The history of garage doors in Mill Valley, California, mirrors the evolution of the town from being a quaint community to an exciting suburban neighborhood. Early in the 20th century, automobile use became widespread, and the need for safe storage meant that garage doors emerged.
As Mill Valley began to develop in the mid-1900s, so too did the need for private garages. The original manual garage doors, mainly made of wood, were lifted by hand. They served well but were laborious to swing open and shut.
The 1950s introduced electricity through electric garage door openers. These opened up garage doors with a press of a button, and convenience and security were improved. This integration of the opener really changed the face of the residential garage in terms of its design and functionality.
Today, Mill Valley residents have access to a variety of garage door options, including materials like steel, aluminum, and glass, offering improved durability and aesthetic appeal. Modern garage doors also feature enhanced insulation, contributing to energy efficiency and noise reduction.