Our team at Doors by Nalley of Lake Norman, Inc. has over 20 years of experience in the garage door industry. This means that we’re not only experienced in fixing your garage door needs, but we’ve also watched the industry change over the years. The history of garage doors is inextricably linked to the automotive industry and the demand for safe storage options.
Here’s just a brief look at how garage doors have changed over time:
- Early 1900s Origins: With cars becoming more and more popular in the early 20th century, the idea of a dedicated area for parking them emerged. Initially, these spaces were more akin to sheds or carriage buildings, frequently set apart from the main home.
- Manual Swing-Out Doors: Early garage doors were typically swing-out doors that required manual operation. However, since these wooden doors required a large amount of space in front of the garage, overhead garage doors were created as a more space-efficient solution. The design of overhead doors also made garage door automation possible.
- Materials Evolution: Wood was initially the main material used to make garage doors, giving them a classic and attractive appearance. But as technology developed, other materials like steel, aluminum, and fiberglass became more and more popular because of their durability, low maintenance needs, and weather resistance.
- Sectional Garage Doors: In the 1970s and 1980s, sectional garage doors became more and more popular. These doors are made from many movable horizontal panels, which made them more adjustable in terms of both style and material, and they provided superior insulation.
- Modern Innovations: The incorporation of smart technologies into garage doors has led to additional innovation in recent years. With smartphones and other smart devices, homeowners can now remotely operate and keep an eye on their garage doors with security cameras and other home automation systems.