According to the National Association of Realtors, the national median cost of replacing a garage door is $2,300. What's impressive is if you sell your house, you will recover a whopping 87% of your investment. Undoubtedly, this is one of the highest percentages of recovered costs according to the report.

Also, since a front-facing garage door can eat up almost 20% of the home's front facade, a beat-up and obsolete garage door can be a liability. No wonder many homeowners consider garage door repair as a smart investment. Apart from adding visual appeal, it is crucial that the garage door should work seamlessly.

If you are like most homeowners, you are likely wondering what the different types of garage doors are and what option suits your home best. Whether you need a garage door for your home or business, below are the options available at your disposal. Keep in mind that different garage doors have different styles and offer various functionalities.

Residential Garage Doors

When selecting a residential garage door, there are certain factors you need to consider, such as door configuration and material. You also need to figure out the type of opener you want. A belt or chain drive are two of the most common options. You need to also determine if you want to opt for a single panel or a sectional door, among others.

Traditional Raised-Panel Door

Also referred to as "classic," this garage style is known for its symmetrical rectangular panel. Traditional raised-panel garage doors are well-liked because they open upward rather than swing out. This is considered a safety feature for those who want to create a family-safe home.

Thanks to their classic look, traditional raised panel doors are considered timeless and can be great accents to any home. When investing in a traditional raised panel door, you also need to decide if you want it with raised or recessed panels. A raised panel will add depth, while a recessed panel can help you achieve a more traditional look.

Carriage House Door

Depending on your design goals, you have the option to purchase a single or double bay garage door. However, it is important to remember that carriage doors can be opened either by going up or swinging out.

If you choose one that swings out, you will need more room. Otherwise, you might hit someone while opening. Aside from being unique, carriage house garage doors are also ideal if you want to achieve a rustic and homey feel.

Contemporary Door

If you have a modern home, a contemporary garage door would be a great addition. Most contemporary garage doors are a mixture of glass and metal elements. This combination can help ensure your house stands out, boosting curb appeal in the process.

Typically, this type of garage door opens and closes by moving up and down, just like traditional raised panel doors. However, it can also be installed as a single panel door, so it opens to the side.

Commercial Garage Doors

Similar to residential garage doors, commercial garage doors can come in various materials and styles. However, since commercial garage doors serve another purpose, keeping in mind the intent of the garage door is crucial to the selection process.

For instance, if you have a warehouse, you most likely prefer a door that allows airflow and light. In a similar scenario, picking a door with a window is recommended.

Overhead Door

This is one of the most popular commercial garage doors available. Overhead doors can be automatic or manual. The term overhead door derives from the way the door opens—moving along a track and lifting towards the ceiling.

Overhead doors come in various materials and styles. It also comes with slats that create sections. Overhead doors can also come with windows, although this is not always considered necessary.

Fire-Rated Door

Fire-rated garage doors work in the same manner as overhead doors. They can also come with a motor or can be opened manually. What differentiates the fire-rated garage door from overhead is it has a fire-resistant material. This makes fire-rated doors safer.

Fire-rated doors are typically used in distribution centers, warehouses, and other locations with a significant number of people/employees present.

Roll-Up Door

Unlike fire-rated and overhead garage doors, roll-up doors are thinner but more flexible. Often they are considered ideal for places with wide openings. This is also a great option if you are looking for a garage door that can endure the harsh elements.

Scissor Gates

Also known as security gates, this option is typically made out of steel. However, unlike other commercial garage door options, it opens by sliding left to right. It also locks once it is closed. Scissor gates also have a second garage door behind them.

Scissor doors also come in different styles—from solid metal to something with a gate-like appearance. Retail stores commonly use the latter.