The Evolution of Garage Doors
When automobiles came into the picture, the carriage houses turned into garages.
A garage door is a home's most commonly used entrance and exit. It is integral to most houses because it keeps cars and other properties secure. Furthermore, the door is a source of beauty to the home's exterior, thanks to emerging designs. But the garage door has come a long way to get where it is today.
Please keep reading to learn how garage doors have evolved over the years.
Early garage door
When automobiles came into the picture, the carriage houses turned into garages. The standard carriage door was simple. The wooden planked structure had double doors that would swing outward and were attached with hinges. Although these doors helped to stow cars safely, they had some limitations.
First, given that they were frequently used, they required regular maintenance to keep them opening and closing properly. Secondly, the door would get stuck whenever there was a few inches of snow. Lastly, owners had to get in and out of the car to open and close these doors.
The overhead garage door
With the inconvenience of the carriage door, there was a need for a better one. In 1921, C.G. Johnson invented an upward-opening door with movable panels that slid perfectly into the ceiling cavity. The door took up zero interior space when open and was much easier to operate.
In the late 1920s, electricity had become a staple in most homes. C.G. Johnson and Herbert Cady Blodgett teamed up to invent an electric overhead garage door, giving car owners control of the garage door using an electric switch positioned inside the garage.
Eventually, a stationary control panel replaced the electric switch. The introduction of the panel allowed car owners to open and close the garage door with a remote.
Further improvements to the garage door
After World War II, economic prosperity allowed many people to own cars and homes. Home builders started integrating the garage into the house layout for easy accessibility. The attached garage doors, made of durable steel and fiberglass, kept improving.
Moreover, they had sensors that prevented the garage door from locking when an obstacle or a pet was on the access path.
In the 1970s, the increase in energy costs led to the invention of insulated garage doors. They prevented the heat transfers to the surroundings, reducing heating and cooling costs. The garage door designs also increased, creating various options for homeowners.
Garage doors in the tech era
Modern garage doors have become more convenient and versatile. They have an array of features that make opening and closing them effortless. For instance, some are integrated with a home's smart technology, allowing homeowners to open and close them with a smartphone app. Furthermore, homeowners can control access using password and face recognition features.
Apart from securing the home, modern garage doors are available in trendy designs to match and improve the home's aesthetics. These doors are also made with durable materials that are energy-efficient and resistant to the elements.
Shift to a smart garage door
The doors on early garages were simply about keeping cars safe. However, modern garage doors have attractive home features with a rise in complex designs and advanced smart technology integrated into these doors. With that in mind, property owners looking to improve their garage doors and openers should seek an expert for a modernized door.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
