Three names rise to the top when UK homeowners researched new garage door options: Hörmann, Seceuroglide, and Garador. They offer a range of prices and products, but each has their own area where they have advantages.
Hörmann is a German company known for their factories’ consistent and precise production. Their doors are used in residential and commercial settings, and their motor systems, the SupraMatic and ProMatic, are some of the most tested in the UK.
Strengths: All of Hörmann’s systems are very well built. The integration of their motor and door systems is one of the best you can find. Hörmann’s systems integrate a variety of designs, materials, and finishes of doors systems including steel, aluminum, GRP (glass reinforced plastics), and others. Their Systems have a good after sale support system with availability of spare parts and service engineers.
Weaknesses: Their products cost more and their entry level products are not much better than some of the less costed options. Justifying the cost premium means buying at the higher end of their product line.
Best for: Those looking to buy a garage door and never think about replacement again, Hörmann is hands down one of the best companies to buy a high quality garage door from, especially their mid-range sectional and roller doors.
Their Seceuroglide Excel roller door, an insulated aluminum slat roller with an integrated bottom rail, has pretty much set the standard for domestic roller installations.
Strengths: With its impressive security credentials having been tested and certified to LPS 1175, it is certainly top of the list for homes where visual deterrent is important for the owner. The roller sits entirely within the opening recess, as the drum is very compact. Ford-filled slats offer good levels of insulation.
Weaknesses: Seceuroglide is predominantly a roller shutter specialist, so the range is narrower than, for example, Hörmann’s. The contemporary design may not suit some properties.
Best for: Those prioritising security certification, homes with restricted headroom, or consumers who want a roller door from a company with substantial experience in this product.
Garador
Garador has been producing garage doors for the domestic market for many years and are best known for their up and over doors. However, they also offer sectional doors and side hinged doors. They sit within the mid range broadly above budget imports and below Hörmann at the premium level.
Strengths: Good value for money. Steel up and over doors are still very competitive. UK manufacturing should mean, on average, quicker lead times and a more responsive customer service.
Weaknesses: Less premium feel than Hörmann. Garador’s selection of aluminum and modern designs is less extensive.
Motor integration is less sophisticated compared to Hörmann’s matched door-and-drive systems.
Best for: Most budget conscious homeowners looking for a quality door at a great price without paying for a premium brand. Especially good value on basic steel up-and-over and sectional doors.
Head to Head on Key Criteria
Security: Seceuroglide leads the field here, with all the major players providing security at a mid-level or higher, albeit without the same level of independent third party testing.
Insulation: Hörmann offers better thermal performance than the others here. Seceuroglide’s foam filled roller doors are more competitive. Garador offers a similar level of insulation as the others.
Design Choice: Hörmann yet again has the biggest selection across virtually every option. Garador has good choice in steel too. Seceuroglide has a smaller range due to the nature of the product.
Value: Garador offers the most bang for the buck in the mid range section. Hörmann is worth the extra cost for customers looking for the absolute best. Seceuroglide’s pricing is fair for what you get.
Availability of service: All three are very well supported by independent installers and have quality spare part availability. Hörmann has by far the largest network of authorized installers.
The Bottom Line:
If money isn’t a factor and you are looking for the best overall, then Hörmann is who you need to look at. If you are strictly after a roller door with a focus on security, Seceuroglide is hard to look past. Garador is the most reliable option in the mid range for most residential installations.
All three beat the brandless import alternatives that circulate at lower prices. Whatever you choose, you’ll get the right support network and track record for the lifetime of your door.
The unbranded imports sell at cheaper prices, but all three overcome them. Each of the three is a better option because you’re getting a support network and vendor record that matters in the life cycle of your door.