Sectional garage doors are made up of individual horizontal panels connected by hinges. When you open one, the panels slide up on vertical tracks and fold parallel to your garage ceiling. Unlike roller doors that curl into a box at the top, sectional doors take up less headroom and give you more usable space. They sit flush against the opening when closed, creating a tight seal that keeps wind, rain, and noise out. You can get them in steel, timber, or aluminium, with different panel profiles and colours to match your home.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about sectional garage doors in New Zealand. You'll learn why they're popular here, how to choose the right one for your property, and what styles and materials are available. We'll cover insulation options, how different materials perform in our climate, and what you can expect to pay. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for when comparing doors and how to get quotes from suppliers. Whether you're building new or replacing an old door, you'll have the information you need to make a confident decision.
Why sectional garage doors matter in NZ
New Zealand's coastal climate puts serious demands on garage doors. You deal with high humidity, salt air in coastal areas, strong winds, and heavy rainfall throughout much of the year. Sectional garage doors handle these conditions better than most alternatives because they seal completely against the opening when closed. The tight fit keeps moisture and drafts out, protecting your vehicles, tools, and stored items from damage. You also get better temperature control inside the garage, which matters if you use the space as a workshop or for other activities beyond parking.
Weather protection and insulation
Your garage door faces wind-driven rain and salt spray if you live near the coast. Sectional garage doors create a weathertight barrier because each panel overlaps the one below it, and the door sits firmly in the tracks on both sides. This design stops water from seeping through gaps that you often see with older door styles. The panels also support insulation options, which cut down on heat loss in winter and keep the space cooler in summer.
Insulated panels work particularly well in regions with temperature extremes, like Central Otago or inland Canterbury. You'll notice the difference if you spend time in your garage during cold mornings or hot afternoons. The insulation also reduces noise from outside, making the space more comfortable for any activity you have planned.
Space efficiency and safety
Sectional doors move vertically on tracks, so they don't swing out into your driveway like tilt doors. You can park closer to the garage opening without worrying about clearance when the door operates. This matters on narrow sections or when you need to maximize your outdoor space. The vertical operation also means you won't accidentally hit the door when pulling in or backing out.
"Sectional doors offer built-in safety features that protect your family and property."
Modern sectional garage doors include safety mechanisms like auto-reverse sensors and manual release systems. If something blocks the door while it's closing, the sensors detect the obstruction and reverse the movement immediately. This feature gives you peace of mind if you have children or pets around the property.
How to choose the right sectional garage door
Your choice depends on three main factors: the physical space you have available, your budget, and how the door needs to perform in your local climate. You start by measuring your garage opening correctly, then narrow down options based on what you can afford and what materials suit your area. Think about how often you'll use the door, whether you need insulation, and what level of maintenance you're prepared to handle over the years.
Measure your opening accurately
Getting the measurements right determines which doors will fit your garage. You need to measure the width and height of the opening, the headroom above it (the space between the top of the opening and the ceiling), and the side room on both sides. Sectional garage doors require a minimum of 230mm to 350mm headroom depending on the track system, and at least 120mm side room for standard installations. Some suppliers offer low-headroom options if your garage has limited clearance.
"Incorrect measurements are the most common cause of ordering delays and installation problems."
Write down your measurements and double-check them before requesting quotes. Measure in millimetres, not centimetres, and take three readings for each dimension. Use the smallest measurement if they vary. You should also note any obstructions like pipes, light fittings, or power points that might interfere with the tracks or motor.
Consider your budget and long-term costs
Basic steel sectional doors start around $2,600 for a single door with a motor installed, while double doors cost approximately $3,700 and up. Insulated models and custom timber cladding add substantially to the price, sometimes pushing costs beyond $6,000 for a single door. Your budget needs to cover not just the purchase price but also ongoing maintenance, potential repairs, and energy costs if you use the garage as a workspace.
Cheaper doors might save you money upfront but could require more frequent maintenance or earlier replacement. Quality materials and construction typically last longer and perform better in harsh weather. Factor in how long you plan to stay in the property and whether the door adds value if you decide to sell.
Match the door to your climate
Coastal properties need corrosion-resistant materials like marine-grade aluminium or properly treated steel with good paint systems. You'll face salt spray, high humidity, and strong winds, so the door must seal tightly and resist rust. Inland areas with cold winters benefit from insulated panels that maintain temperature and reduce condensation inside the garage.
Properties in high-wind zones require reinforced panels and stronger track systems. Standard residential doors suit most locations, but you might need commercial-grade components if you're exposed to regular gales. Check what wind ratings suppliers offer and match them to your local conditions. The right material and construction will save you repair costs and extend the door's working life by years.
Styles and design options in New Zealand
Sectional garage doors come in a wide range of styles to suit different architectural approaches across New Zealand. You can choose from clean modern lines, traditional raised panels, or timber-look finishes that match your home's exterior. The door becomes a visible feature of your property's street appeal, so selecting the right style matters both for function and appearance. Most suppliers offer standard profiles that cover common design preferences, while custom options let you create something unique if your budget allows.
Panel profiles and patterns
Flat smooth panels suit contemporary homes with clean horizontal lines and minimal decoration. These doors work well with monolithic cladding, concrete block, or modern weatherboard finishes. You get an uncluttered look that emphasizes the door's size and proportions rather than surface detail. The panels sit flush against each other when the door closes, creating a continuous surface without visible joints or gaps.
Raised panel designs add depth and shadow lines to your garage front. You'll find options with rectangular raised sections, horizontal ribs, or decorative pressed patterns. These profiles suit traditional weatherboard homes, brick properties, and villas where some surface texture looks more appropriate. The raised sections also add structural rigidity to the panels, which helps with wind resistance in exposed locations.
Colour and finish choices
You can order sectional garage doors in pre-painted COLORSTEEL, powder-coated finishes, or timber stains depending on the material you choose. COLORSTEEL comes in a range of standard colours that match common roofing and cladding options across New Zealand. Popular choices include Ironsand, Titania, Monument, and lighter shades like Pearl White or Off White. Your supplier provides colour charts so you can compare samples against your existing exterior.
Powder coating offers more colour flexibility and a durable finish that resists fading and chipping. You pay extra for custom colours beyond the standard range, but this option works well if you need an exact match to architectural specifications. Wood grain textures applied to metal panels give you the appearance of timber without the maintenance requirements.
Window and glazing options
Adding windows to your sectional door brings natural light into the garage and breaks up large solid panels visually. You can specify small individual windows arranged across the top panels, or full-width glazed sections for maximum light penetration. Frosted or tinted glass maintains privacy while still allowing light through, which matters if you store valuable items in the garage.
"Glazed sections transform a garage into a multi-purpose space by making it feel less enclosed."
Translucent polycarbonate panels offer an alternative to glass at lower cost. They weigh less, resist impact better, and still provide good light transmission. You sacrifice some clarity compared to glass, but polycarbonate suits workshops, storage areas, and properties where vandalism might be a concern.
Materials insulation and performance
The material you choose for your sectional garage doors affects how long they last, how much maintenance they need, and how well they perform in New Zealand's varied climate. Steel, aluminium, and timber each have distinct characteristics that suit different situations and budgets. You also need to consider whether you want insulation and what level of thermal performance matters for your property. The right combination of material and insulation gives you a door that handles weather extremes, reduces energy loss, and stays in good condition for years.
Steel vs aluminium vs timber
Steel sectional doors dominate the New Zealand market because they offer good strength at reasonable prices. You get panels made from 0.5mm to 0.8mm gauge steel, often pre-painted with COLORSTEEL or powder-coated finishes. Steel handles wind loads well, resists denting better than aluminium, and supports various insulation options. The main concern is corrosion in coastal areas, so you need quality paint systems and regular maintenance if you live near the sea.
Aluminium doors weigh less than steel and naturally resist rust, making them suitable for marine environments. You pay more upfront, but aluminium requires less maintenance over its lifespan. The material doesn't hold insulation as effectively as steel because it conducts heat more readily, though you can still specify insulated models. Timber-clad sectional doors give you a natural appearance that suits character homes and lifestyle properties. You face higher costs and must maintain the timber finish every 12 to 24 months, but the aesthetic result can justify the extra work.
Insulation types and R-values
Sectional garage door panels accept polyurethane foam or polystyrene inserts that reduce heat transfer through the door surface. Polyurethane foam provides better thermal performance with R-values typically between R1.5 and R2.5, depending on panel thickness. The foam bonds to the steel skins during manufacturing, creating a solid composite panel that's stronger and quieter than uninsulated versions.
"Insulated doors cut garage temperature swings by several degrees and significantly reduce external noise."
Polystyrene inserts cost less but deliver lower R-values, usually around R1.0 to R1.5. You get some thermal benefit without the premium price of foam-filled panels. Non-insulated doors suit storage-only garages or properties with mild climates where temperature control doesn't matter. The choice depends on whether you use your garage as workspace, how much you want to reduce heat loss through the door, and what budget you're working within.
Performance in New Zealand conditions
Your door faces different challenges depending on where you live. Coastal properties need corrosion protection through marine-grade materials or quality paint systems that seal the steel completely. Salt spray accelerates rust, especially around fasteners and cut edges, so regular washing and inspection prevent deterioration. Inland areas with cold winters benefit most from insulated panels that stop condensation forming on the inside surface and maintain warmer temperatures in the garage.
Wind resistance matters in exposed locations across Canterbury, Wellington, and coastal Northland. Reinforced panels with extra bracing and commercial-grade tracks handle stronger gusts without flexing or creating gaps. You should check what wind rating your supplier offers and match it to local conditions. Properties in high-rainfall areas need good seals around the door perimeter and drainage channels at the bottom to prevent water pooling inside the tracks.
Prices quotes and installation in NZ
Sectional garage doors cost more upfront than roller doors, but they deliver better insulation, weather sealing, and longer lifespan. You need to budget for the door itself, the automatic opener, and installation labour if you're not handling it yourself. Prices vary based on door size, material choice, insulation level, and any custom features like windows or timber cladding. Understanding what influences the price helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid unexpected costs during the project.
What you'll pay for sectional garage doors
Single sectional doors start around $2,600 including a basic motor and installation for standard steel construction. Double doors in steel typically cost from $3,700 upwards, covering the same inclusions. You'll pay more for insulated panels, which add $500 to $1,500 depending on the insulation type and thickness. Timber-clad designs or custom colours push prices higher, sometimes exceeding $6,000 for a single door with premium specifications.
Material choice affects your budget significantly. Basic steel doors suit most residential applications and keep costs manageable. Aluminium doors cost 20% to 30% more than steel equivalents but require less maintenance in coastal locations. Custom timber cladding over sectional frames can double your costs compared to standard steel, though the result matches your home's existing timber doors or cladding.
"The cheapest door rarely proves the best value when you factor in performance, maintenance, and replacement timeframes."
Getting accurate quotes
You need to provide suppliers with precise measurements of your garage opening, including width, height, headroom, and side room clearances. Take photos of the existing opening and surrounding area, noting any obstructions like pipes, lights, or power points. Most suppliers offer free measure and quote services where a technician visits your property, confirms dimensions, and provides a detailed written quote.
Request quotes from at least three suppliers to compare pricing and inclusions. Check whether the quote covers the door, tracks, springs, motor, remote controls, installation labour, and any building consent requirements. Some quotes exclude GST or delivery costs, which can add hundreds of dollars to your final bill. Ask about warranty terms, service availability, and what's covered if problems develop after installation.
Installation options and costs
Professional installation typically costs between $400 and $800 depending on the door size and any complications with your garage structure. This price covers removing your old door, fitting the new tracks and panels, connecting the motor, and testing all safety features. You get warranty protection and the assurance that the door operates correctly from day one.
DIY installation saves you labour costs but requires mechanical ability, proper tools, and at least one helper. Sectional garage doors involve heavy panels, spring tension adjustment, and precise track alignment. Mistakes during installation can damage the door, create safety hazards, or void your warranty. Suppliers often provide installation manuals and support, though they typically recommend professional fitting for insurance and liability reasons.
Bringing it all together
You now have the information you need to choose sectional garage doors that suit your property, budget, and local conditions. The decision comes down to matching the right material to your climate, selecting appropriate insulation for how you use the space, and picking a style that complements your home's exterior. Steel offers the best balance of cost and performance for most New Zealand properties, while aluminium suits coastal locations and timber cladding works for character homes willing to maintain the finish.
Get accurate measurements before requesting quotes, and compare at least three suppliers to understand market pricing. Factor in installation costs, warranty terms, and long-term maintenance when evaluating options. The door you choose will last 15 to 25 years with proper care, so spending time on research pays off through better performance and fewer problems down the track.
If you're ready to explore your options, browse DoorsNZ's range of sectional garage doors for competitive pricing on quality products delivered across New Zealand.