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.
