When it comes to choosing a garage door for your Auckland home, you’ll likely find yourself weighing up the options between garage roller doors and sectional doors. These two popular choices offer different benefits and features that can have an impact on your home’s appearance, functionality, and security. Understanding the key differences between these types of doors is important to make the right decision for your property.
In this article, we’ll compare garage roller doors and sectional doors across various aspects. You’ll learn about their design and aesthetics, space requirements, durability, and cost differences. We’ll also explore their security features, maintenance needs, and customisation options.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which door type might be the best fit for your Auckland home, considering factors like noise levels, safety features, and automation possibilities.
Design and Aesthetics
Roller Door Appearance
Roller doors offer a sleek and space-saving design that complements various house styles. Their fine-line ribbed pattern in thick steel suits both contemporary and traditional homes. These doors are designed to keep your ceiling free and require minimal side clearance. The smooth, quiet operation adds to their appeal, making them a practical choice for many Auckland homeowners.
Sectional Door Styles
Sectional doors provide a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes to suit your home’s design. Available in pre-painted COLORSTEEL®, or powder-coated options, these doors offer versatility in appearance. You can choose from smooth or wood grain finishes, and various panel styles including flat, raised patterns, or horizontal ribs. Sectional doors are particularly striking when paired with modern monolithic cladding or complementing horizontal lines of weatherboard and brick.
Visual Impact Comparison
When comparing the visual impact, roller doors offer a more uniform, ribbed appearance, while sectional doors provide greater aesthetic flexibility. Sectional doors have become increasingly popular in New Zealand due to their adaptable designs. They allow for customised cladding, such as timber, to match existing doors on your property.
Both door types come in a variety of colours, enabling you to enhance your home’s street appeal and make your property stand out.
Space Requirements and Installation
Roller Door Space Needs
When considering a roller door for your garage, you’ll need to account for specific space requirements. These doors require a minimum headroom of 450mm or more, which is crucial for proper installation. For side room, you’ll need at least 90mm on each side, with an additional 150mm on the motor side if you opt for automation. The backspace needed is typically 500-600mm, making roller doors an excellent choice for basement garages where they can fit neatly between floor joists.
Sectional Door Space Needs
Sectional doors have different space requirements. In general, you’ll need a minimum headroom of 300mm for standard setups, or 200mm for low headroom configurations. The backspace required is the door height plus an additional 500mm to accommodate the tracks and auto opener. For side-room, plan for at least 120mm on each side for a typical door setup.
We also offer super low headroom, which needs 100 mm of headroom only and 150 mm of side room
Installation Considerations
When installing either type of door, it’s important to ensure that both the floor and lintel are level before taking any measurements. For roller doors, you’ll need to mark the intended curtain position on the door frame, ensuring it sits evenly across the door space.
The top of the bracket should be positioned 150mm above the door opening. With sectional doors, proper alignment of tracks and panels is essential for smooth operation.
Durability and Weather Resistance
When choosing a garage door for your Auckland home, durability and weather resistance are important factors to consider. The city’s climate, with its high humidity, frequent rain, and occasional strong winds, can have a significant impact on your garage door’s performance and longevity.
Roller Door Durability
Roller doors are typically made from steel, offering excellent durability. The Series 1 roller doors, made of 0.40 gauge metal, are suitable for smaller openings up to 3.0m x 3.0m. However, they may not perform well in high winds. For better durability, Series 2 doors use a heavier 0.55 gauge metal, making them more suitable for larger openings and windy conditions.
Sectional Door Durability
Sectional doors are known for their strength and durability. They’re often made from high-quality steel, with options for galvanised steel and rust-resistant coatings to combat Auckland’s humid climate. These doors can withstand temperature fluctuations better than roller doors, reducing the risk of warping or misalignment.
Weather Performance Comparison
Both door types can be designed to handle Auckland’s weather, but sectional doors generally offer better insulation and weather resistance. They’re less prone to letting in drafts and can help maintain a stable temperature in your garage. Roller doors, while durable, may require more frequent maintenance to ensure they remain weather-tight in Auckland’s challenging climate.
Cost Comparison
Let’s break down the pricing for both options.
Roller Door Pricing
Domestic roller doors are more budget-friendly. Colorsteel roller doors with lock average around $1600 including GST fully installed. Zincalume roller with lock averages around $1300 including GST fully installed.
For industrial or semi-industrial roller doors, prices start at $3,000+, including installation. Industrial motors cost around $1,600.
Sectional Door Pricing
Sectional doors are typically pricier than roller doors. A single steel door with four panels costs around $2,600, including installation and motor. Double steel doors with four panels cost around $3,700.
For larger or more complex designs, prices can soar from $6000+ for a simple single door to over $25000 for elaborate setups.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
While sectional doors have a higher upfront cost, they offer better insulation and weather resistance. This can lead to long-term savings on energy bills.
Roller doors, being more affordable, are a good choice for those on a tighter budget. Consider your specific needs and long-term value when making your decision.
Security Features
When choosing a garage door for your Auckland home, security is paramount. Both roller and sectional doors offer unique security features to protect your property.
Roller Door Security
Roller doors provide reasonable security with guides on each side holding the door against the building. To enhance safety, ensure the guide fastenings are tight and not loose. Quality roller doors feature pick-resistant locks, with lock rods that extend through the guides when manually locked.
When automated, the manual lock is disabled, and the opener holds the door closed. It’s important to check that the door curtain is securely ‘pinned’ at the top of the roll to prevent lifting.
Sectional Door Security
Sectional doors are considered the most secure option available. They completely seal off the opening when properly measured and installed, making it impossible to access internal locking systems. The folded steel panels are rigid, often with added reinforcing across the back.
Tracks hold the door securely against the building, but it’s essential to check that all fixings are tight and tracks are not loose.
Security Enhancement Options
To further bolster your garage door’s security, consider these enhancements:
- Smartphone control for remote monitoring and operation
- Integration with home alarm systems
- Automated closing at specific times (requires safety PE Beams)
- Infrared safety beams to prevent accidental closures
- Auto-reverse systems for obstruction detection
These features not only improve security but also enhance safety and convenience for your Auckland home.
Maintenance and Longevity
Roller Door Maintenance
To keep your roller door in top shape, clean it every 14 days with water and a soft brush. In corrosive environments, clean more frequently. For the guide tracks, use a cloth dampened with mineral turps or methylated spirits. Polish the internal sections vigorously to allow smooth gliding. Remember, don’t use grease or oil on the tracks.
Sectional Door Maintenance
Sectional doors require similar care. Clean them regularly with a soft brush and water, especially if you’re near open water or industrial sites. For cedar panels, ensure they’re dry before applying any finish. We recommend using CD50 stain, reapplying every 12 months.
Long-term Care Comparison
Both door types benefit from regular servicing. Have your door serviced within the first 12 months of installation, then every two years. For commercial use, service every 6-12 months. To check operation, manually open and close the door in manual mode.
The effort should be the same in both directions. Use silicone spray on plastic hinges and silicone lubricant on steel hinges and axel bearings. Don’t forget to lubricate the opener chain if you have one.
Customisation and Flexibility
Roller Door Customisation
When it comes to roller doors, you have a range of options to suit your needs. Dominator’s pre-painted roller garage doors are designed for longevity and security. These doors are custom-made to ensure a perfect fit, which is crucial for optimal performance.
You can choose from various colours to complement your home’s exterior.
Sectional Door Customisation
Sectional doors offer even more flexibility in design. You can select from a wide range of timber profiles and batten overlays to create a unique look. Whether you prefer a classic timber style, a rustic appearance for your lifestyle property, or an invisible flush mount, there’s an option for you.
Plywood & Batten garage doors add style while enhancing durability.
Design Flexibility Comparison
While roller doors are known for their toughness and reliability, sectional doors provide greater design versatility. Sectional doors allow for customised cladding, such as timber, to match existing doors on your property. However, this customisation can significantly increase costs, especially for openings over 2.2M.
Both door types offer various styles and materials to enhance your property’s security and curb appeal.
Noise Levels
Roller Door Noise
Roller doors are known for their simplicity, but they can be noisier than sectional doors. The rolling mechanism and metal-on-metal contact can create some noise during operation. However, regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating the tracks, can help reduce noise levels.
Sectional Door Noise
Sectional doors generally offer better noise reduction. Their design, with individual panels connected by hinges, allows for smoother operation. Many sectional doors come with insulation options, which not only help with temperature control but also contribute to noise reduction.
Acoustic Performance Comparison
When it comes to acoustic performance, sectional doors have the edge. They provide an excellent barrier for noise pollution, both entering and exiting your garage. If you’re looking to create a noise barrier, perhaps for an aspiring musician or to block out street noise, an insulated sectional door is the way to go.
The insulated series has exceptional acoustic qualities, offering a shield against noise. This makes your garage more versatile, and suitable for various activities like a workshop, gym, or home band practice.
Suitability for Different Property Types
Roller Doors for Various Homes
Roller doors are versatile and suit a range of property types. They’re ideal for lifestyle sheds and farm buildings, offering durability and ease of use. Series 1 roller doors, made of 0.40 gauge metal, are perfect for smaller openings up to 3.0m x 3.0m. For larger spaces, Series 2 doors, constructed with 0.55 gauge metal, can accommodate openings up to 4.8M wide x 4.5M high.
Sectional Doors for Various Homes
Sectional doors are commonly found in residential settings, typically ranging from 2.2 – 3.3M in height and 2.4 – 6.0m in width. They offer more aesthetic appeal due to their various cladding profiles. These doors are particularly suitable for homes where you want to match the garage door with existing doors on your property.
Best Fit Scenarios
Your choice between roller and sectional doors depends on your specific needs. For coastal properties, consider corrosion-resistant materials like aluminium or stainless steel. In colder regions, insulated garage doors help maintain comfortable temperatures. For properties near noisy areas, insulated doors can provide sound reduction.
Rural homes might benefit from openers with battery backups to handle power outages. Always consider your home’s architectural style and climate when selecting the most suitable garage door type.
Safety Features
Roller Door Safety
Roller doors offer robust safety features. They’re designed with strong locking mechanisms, providing excellent security. These doors open vertically and curl up at the top, making them suitable for areas with limited headroom.
For enhanced safety, all Merlin motors have the automatic reverse function built in. You can opt to have the optional myQ safety beams installed as an extra safety precaution.
Sectional Door Safety
Sectional doors are known for their superior safety properties. They comprise hinge-connected panels that slide upwards over rails, offering better insulation and security. These doors are equipped with an automatic reverse function, stopping and reversing if they detect an obstacle.
For added protection, you can install safety infra-red beams. These beams trigger the door to stop and reverse if anything breaks the beam while closing.
Child and Pet Safety Considerations
To ensure the safety of children and pets, consider installing an Entry Keypad. This allows access without a remote control, ideal for kids who might lose keys. For ultimate control and peace of mind, the Smart Phone Kit lets you monitor and operate your garage door from anywhere. Remember, regular maintenance is helpful for optimal safety performance.
Automation Options
Roller Door Automation
You can easily automate most standard NZ roller garage doors. This upgrade offers convenience and modern functionality to your home. Smart garage door openers allow you to control your door remotely using a smartphone app. This feature is particularly handy when you need to let someone into your garage while you’re away.
Sectional Door Automation
Sectional doors also benefit from automation, offering smooth operation and enhanced security. These doors can be equipped with high-efficiency motors and automatic light shut-off features, helping to reduce energy consumption. Automated sectional doors ensure even opening and closing, which extends the lifespan of all components.
Smart Home Integration Comparison
Both roller and sectional doors can integrate with smart home systems, creating a more connected and secure environment. Many smart openers are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free operation.
When paired with insulated doors, smart openers optimise energy efficiency by helping to regulate garage temperature.
Conclusion
Choosing between garage roller doors and sectional doors for your Auckland home boils down to your specific needs and preferences. Both options offer unique advantages, from space-saving designs to enhanced security features and customisation possibilities. The decision has an impact on not just your home’s appearance, but also its functionality, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance requirements.
To make the right choice, weigh up factors like your available space, budget, desired aesthetics, and local climate conditions. Keep in mind that while roller doors might be more budget-friendly upfront, sectional doors often provide better insulation and weather resistance. Whichever option you go for, make sure to prioritise regular maintenance to keep your garage door in top shape for years to come.
Our team of Knights are available to take your call!
Call us now on 022 4011 268
Email us info@knightgaragedoors.co.nz
Knight Garage Doors is proud to provide superior garage door services to the greater Auckland region. Get in touch for superior installations and repairs.
