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Carriage Style Garage Doors Pros and Cons

The carriage style of garage doors (also known as barn-style garage doors) tends to have wide appeal, as it can complement new and old homes alike. Versatile, classic, and full of character, these garage doors seem to have it all. However, there are downsides. Before you purchase a carriage style garage door, explore the pros and cons to see if it’s really right for your home.

 

Pros of Carriage Style Garage Doors

With all the benefits of carriage-style garage doors, it’s no wonder that this type of door is so popular. Carriage garage doors can create more garage space, require low maintenance, improves your garage’s lighting, and are more secure for your home.

 

1. Carriage Garage Doors Improve Storage Space

Since these garage doors swing out, they do not have a track. This is a benefit for some homeowners, who do not like the way an overhead track looks. If you have high ceilings, a garage door that relies on a track can be impractical. Likewise, if you store a lot of tall items in the garage, a track can make it difficult to put items away. By nixing the track, you can reclaim space within the garage.

 

If you’re considering installing this type of door for your own garage, here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons.

 

2. Carriage Garage Doors Improve Garage Lighting

In the carriage style, small windows allow light to pass into the garage, yet the majority of the door is solid. This is beneficial as it provides some natural light inside the garage while protecting privacy. If you are a private person or have security concerns, you will appreciate carriage style garage doors for this reason.

 

3. Carriage Garage Doors Require Low Maintenance

The good news is that carriage style garage doors require very little maintenance. They don’t need to be painted, they won’t need replacing, they won’t break down and they won’t overheat or freeze in the winter – so if you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall then a carriage garage door may be the perfect fit for you.

 

If you’re working on a budget and want something simple and easy for your garage door then carriage style may be just what you’re looking for!

 

4. Carriage Garage Doors Greatly Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Appearance is one of the top advantages of these garage doors. Since garage doors can be front and center on the home’s facade, many homeowners want something that enhances the home’s style and value. Carriage style garage doors make good on both promises due to their strong lines, classic appearance, and quality construction.

 

5. Carriage Garage Doors are More Secure

Due to their materials, carriage garage doors are more secure and durable than standard garage doors. The way the locking mechanism is designed makes it harder for someone to break in, kick in, or pry open the door.

 

One of the main benefits of carriage-style garage doors is their added security.

 

Cons of Carriage Style Garage Doors

Since true carriage style garage doors do not roll up on a track, they swing out. This is a problem in urban areas where lot sizes tend to be small. Homeowners may not have enough clearance on the side of the driveway to swing the door out and open. Installing a carriage style garage door in this instance would be impractical, as the homeowner would not be able to operate the door efficiently.

 

1. Carriage Garage Doors Are Sometimes Not Automated

For individuals who have mobility issues, or who live in cold climates, a garage door that can be fully automated is a preferable choice. While some carriage style garage doors operate manually like the old-fashioned style, there are carriage style doors that roll up while maintaining the old look and feel. If automation is a feature that’s important to you, you will still find it with this style of garage door – but you must shop carefully.

 

Like all custom-made garage door products, carriage style garage doors are expensive to purchase and install.

 

2. Carriage Garage Doors are More Expensive

These doors can be elaborate, which increases their expense. Thus, for some homeowners, this garage door style may be out of their budget. As with any garage door, the cost varies depending on the size and material used, but tend to be more expensive that a standard-style door.

 

3. Carriage Garage Doors Require Ample Space in Front of the Garage Door

Since true carriage style garage doors do not roll up on a track and instead they swing out, this is a problem in urban areas where lot sizes tend to be small. Homeowners may not have enough clearance on the side of the driveway to swing the door out and open. Installing a carriage style garage door in this instance would be impractical, as the homeowner would not be able to operate the door efficiently.

 

Additionally, if you have an older home with a small opening for a garage entryway (or none at all), installing one will probably require demolishing part of your home or making major modifications to its structure – so keep that in mind before deciding to go with this type of design!
A carriage style garage door is much larger than a standard paneled door. Because of this, you need to make sure you have ample space in front of the garage for the door to swing out.

 

Is a Carriage Garage Door Right for You?

Overhead Door Company of Oklahoma City™ offers garage door installation, maintenance, and repair services. Whether you need help installing a new carriage style garage door or want your existing garage door fixed, look to us for professional, prompt service. Contact us today to discuss your garage door needs.
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Kristen Mangum
Kristen Mangum
2022-12-21
Friendly customer service. Bought a hard to find remote for an old garage door opener. Opener has 3 buttons so I can program both doors to it. Easy to find location right off 29th St.
Robert Ballinger
Robert Ballinger
2022-12-12
Great people
Betsy Chronister
Betsy Chronister
2022-09-13
I was given a very fair quote. A week later a tech came and installed. Then came back to install lock. Tech was very professional and polite. Spen time with me making adjustments to my liking. I totally recommend Overhead door to my fellow Okies.
Hendrix Morrow
Hendrix Morrow
2022-06-29
Overhead Door did a great job. They got me on the schedule the next day and fixed my spring in 30 minutes or less. Joe was great, professional, and courteous. Awesome service, and he didn't tell me I needed extra materials like the previous garage door people that quoted me $575. Overhead Door told me a price over the phone and it didn't change. I'd recommend them every time.
Sandy Molleda Molleda
Sandy Molleda Molleda
2022-03-22
A very good place for a new garage door and a new remote.
John Ehrhardt
John Ehrhardt
2022-01-28
Pleased with their services. Coil spring broke and door stopped working. Spoke to Ron, and less than 24 hrs later the technician had us up n running again. These guys did exactly what they promised to do, with no nonsense. I like that.

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