History of Sectional Garage Doors
The history of sectional garage doors dates back to the early 1900s. As automobiles became more popular and accessible, the need for a dedicated space to store them grew. Carriage houses were converted into garages, but the traditional swing-out doors, designed for horse-drawn carriages, proved inconvenient for motor vehicles. This led to the development of more practical and user-friendly garage doors, setting the stage for today's modern designs.
The Olds' Garage
In 1903, R.E. Olds, an automotive pioneer, built a new home in Lansing, Michigan, featuring a 1,000-square-foot garage he called an "automobile room." This garage included a turntable in the center, allowing Olds to drive onto it and rotate his car, eliminating the need to back out of the garage. At the time, such a feature was considered a luxury accessible only to the wealthy. Today, however, garages are a standard feature in homes, ranging from simple to elaborate, with garage doors designed to complement a home's architectural style.
Clopay's Emergence
Clopay Overhead Doors traces its roots back to 1859 when it began as the Bernard Seinsheimer Corporation, a paper wholesaler in Ohio. During World War II, the company produced blackout shades in response to the atomic threat and later rebranded as "Clopay." In 1964, Clopay acquired the garage door company Baker-Aldor-Jones and began manufacturing wood garage doors. The company was committed to innovation, continually improving technology and materials in garage door construction.
By 1979, 62 percent of new homes in the U.S. were built with two-car garages, and these garages needed durable doors to accommodate the increasingly busy American lifestyle. In 1980, Clopay introduced the first steel overhead doors, marking a significant advancement in the industry.
Clopay's Growth
Since acquiring its first manufacturing facility, Francis Products, in 1964, Clopay has steadily expanded. Notable milestones include the purchase of Holmes-Halley Industries in 1997 and the establishment of a 900,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Troy, Ohio.
Clopay's Innovations
Over the years, Clopay has led the way in introducing new materials, finishes, and technologies to the overhead door market, including:
- Polyurethane foam-injected doors for both residential and commercial use.
- Ultra-Grain paint finish, a woodgrain finish for steel and aluminum doors that mimics natural wood.
- My-Door, an online tool that allows homeowners to visualize how a Clopay door will look on their home by uploading a photo of their current garage.
The Return of Carriage House Style
Drawing inspiration from the original carriage houses that were converted into early garages, Clopay introduced a line of carriage house-style garage doors. These doors are available in six different styles, with or without insulation, and in materials such as steel, composite, or faux wood, offering a nod to the past while meeting the needs of modern homeowners.
Door Models
Garage Doors Tailored for Every Home
For over 50 years, Clopay has been dedicated to crafting beautiful, durable, and reliable garage doors. We’re proud to be America’s favorite garage door brand, a title earned through our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional performance. With Clopay's wide range of styles, the perfect garage door is waiting to be custom-made for your home.
Find Your Inspiration
Discover inspiration in our latest Lookbook, showcasing projects from award-winning architects, builders, and influencers—all featuring Clopay garage doors.
Design Your Dream Door
Bring your vision to life with Clopay’s Door Imagination System. Upload a photo of your home, design your custom door, and see how it enhances your curb appeal. Experiment with different design options to find the perfect match.
From Craftsmanship to Installation
Clopay partners with a network of over 400 certified local dealers and service specialists, ensuring expert delivery and installation of your garage door. Trust our craftsmanship from start to finish, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your garage door is in capable hands.
Clopay Door Models Family include;
- Avante
- Canyon Ridge
- Modern Steel
- Gallery Steel
- Reserve
- Bridgeport Steel
Clopay Local North America Distributors can be found at
- Richmond, VA
- Manassas, VA
- Jessup, MD
- Latham, NY
- Bristol, PA
- North Haven, CT
- Fair Lawn, NJ
- Mansfield, MA
- Hauppauge, NY
- Billerica, MA
- Harrisburg, PA
- Glenwillow, OH
- Mississauga, Ontario
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Piqua, OH
- Madison, WI 53718
- Earth City, MO
- Addison, IL
- Grayling, MI
- Columbus, OH
- Chicago Ridge, IL
- Lansing, MI
- Mendota Heights, MN
- Shelby Township, MI
- Davenport, IA
- Plainfield, IN
- Riverside, MO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Georgetown, TX
- Birmingham, AL
- Charlotte, NC
- Greensboro, NC
- Orlando, FL
- Memphis, TN
- Doral, FL
- Nashville, TN
- Tampa, FL
- Houston, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Carrollton, TX (Dallas - Fort Worth Metro)
- Madisonville, LA
- Norcross, GA
- Riverside, CA
- Fremont, CA
- Puyallup, WA
- San Diego, CA
- Portland, OR
- Denver, CO
- South Salt Lake City, UT
- Sacramento, CA
- Gilbert, AZ
- Peoria, AZ
- LaMirada, CA
- Redmond, WA
Our Prices
Recommended Installed Prices in the Texas Metros
| Door Size | Modern Steel 1 Layer | Modern Steel 2 Layers | Modern Steel 3 Layers (Steelback) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas - Fort Worth Texas Metro | |||
| 8x7 | $975 | $1,050 | $1,475 |
| 16x7 | $1,800 | $1,950 | $2,756 |
| Houston Texas Metro | |||
| 8x7 | $975 | $1,050 | $1,475 |
| 16x7 | $1,800 | $1,950 | $2,756 |
| San Antonio Texas Metro | |||
| 8x7 | $970 | $1,045 | $1,465 |
| 16x7 | $1,800 | $1,943 | $2,745 |
| Austin Texas Metro | |||
| 8x7 | $1,025 | $1,150 | $1,575 |
| 16x7 | $1,875 | $1,950 | $2,856 |
