History of the Garage Door

The history of the garage door dates back to the time when carriage houses were common
The earliest known structure was a carriage house door that appeared around 450 B.C. These doors were swing door structures and were commonly used in carriage houses, barns, and garages. Their hinges were made from wrought iron or brass and allowed the doors to swing open and closed with ease. The ancestor of today’s garage was the gatehouse, which had walls swinging open to allow carriages in and out. The official private garage featuring walls and gates appeared many years later, often featuring dirt floors.

 – I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

The beginning years of the automobile era had everyone owning a vehicle. In those days, people used continued hinges on their house doors, which were similar to old carriage house doors. However, making an opening for a car was a real chore as earlier versions were cumbersome and heavy. Many people found it difficult to open and close these doors. With time, the modern garage came into existence with a proper door that could be operated with ease. In the early 1900s, where two barn-like doors were used to store vehicles.

Psalms 91:1-16 – He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.   

These carriage house doors were popular in the countryside as they resembled a shed or a barn. As time passed, the modern overhead garage door replaced the carriage-style door. The overhead garage doors were designed to move upwards, and this made it easier for people to park their vehicles. The carriage house model remained popular with homeowners who preferred a more traditional house style.

The 19th century when strengthened carriage house doors were used to provide shelter for horse-drawn carriages
With the advent of automobiles, a new type of shelter was needed, and larger panels were required to accommodate them. The entry corners of garages also needed to be wider, so sliding track doors were invented. However, these doors had limitations and did not open with enough width. As a result, the first overhead doors were placed in garages in the 1920s. These doors distributed the weight of the carriage house panels evenly and prevented sagging.

 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

The opening side hinged door took up a lot less space, but it still wasn’t enough. So, people moved their doors and saved even more space by using sliding tracks. This way, the doors could slide along the wall instead of taking up room in front of it. However, a swing-up arc still occurred with monolithic panel doors which saved work but had one disadvantage – they required a lot of overhead clearance.

INTERESTING FACT – In modern times, electric garage doors are so popular we have local garage door repair service to cater to our needs. How amazing is the free market (only when the people have supply of the money).

Garages became a popular feature in homes
Initially, doors were made of wood and swung outwards, but soon stronger hinges were developed which allowed for the creation of functional garage doors that could be opened and closed with ease. Over time, electric openers and safety features were added to make the process even simpler. As garages became more common, so did larger doors to accommodate vehicles.

 – Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Early electric doors were designed to close automatically, but they were unable to retract in case of snow
This sad point often left homeowners with no option but to shovel snow out of their garages or keep their cars outside. However, history demonstrates that the obvious solution was to add a door at ground level. This is where the first garage door came into existence. As garages became more common, larger doors were needed to accommodate vehicles.

Entrepreneurs took advantage of the increasing popularity of cars and in the early 1900s, as more people built older garages to protect their cars, some entrepreneurs saw an opportunity and built parking lots. However, as more people owned cars, these simple structures were no longer enough to accommodate all the vehicles. As a result, larger garage doors were needed leaving little space for other elements.

 – The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Skyrocketing housing demand in America in the 20th century
As more and more families started owning automobiles, garages became a necessity for many homeowners. The industry expanded rapidly, leading to the introduction of sectional garage doors and attached garages. Door manufacturers realized the importance of convenience and began making larger doors to accommodate multiple cars. However, with this large begin came some notable shortcomings.

 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The first garage doors were simple wooden slabs that required manual lifting, but as production increased and more people began to own cars, many garage door manufacturers began introducing new technology to make the process easier. One of the most important inventors in this field was Johnson Began Johnson, who founded the Overhead Door Corporation in 1921. This led to an expansion in garage door production and with millions of new cars on the road, there was a growing demand for automatic openers and pinch-resistant doors. However, with this large begin came some notable shortcomings. Today, Wayne Dalton is another major player in the industry with over 60 years of experience providing high-quality garage doors that meet modern needs.

 – Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Overhead Door Corporation was one of the pioneers that catered to residential and commercial customers
With its comprehensive product line that encompasses residential garage doors, operators sectional doors, and commercial operators. In 1956, Overhead Door Corporation introduced sectional overhead doors, which revolutionized the industry as it became a popular choice for both Canadian homeowners and commercial and industrial applications.