The history of garage doors in Lafayette, California, mirrors the broader evolution of garage door technology in the United States. As automobiles became more prevalent in the early 20th century, the need for secure storage solutions led to the development of the first garage doors. In 1902, Cornell Iron Works in Chicago produced the first garage door, marking the beginning of a new era in vehicle storage.

By 1921, C.G. Johnson from Hartford, Indiana, invented the first overhead garage door, which folded while lifting forward and ran parallel to the garage ceiling. This design saved space and improved functionality. In 1926, Johnson further innovated by creating the first electric garage door opener, revolutionizing how garage doors operated.

In Lafayette, as the community developed, these advancements were adopted, leading to the widespread use of overhead and electric garage doors in residential and commercial properties. Today, companies like All Bay Garage Doors, based in nearby San Leandro, provide services in Lafayette, offering installation, repair, and maintenance of modern garage doors.

The evolution of garage doors in Lafayette reflects the city’s growth and modernization, aligning with technological advancements that have shaped residential and commercial properties across the nation.