The history of garage doors is intertwined with the evolution of transportation, architecture, and technology. Here's a brief overview of their development:
The concept of sheltering vehicles dates back to the invention of the automobile itself. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, wealthy homeowners often kept their automobiles in carriage houses or barns. These structures typically had large doors that swung outward or upward.
The first overhead garage door was invented by C.G. Johnson in 1921. Johnson's innovation was the sectional overhead garage door, which consisted of multiple horizontal panels hinged together. This design allowed the door to roll up and store overhead when opened, conserving space in the garage.
In 1926, Johnson also invented the first electric garage door opener. This device revolutionized garage door operation, allowing users to open and close the door with the push of a button from inside their vehicle or home. Early models were clunky and noisy, but advancements over the years have made them quieter and more reliable.
The popularity of automobiles surged after World War II, leading to a corresponding increase in demand for garages and garage doors. Suburbanization and the rise of the single-family home further fueled this trend.
Over the decades, garage doors have evolved in terms of materials and designs. Early garage doors were typically made of wood, but today they are commonly constructed from steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl. Modern garage doors come in a variety of styles, including traditional raised-panel designs, contemporary flush panels, and carriage house designs that mimic the look of old-fashioned swing-out doors.
Safety has been a major focus of garage door development. In the 1980s, the Consumer Product Safety Commission mandated the inclusion of safety features such as automatic reversal mechanisms, which cause the door to reverse if it encounters an obstruction while closing.
In recent years, garage door manufacturers have integrated smart technology into their products. This allows homeowners to monitor and control their garage doors remotely using smartphone apps, as well as integrate them into smart home automation systems.
Price Range for Garage Door Service in the USA | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
City | Service Call & Estimate | Repair | Spring Replacement | 7' Liftmaster Opener Install (Chain - Belt) | 16x7 Garage Door Installed (25G) Amarr, Clopay, Overhead Door |
Charlotte NC |
Free / No Charge |
$125-$325 |
$195-$390 |
$625-$895 |
$1500 - $1700 |
Houston TX |
Free / No Charge |
$125-$325 |
$195-$390 |
$625-$895 |
$1500 - $1700 |
Denver CO |
Free / No Charge |
$125-$325 |
$195-$390 |
$625-$895 |
$1500 - $1700 |
Atlanta GA |
Free / No Charge |
$125-$325 |
$195-$390 |
$625-$895 |
$1500 - $1700 |
Chicago IL |
Free / No Charge |
$125-$325 |
$195-$390 |
$625-$895 |
$1500 - $1700 |
Dallas TX |
Free / No Charge |
$125-$325 |
$195-$390 |
$625-$895 |
$1500 - $1700 |
San Diego CA |
Free / No Charge |
$125-$325 |
$195-$390 |
$625-$895 |
$1500 - $1700 |
New York NY |
Free / No Charge |
$125-$325 |
$195-$390 |
$625-$895 |
$1500 - $1700 |