Side-sliding, side-hinged and bifold doors
These doors open to the side rather than up. That keeps the ceiling clear, and it takes the room above the opening out of the question, which is why people look at them for low garages.
They aren't among the four main kinds Dominator lists for New Zealand homes: sectional, roller, Flex-A-Door and tilting. So tell us it's what you are after, and ask the door specialist who takes the job whether they can supply one.
Low headroom? Compare these first
A low ceiling doesn't always mean a side-opening door. Dominator lists 400mm of headroom for its Series A roller door. Its Flex-A-Door, which B&D NZ says suits openings without enough headroom for a roller door, needs 80mm with its retractable head infill panel, or 130mm with an opener, and at least 100mm of sideroom.
Measure above the opening and along each side wall, and the door specialist can tell you which of these fit.
If the opening has to change
Some side-opening doors suit a different opening from the one you have, and that raises the council question. MBIE's example of a bi-fold door with a new lintel is about French doors in a house, and its guidance never names garage doors, so ask your council about your own wall.
MBIE also says to get professional advice for work close to a wall that may be load-bearing. The garage door rules page has the detail.
Questions to ask about a side-opening door
- Which way does it open, and is that wall clear of cupboards, pipes and power points?
- How does it lock, and how does it seal at the bottom?
- Can it take an opener, and which one?
- Who makes it, and what does the warranty cover?
- How much room does it need beside the opening?
What we would do
Stand in the garage and look along the wall the door would travel down or fold against. If bikes, shelves or the car door need that space, a door that lifts may suit the garage better, and a quick photo with your note will help the door specialist say so.