Up-and-over garage doors: canopy vs retractable

An up-and-over door is a single panel that tilts out as it opens and then moves into the garage. “Canopy” and “retractable” describe different lifting gear, not simply two names for the same fitting. Both need a suitable frame and room for the panel to move; the exact dimensions depend on the manufacturer and size.

Canopy gear

With canopy gear, the door panel projects outward as it opens and part of the panel forms a canopy beyond the opening. That projection matters if the drive is short or a car parks close to the door. Check the maker’s projection and clearance information for the proposed model and consider whether the panel could interfere with a person, vehicle or path.

Retractable gear

Retractable gear uses tracks and rollers to guide the door panel back into the garage. It has a different frame size and movement path from canopy gear, and the tracks use space inside the garage. Check both the opening dimensions and the space behind the opening, including any parked vehicle or ceiling obstruction.

Compare the actual dimensions

Garador’s sizing table makes the distinction concrete: for size code 6666, its nominal door size is 1984 × 1981 mm, while its pre-framed canopy and retractable overall frame sizes are 2094 × 2039 mm and 2124 × 2039 mm respectively. The nominal size is between the frame, not the structural opening. Its page also specifies extra fitting clearance for a between-brickwork installation.

These values describe a Garador range; other makers may size frames and fitting clearances differently. Confirm whether the quote is for a framed door, an on-site frame or another arrangement. Ask the installer to state the frame outside dimensions, clear passage, opening requirement and projection in writing.

Measure your opening and surrounding space using our guide, then use the size checker as an initial comparison. The survey and selected model’s current instructions decide whether it fits.