thicker than single skin panel doors. This will ensure that the door is best at keeping out hot or cold weather extremes . This insulation makes the door heavier to lift and requires a more heavy duty motor. As
Gaining entry to your garage with either an insulated sectional garage door or a single skin panel door is done by pressing one button on the remote control of opening your car doors. The protective cover over the tracks of both types of doors prevents dirt and debris from coming in contact with the tracks.
Sectional garage doors come either as a one piece door or two to four panel doors that can be opened up like a clam shell.
Single skin panel garage doors are only one piece which makes them the simplest type of door to operate and open. They typically weigh less than other similar doors.
So if you choose to keep the door with a manual opening and closing mechanism, you may find a single skin is easier as it is lighter and easier to operate by hand. A sectional garage door is much heavier so most owners choose a motorised opening and closing system for the ease of it. All motorised systems also come with an overriding manual option should there be a power shortage or issue with the motorised system.
One of the only reasons you may want to choose a single skin over a sectional garage door is due to aesthetics. A sectional door has more visible metal and joins, which some people simply don’t like the look of. The choice of whether to have a single skin or sectional garage door comes down to personal preference. So, if you are looking for a streamline, seamless style then a single panel may be a better option. Or if you prefer the sectional look to a garage door, the added durability and security of an insulated sectional door would be the best option.
Both types of garage doors have many pros and cons, however doing research into each type is important before you purchase one for your home or work place.
