The Ultimate Guide to Garage Doors: Security, Insulation & Style

Your garage door is often the largest moving object in your home. It’s not just an entry point; it’s a massive contributor to your property’s curb appeal, thermal efficiency, and—crucially—its security.

At KJM Group, we find that many homeowners in Andover, Hampshire, and surrounding counties are surprised by how much garage door technology has advanced. Gone are the days of heavy, rusting doors that screech when you lift them. Today’s options are automated, fully insulated, and engineered to keep intruders out.

Modern sectional doors offer both style and high-performance insulation.

At a Glance: Quick Comparison

If you are in a rush, here is how the three main types stack up against each other.

1. The Classic Choice: Garador Up & Over Doors

The “Up and Over” mechanism is the traditional British garage door style. It is reliable, cost-effective, and arguably offers the widest variety of visual styles.

Canopy vs. Retractable Gear

This is the most common technical question we get. The difference lies in how the door opens, and it is critical if you want automation.

• Canopy Gear (Manual): This runs on vertical tracks on the frame legs. When open, about one-third of the door protrudes outwards. Note: Difficult to automate.
• Retractable Gear (Automated): The door panel retracts fully into the garage on horizontal tracks. Perfect for automation.

The “Guardian” Security Upgrade

If security is your priority but you prefer the Up & Over style, we highly recommend the Garador Guardian Range. These are the first Up & Over doors to be Secured by Design accredited.

2. The Thermal Powerhouse: Garador Sectional Doors

If you use your garage as a home gym, workshop, or if it connects directly to your hallway, a Sectional Door is the gold standard.

Why Choose Sectional?

• Superior Insulation: Features 42mm thick double-skinned steel sections filled with PU foam.
• Weatherproofing: Robust rubber seals on all four sides keep wind and rain out.
• Maximize Driveway Space: You can park your car right up against the door and still open it.

3. The Smart Space Saver: SeceuroGlide & Garador Roller Doors

Roller doors are increasingly popular for their neat, compact aesthetic. The door curtain rolls up into a tidy aluminium box above the opening.

Technical Excellence

• Insulated Slats: Aluminium slats filled with high-density foam.
• Advanced Safety: Optical safety edge stops and reverses if it hits an obstruction.
• The “Excel” Standard: The SeceuroGlide Excel is the first roller door tested to police standards (LPS 1175).

Frequently Asked Questions