The Benefits of Switching from a Sliding Style Door to an Overhead Door

When it comes to enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of barns and other similar buildings, replacing traditional sliding doors with overhead or garage style doors can offer several significant advantages. Here are some key benefits.

1. Space Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of overhead doors is their space-saving design. These doors open vertically, which means they don’t require additional space to slide open on the sides. This design is particularly useful in tight spaces or on the narrower end of a building, allowing for more efficient use of the area around the door opening. Plus, overhead doors can be ordered with track options that maximize interior space usage.

The vertical operation of an overhead door can also be a particularly meaningful if, for example, there is a need or desire to locate multiple openings close to each other on a single wall. Sliding doors would not be a good option for this because of the space needed on the sides to accommodate the sliding doors – think of a warehouse type set up where there are multiple doors next to each other along a single wall. In addition to this commercial context, this is also a consideration in a residential or farm setting if there is a desire to have multiple openings to accommodate storing an RV, boat, or large farm equipment next to each other.

2. Improved Access, Safety, and Convenience
Overhead doors can be operated easily with handheld remote controls, keypad entry devices, and wall-mounted buttons, providing quick and convenient access. This is especially advantageous in situations where opening the sliding doors is challenging or inconvenient when sitting inside a vehicle you are ready to pull inside the barn for example. This is also especially true when the weather is inclement, making the process of pushing heavy sliding doors open in the elements challenging or even unsafe.

3. Enhanced Security
Overhead doors typically offer better security compared to sliding style doors. Sliding style doors are typically secured with a chain and padlock or a hasp and locking mechanism of some kind. These types of locking mechanisms can be compromised, especially if located on the outside of the doors. Obviously, these types of locking mechanisms can be located on the inside of the doors, but then a separate access point will be needed to get inside the building to unlock the sliding doors. Sliding doors are also susceptible to being pushed open from the bottom, and therefore, allowing a person to slide inside and gain access to the building.

By contrast, overhead doors are designed to run on a securely mounted track and close tightly against the wood or metal framing of the opening. This design provides a lot of security. In addition, overhead doors can be complemented with internal security mechanisms that involve a deadbolt style lock. Further, when connected to an opener, overhead doors are very secure even without a separate locking mechanism because the opener essentially locks the door in place when engaged in the closed position. Lastly, an overhead door opener connected to wi-fi can provide a highly advanced level of security when used with a mobile phone app that allows monitoring of the door’s open or closed position and even by video if a camera is added.

4. Weather and Pest Resistance
Generally speaking, sliding style doors are not designed to seal tightly against the opening and are not well insulated to provide protection from heat, cold, and moisture. And sliding doors often leave large gaps around the opening, which can provide an easy access point for unwelcome critters.

In comparison, overhead doors are designed with better insulation and sealing properties, making them more effective at keeping the elements out. This is particularly important in climates prone to inclement weather, where an overhead door can help maintain temperature control and protect against moisture, debris, and pests. Plus, overhead doors can be ordered with various levels of insulation to suit your needs.

5. Aesthetic Versatility
Sliding style doors are generally very limited when it comes to style options and aesthetics, whereas overhead doors are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, including customization options. Overhead doors can also be ordered with windows to provide a unique style and functionality. This versatility allows homeowners and businesses to choose overhead doors that match their architectural style, whether modern, traditional, or more commercial.

6. Maintenance and Durability
Although both sliding doors and overhead doors are generally designed for durability, the moving parts of sliding doors are located on the outside of the building in the elements. Overhead doors are designed with the moving parts located on the inside of the building and away from the elements. While overhead doors have more moving parts, which must be maintained, the wear and tear tends to be less significant because these parts are sheltered from the weather.

7. Increased Property Value
While upgrading to overhead doors is a significant investment, it can also positively impact property value and provide a good return on the investment. Many homebuyers and business owners favor the convenience, aesthetics, and security of overhead doors, making a property more attractive and valuable when on the market.

Conclusion
While sliding doors have their place, switching to overhead doors can provide numerous benefits, including enhanced space usage, improved access, better security, and aesthetic versatility. For those considering a functional upgrade, the change to overhead doors may be the winning practical choice to elevate both convenience and property value.

At Best Door & Window, we’ve helped many property owners upgrade from the old sliding style doors to beautiful new overhead doors. If you are thinking about making a change, contact us today and we will be happy to help. We offer free estimates, so don’t wait!