If you’re replacing your garage door, roller and sectional garage doors are two of the most popular options – and at first glance, they can seem quite similar. Both open vertically, can be electrically operated and are available in insulated options, but the way they’re constructed and how they use the space inside your garage is very different.
So, which is right for your home?
The answer usually comes down to your garage layout, available space, insulation requirements, preferred appearance and how you use the garage.
At Ryedale Garage Doors, we supply and install both roller and sectional garage doors, so we’ve compared the differences below to help you understand your options.
What's the Difference Between a Roller and Sectional Garage Door?
A roller garage door is made from individual aluminium laths which roll vertically into a compact box above the garage opening.
A sectional garage door is made from larger horizontal sections. It opens vertically before travelling back along tracks underneath the garage ceiling.
This difference in operation can have a big impact on which door works best for a particular garage.
Roller Garage Doors
Roller garage doors open vertically, with the aluminium curtain rolling neatly into a box above the opening. This keeps the garage ceiling clear and makes them a practical choice where space is limited.
Features
- 77mm thick laths for enhanced security
- Compact vertical operation
- Roll up easily, with no track or hinges
- Keeps garage ceiling space clear
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors are made from individual insulated panels which open vertically before travelling back along tracks underneath the garage ceiling. They’re a popular choice for their insulation, security and range of designs.
Features
- Insulated single panel construction
- Opens vertically and sits below the ceiling
- Excellent thermal performance
- Manual or electric operation
Which Takes Up Less Space?
Both roller and sectional garage doors open vertically, so neither needs space in front of the garage to swing out when opening.
The main difference is the space they use inside the garage.
A roller door coils into a box directly above the opening, leaving the majority of the garage ceiling clear. This can be useful if you have shelving, lighting or overhead storage that you don’t want to lose.
A sectional door opens vertically before travelling back underneath the ceiling on tracks. You’ll therefore need internal space for the door and tracking system.
If keeping your garage ceiling clear is a priority, a roller garage door is usually the more practical of the two.
Which Is Better for Insulation?
Both roller and sectional garage doors are available with insulated construction, but they’re built very differently.
Our roller garage doors use 77mm aluminium laths, with insulation contained within each individual lath. The 77mm measurement refers to the height/profile of the lath, not 77mm of insulation.
Sectional garage doors use much larger insulated panels. Depending on the manufacturer and model, these are commonly available with around 42mm thick insulated panels, with thicker options of up to approximately 67mm available on selected doors.
Because of their larger insulated panels and overall construction, a sectional garage door can offer excellent thermal performance and may be worth considering where insulation is a priority – for example, if your garage is attached to your home, has a room above it or is regularly used as a workshop, gym or hobby space.
However, thickness alone doesn’t tell you how well the complete garage door will perform. The seals, frame, garage opening and installation all contribute to thermal performance, so it’s important to compare the specification of the complete door rather than just the panel or lath thickness.
Which Offers More Choice in Appearance?
This is an area where sectional garage doors offer considerably more flexibility.
Depending on the manufacturer and model, sectional doors are available with different panel designs, surface finishes, colours, wood effects and window options.
They can suit both traditional and contemporary properties and give you more freedom to coordinate the garage door with the rest of your home.
Roller garage doors have a more consistent horizontal appearance because of their individual laths. They’re available in a range of colours and finishes but don’t offer the same variation in panel design as a sectional door.
If you have a particular architectural style or appearance in mind, this may influence your choice.
Electric Roller vs Electric Sectional Garage Doors
Both door types provide convenient electric operation.
Electric roller garage doors allow the door to be opened and closed using its control system.
Sectional garage doors can be manually operated or paired with an electric garage door operator.
Depending on the manufacturer and system chosen, control options can include remote-control handsets, internal wall controls and additional connectivity or app operation on selected systems.
If electric operation is your main priority, rather than a particular style of door, take a look at our Electric Garage Doors range.
Which Is Better if You Use Your Garage Ceiling for Storage?
If you already use your garage ceiling for storage – or you’re planning to – pay particular attention to how the door opens.
A sectional garage door normally requires tracks extending back into the garage, with the open door sitting beneath the ceiling.
A roller door rolls into its housing above the opening instead.
This makes a roller garage door particularly useful where you want to retain as much overhead storage space as possible.
If keeping the ceiling completely clear is essential, we can also discuss other door styles, including side-sliding garage doors.
Which Is Better for Security?
You shouldn’t choose between a roller and sectional garage door based on the assumption that one type is automatically more secure.
Security depends on the individual door, its construction, locking system, controls and installation.
Secure options are available across both door types, and selected garage doors are also available with independently tested security credentials.
If enhanced security is one of your main priorities, we also supply Secured by Design garage doors which meet recognised security standards.
What About the Size and Shape of the Garage?
Not every garage opening is the same.
The available headroom, sideroom, internal ceiling space and condition of the opening can all affect which garage doors can be installed.
For example, a roller door requires sufficient room above the opening for its roll and housing, while a sectional door needs suitable space for its tracks and operating system.
That’s why we carry out a free home survey before ordering your new garage door. We can measure the opening properly and identify which options are suitable rather than trying to make a particular door fit a garage it isn’t suited to.
Roller vs Sectional Garage Doors at a Glance
| Roller Garage Door | Sectional Garage Door | |
|---|---|---|
| Opening direction | Vertical | Vertical |
| Open door position | Rolls above opening | Travels beneath ceiling |
| Ceiling space | Mostly kept clear | Required for tracks/door |
| Electric operation | Yes | Available |
| Manual operation | Typically electrically operated | Available |
| Insulated options | Yes | Yes |
| Design choice | Colours & finishes | Wider choice of panel designs & finishes |
| Short driveway | Suitable | Suitable |
| Overhead storage | Particularly useful | More restricted by tracks |
| Security options | Available | Available |
See Both Garage Doors Before You Decide
If you’re still unsure, why not visit our garage door showroom in Kirkbymoorside, you can see different garage door styles, colours and finishes and speak to our team about the advantages of each.
Ryedale Garage Doors supplies and installs garage doors throughout North Yorkshire, including York, Harrogate, Ripon, Thirsk, Malton, Pickering, Northallerton, Scarborough, Whitby and surrounding areas.
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