The Pros and Cons of Single Panel Garage Doors

Also called one piece, up-and-over or “swing” garage doors, this category includes both the canopy one piece and the retractable one piece. As the name implies, the single panel of this garage door swings out and up towards you when opening that resembles a cover or “canopy”. This is where the nick-name “canopy” comes from.

Structure of a single panel garage door

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros

  • Pricing. The single panel garage door is very cost-efficient. The canopy version, specifically, is generally the least expensive of garage doors.
  • Aesthetics. Some people prefer the single panel design of this traditional garage door or are choosing this type of garage door to match the style of an older property. Additionally, a wide range of materials, colors and finishes are available.
  • Ease of Use. The single panel garage door can be opened with an automatic lifter or manually. Due to it’s well balanced design this door is easy to open manually.

Cons

  • Durability. The single panel garage door relies on one point of attachment in it’s installation. This makes it structurally weaker at withstanding strong wings or impact because it does not have multiple points attaching it to a track.
  • Space. Because this model swings out to open you need to be careful not to park any vehicles too close when opening it. Watch out for yourself too, they are sometimes nick-named “chin busters”.
  • Safety. Single panel garage doors operate using extension springs. Without regular maintenance an extension spring can break and become very dangerous. The strength of a projectile spring can cause major injuries, broken car windows and damage garage walls or contents. However, this can easily be avoided with regular maintenance.

Still have some questions? Give us a call. We can answer questions over the phone or meet you in Chandler or any of the surrounding Phoenix areas to give you personalized advice.

Types of Garage Doors      |      Single Panel       |      Sectional       |      Roll-Up