How do tilt garage doors work?

Tilt garage doors consist of a single large panel that tilts outward and moves upward and back to open. They differ from roller door and sectional door types in that the door itself does not fold or bend.

Upon opening, the bottom of a tilt door will swing out from the garage slightly, lift upward and then the entire panel rolls back so that the outside face of the door sits flat against the ceiling of the garage. They rely on hinges, springs and rails on each side of the door, and enough clearance from the garage ceiling to accommodate the door once it is opened. The opener for automated tilt doors sits on a rail in the centre of the garage ceiling. Due to the balancing springs located on either side of the door, tilt doors can be operated manually with ease, too.

Although the bottom of the door protrudes from the garage for a portion of its opening and closing motion – therefore requiring some forward clearance – a great benefit to this style of door is that it can operate in places where roller and sectional doors cannot be installed due to space restrictions. Roller and sectional doors require a certain amount of space at the head of the garage opening. In cases where this space does not exist, a tilt door can be used without issue. This makes them suitable for existing low profile garages, or for new designs that seek to save vertical space. Tilt garage doors operate quickly, are easy to install and durable.

Another key benefit to a tilt garage door is that because the door panel is one solid piece, it can be fully customised to match the aesthetic of the rest of the home. Not only can the door be made of a variety of materials – achieving a sheet metal finish or a timber look for example – but it allows for decorative additions such as windows.

As tilt doors are reinforced from behind with a steel frame, they are also very secure, making them a safe, fully customisable and space-saving garage door solution.