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The history of garage doors in Gilroy, California, parallel of the development of the community itself: from being a rural farming town to an active suburban city in the South Bay Area. And so, as the city grew and became more modern, there arose the need for more efficient, secure, and better-performing garage door systems for residential and commercial establishments alike. Here’s a look at how garage doors have evolved in Gilroy, reflecting the city’s growth and technological progress over the years.

Early Days: The Birth of the Automobile and Basic Garages (1900s-1950s)

In the early 1900s, Gilroy was still, for the most part, an agricultural community, and many homes and properties didn’t have garages. In fact, many folks relied on barns or simple outbuildings for storage, including their vehicles. During this period, vehicles like horse-drawn carriages were more common, and the need for dedicated garages was minimal.

However, with widespread adoption of automobiles in the 1920s and 1930s, there was greater need for personal vehicle storage. During the 1940s and 1950s, Gilroy, like all California, experienced the earliest stirrings of suburban expansion. Houses were being put up, and garage space became an integral part of any house building.

Post-War Boom: Suburban Growth and the Rise of Garage Doors (1950s-1970s)

Following World War II, Gilroy was subject to tremendous suburban growth. Housing construction skyrocketed as people continued to move into the area. The 1950s and 1960s marked the rise of the automobile in American culture, and with it, the demand for secure, functional garage spaces grew.

Attached garages were typical for homes built during this time. Many had basic manual garage doors that homeowners would have to manually lift and close. Early garage doors were constructed from wood and had to be manually operated. All that changed in the 1960s and 1970s when the electric garage door openers were introduced into the market. It is possible to remotely control a garage door, opening or closing it using a button. This greatly enhanced convenience and security.

Advancements in Materials and Design (1980s-2000s)

The growth of the city in the 1980s and 1990s included residential areas with the diversified architecture style. The garage door becomes more of an integral component to home designs. Development during this period saw vast material changes where house owners favored steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, primarily due to their long service life, insulation attributes, and minimal maintenance requirements.

The other product lines that rose to fame at this point in time included insulated garage doors, as people of Gilroy sought means of cooling their garages during hot summers and warming them up in winter. Modern garage doors were, therefore, the talk of the town as regards home security and energy efficiency, a trend that took over the homes in Gilroy.

Smart Garage Door Technology and Modern Trends (2010s-Present)

As Gilroy entered the 21st century, a new demand for smart home technology entered the garage door industry. The demand was such that garage doors went from being purely mechanical into advanced features such as smart openers, which allow homeowners to control their garage doors from a smartphone app. This meant that people had the unprecedented convenience and security of garage door access.

Rolling code technology was added for extra security, ensuring the remote opener of the garage door generates a new code each time it is used to avoid unauthorized access. Eco-friendly solutions have been in demand, which saw solar-powered garage doors and energy-efficient models become popular in the industry. Homeowners could cut down on energy bills and have their homes secure at the same time.

Garage Doors in Gilroy Today

Today, garage doors available in Gilroy are in various styles, materials, and technologies to cater to the specific needs of homeowners in this up-and-coming city. From a classic wood garage door that goes well with a country-type of house to a contemporary metallic design that complements newer constructions, or an advance smart garage door system that offers advanced security features, Gilroy can provide it all.

As the city continues to grow and change, the garage door will remain an integral part of the house, not only in its utility but also in contributing to the aesthetic appeal and security of the residential and commercial property.