Evolution of garages
More than a century has passed since carriage houses were common. These were the first garages, where you kept your horse and buggy safe. Carriage garage doors had wide opening doors, giving plenty of space for your ride to come in and out. The carriage doors were heavy, double doors with strong hinges on the sides, and they could be locked with a strong clasp. The carriage house started going away with the invention of the car, and although you can still see some historical restorations, for the most part, they have been replaced by the more modern garage. Even the doors have changed, instead of large doors that opened out, more and more doors were designed to lift up and out of the way instead.
Carriage door revival
However, the older styles of carriage garage doors are starting to make a big comeback, and are becoming a really hot trend. People want to bring a classic garage door feature into the modern world, and door manufacturers are beginning to get on the bandwagon as well, coming up with some nice designs and styles, some that even open up just like the old days, but also ones that roll up, giving an old classic a more modern functionality. If you want to bring these classic doors to your own home, there are many different models and styles to choose from. There are numerous websites where you can order these doors, and they have come a long way from the old days. While you can buy wood doors, more materials are also available. There are heavy-duty steel and aluminum doors, and fiberglass models available. They are double-sided, with insulation in between the door walls, providing just as much warmth as a regular garage door.
Insulation considerations
With all the different companies selling carriage garage doors, it can be a little overwhelming. Some of the top companies are Amarr Garage Doors, Carriage House, and Designer Doors, although there are dozens more to choose from. When you are ready to buy your next garage door, it is a good idea to check around. One of the things you need to consider is the type of insulation. For people living in colder climates, you want to make sure that the insulation rating is higher. Then there is panel insulation or foam insulation. Panel insulation is all right, but there are gaps at the edges. Foam insulation is much better because all the edges and cracks are filled. This prevents cold and hot air from coming into your garage.
Material considerations
Another thing to consider when it comes to carriage garage doors is the materials they are made from. While wood doors provide a classic style, they are extremely heavy and hard to maintain. Fiberglass, while lightweight, is brittle, and doesn’t hold up well in areas where climates can go from one extreme to another. High-quality steel or aluminum doors can be a good compromise, and these come in a wide variety of styles and colors. They are usually sealed against the elements and last a long time. You also want to make sure that your carriage doors have the longest warranty available, the better the warranty, the better the door.
