Choosing the right garage door brand is essential for homeowners looking for durability, style, and security. With many options available, C.H.I. and Overhead Door stand out as two of the leading manufacturers in the industry.
Both brands offer a range of materials, insulation levels, styles, and warranties, but which one is the best fit for your needs? This guide will compare C.H.I. and Overhead Door side by side, covering:
- Cost Differences
- Product Quality & Materials
- Insulation & Energy Efficiency
- Design & Customization
- Warranty & Durability
History of C.H.I. vs. Overhead Door
C.H.I. Overview
✅ Founded: Arthur, Illinois
✅ Industry Experience: Over 40 years
✅ Reputation: Known for high-quality materials, custom designs, and excellent customer service
C.H.I. is a relatively younger brand compared to Overhead Door but has built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, durability, and modern garage door solutions. The company focuses on innovative designs, strong insulation options, and a wide variety of styles to suit different home aesthetics.
Overhead Door Overview
✅ Founded: 1921 by C.G. Johnson, Dallas, Texas
✅ Industry Experience: Over 100 years
✅ Reputation: Pioneer of the overhead garage door and electric opener technology
Overhead Door has been a trailblazer in the industry, credited with inventing the modern garage door system. With over a century of experience, they offer proven reliability, strong build quality, and a wide range of commercial and residential doors.
Industry Experience & Reputation
- C.H.I. has over 40 years of experience, focusing on modern designs and customer satisfaction.
- Overhead Door has over 100 years in the industry, being the original innovator of garage door technology.
- Both brands are highly respected and provide top-tier garage door solutions with different strengths—C.H.I. excels in customization and aesthetics, while Overhead Door brings legacy and reliability.
Product Options Comparison (2024) – C.H.I. vs Overhead Door
Materials
✅ C.H.I.: Steel, wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and glass.
✅ Overhead Door: Steel, steel with vinyl/fiberglass exterior, wood, and aluminum.
🔹 C.H.I. provides fiberglass and glass options, making it a great choice for modern and contemporary designs.
🔹 Overhead Door offers steel doors with vinyl/fiberglass exteriors, which improve durability and weather resistance.
Garage Door Styles
✅ C.H.I. Styles: Carriage House, Traditional, Modern, Ultra-Modern.
✅ Overhead Door Styles: Carriage House, Traditional, Modern, Ultra-Modern.
🔹 Both brands offer similar style choices, making it easy for homeowners to find a door that matches their property.
Garage Door Construction
✅ C.H.I.: 1 to 4-layer constructions available.
✅ Overhead Door: 1 to 4-layer constructions available.
🔹 Both brands prioritize insulation and durability with multiple-layer construction options.
R-Value Comparison (Insulation Rating)
✅ C.H.I.: R-Value range 0 – 18.03.
✅ Overhead Door: R-Value range 0 – 17.5.
🔹 Higher R-Value = Better Insulation → C.H.I. slightly outperforms Overhead Door in maximum insulation.
🔹 Ideal for extreme weather conditions where temperature regulation is important.
Key Takeaways
🔸 C.H.I. excels in modern material options (fiberglass & glass) and higher insulation performance.
🔸 Overhead Door offers stronger weather-resistant exteriors (steel with vinyl/fiberglass).
🔸 Both brands have diverse styles and solid construction quality, making them competitive choices.
Detailed Comparison of Garage Door Styles – C.H.I. vs Overhead Door
Carriage House Style
C.H.I. Options: Overlay Carriage House, Shoreline, Stamped Carriage House.
Overhead Door Options: Courtyard, Carriage House, Thermacore, Signature Carriage Wood.
Price Range:
✅ C.H.I.: $1,200 – $5,000
✅ Overhead Door: $2,000 – $3,500
🔹 C.H.I. offers more affordability and variety, while Overhead Door has Signature Carriage Wood, a premium option for authentic wood aesthetics.
Traditional Style
C.H.I. Options: Raised Panel, Stamped Shaker, Recessed Panel.
Overhead Door Options: Traditional Steel, Thermacore, Durafirm, Impression Fiberglass.
Price Range:
✅ C.H.I.: $1,200 – $4,500
✅ Overhead Door: $800 – $3,500
🔹 Overhead Door has a lower entry price point ($800) but C.H.I. offers more premium traditional options.
Modern Style
C.H.I. Options: Planks, Sterling, Skyline Flush, Full-View Aluminum.
Overhead Door Options: Thermacore, Impression Fiberglass, Modern Aluminum, Envy.
Price Range:
✅ C.H.I.: $1,200 – $6,500
✅ Overhead Door: $3,200 – $6,500
🔹 Overhead Door is more expensive on the lower end but offers premium aluminum and glass options.
🔹 C.H.I. provides a greater range of modern designs at a more competitive price.
Premium Garage Doors
C.H.I. Options: Full-View Aluminum, Overlay Carriage House.
Overhead Door Options: Signature Carriage Wood, Modern Aluminum, Envy.
🔹 Overhead Door specializes in luxury wood designs (Signature Carriage Wood).
🔹 C.H.I. focuses on modern aluminum and full-view glass aesthetics.
Key Takeaways
🔸 C.H.I. offers more affordable options across all styles, especially in Traditional and Carriage House designs.
🔸 Overhead Door is more premium, with higher-priced modern and carriage wood doors.
🔸 If you want cost-effective variety, C.H.I. is a strong choice. If you’re looking for high-end wood or aluminum, Overhead Door is ideal.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency – C.H.I. vs Overhead Door
Insulation Materials: Polystyrene vs. Polyurethane
Garage door insulation improves energy efficiency, noise reduction, and durability. Both C.H.I. and Overhead Door offer two main insulation types:
🔹 Polystyrene Insulation: A more affordable option, providing basic thermal resistance and noise reduction.
🔹 Polyurethane Insulation: Denser and more effective, offering better temperature control, noise reduction, and impact resistance.
C.H.I. Insulation Features
✅ Offers both polystyrene and polyurethane insulation.
✅ Available in single-layer (no insulation), double-layer (polystyrene), and triple-layer (polyurethane foam) constructions.
✅ Provides thicker insulation options for higher R-values.
Overhead Door Insulation Features
✅ Also provides both polystyrene and polyurethane insulation.
✅ Features foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation, which enhances durability and energy efficiency.
✅ Thermacore® series focuses on higher thermal protection.
Energy Efficiency Comparison
C.H.I. Maximum R-Value: Up to 18.03
Overhead Door Maximum R-Value: Up to 17.5
What’s the Difference?
🔹 C.H.I. offers slightly better insulation performance (R-18.03) due to thicker polyurethane insulation.
🔹 Overhead Door focuses on “foamed-in-place” technology, which improves structural integrity and insulation uniformity.
🔹 Both brands are excellent for cold climates, but C.H.I. may provide slightly better thermal efficiency.
Final Verdict
🔹 If you prioritize maximum insulation (R-18.03), C.H.I. is the better choice.
🔹 If you want advanced foamed-in-place insulation for durability, Overhead Door is ideal.
🔹 Both brands offer highly insulated garage doors suitable for energy-efficient homes.
Price Comparison – C.H.I. vs. Overhead Door
C.H.I. Garage Door Pricing
Budget to Premium Price Range: $1,000 – $6,500+
🔹 Popular C.H.I. Models & Prices:
- Steel Panel Doors: $1,200 – $3,500 (affordable and durable).
- Fiberglass 3-Layer Doors: $4,000 – $5,500 (better insulation and durability).
- Premium Wood Doors: $6,000+ (custom finishes, high-end appeal).
Overhead Door Pricing
Budget to Premium Price Range: $800 – $6,500+
🔹 Popular Overhead Door Models & Prices:
- Traditional Steel Doors: $800 – $2,500 (entry-level, cost-effective).
- Impression Fiberglass Doors: $3,000 – $4,500 (durability with wood-look finishes).
- Modern Aluminum Doors: $3,200 – $6,500 (sleek, contemporary design).
Price Comparison Summary
Brand | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Premium Range |
---|---|---|---|
C.H.I. | $1,000 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $5,500 | $6,000+ (Wood/Custom) |
Overhead Door | $800 – $2,500 | $3,000 – $4,500 | $3,200 – $6,500+ (Aluminum) |
Final Verdict
C.H.I. is better for premium, high-end doors, especially wood and fiberglass options.
Overhead Door offers more budget-friendly options, with steel doors starting at $800.
Both brands overlap in the mid-to-high price range, making them competitive choices.
Warranty & Customer Support – C.H.I. vs. Overhead Door
🔹 C.H.I. Warranty Coverage
Garage Door Sections: Limited Lifetime Warranty on most models.
Composite Overlay Material: 3-Year Warranty (applies to select models).
Hardware & Springs: 6-Year Warranty (covers moving parts and standard hardware).
Customer Support: C.H.I. is known for reliable service and quick response times via authorized dealers.
🔹 Overhead Door Warranty Coverage
Garage Doors:
- 15-Year, 20-Year, or Lifetime Warranty, depending on the model.
- Aluminum & Glass Doors: 1-Year Warranty (shorter coverage for modern aluminum models).
Hardware & Parts: 3-Year Warranty (covers standard components and moving parts).
Customer Support: Overhead Door has nationwide service locations but mixed reviews on response times.
Warranty & Support Comparison Table
Feature | C.H.I. | Overhead Door |
---|---|---|
Garage Door Sections | Lifetime Warranty (most models) | 15-Year, 20-Year, or Lifetime |
Composite Overlay | 3-Year Warranty | Not specified |
Hardware & Springs | 6-Year Warranty | 3-Year Warranty |
Aluminum & Glass Doors | Not specified | 1-Year Warranty |
Customer Support | Highly rated, dealer-based | Nationwide but mixed reviews |
Which Brand Offers Better Warranty?
C.H.I. provides a stronger Limited Lifetime Warranty on most garage door sections and better hardware coverage (6 years vs. 3 years for Overhead Door).
Overhead Door offers good long-term warranties (up to 20 years or lifetime), but coverage varies by model.
C.H.I. wins in overall customer satisfaction and dealer support, while Overhead Door has more nationwide availability.
Pros and Cons: C.H.I. vs. Overhead Door
🔹 C.H.I. Garage Doors
Pros:
✔ High-Quality Construction – Built for durability and longevity.
✔ Extensive Range of Styles – Offers modern, carriage house, and traditional designs.
✔ Limited Lifetime Warranty – Most garage door sections are covered for life.
✔ Strong Dealer Support – Reliable customer service through authorized dealers.
Cons:
✖ Longer Delivery Times – Some delays due to supply chain and shipping issues.
✖ Quality Control Issues – Reports of damaged shipments or defects upon delivery.
🔹 Overhead Door
Pros:
✔ Solid Reputation – Over 100 years of experience in the industry.
✔ Wide Variety of Styles & Materials – Offers steel, fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and modern glass.
✔ Positive Customer Reviews – Many users praise quality and reliability.
Cons:
✖ Dealer-Specific Issues – Some locations receive negative reviews for service and installation.
✖ Higher Price Range – Certain models are more expensive than competitors.
C.H.I. vs. Overhead Door – Which One is Better?
Feature | C.H.I. | Overhead Door |
---|---|---|
Durability | High-quality build | Strong, long-lasting doors |
Style Options | Extensive range | Wide variety |
Warranty | Limited Lifetime (most doors) | 15-20 Years or Lifetime |
Customer Support | Strong dealer support | Mixed dealer reviews |
Pricing | Competitive pricing | Slightly higher for some models |
Delivery Time | Longer shipping delays | Faster in-stock options |
Which Brand is Right for You?
Choose C.H.I. if you want: More customization options, a strong warranty, and competitive pricing (but expect longer delivery times).
Choose Overhead Door if you want: A long-standing brand with solid quality and a faster turnaround (but possibly higher prices).
Conclusion: Which Brand is Right for You?
When choosing between C.H.I. and Overhead Door, the best option depends on your budget, style preferences, insulation needs, and brand reputation.
🔹 C.H.I. Garage Doors – Best For:
Homeowners who want premium finishes and customization.
Those looking for a wide selection of materials and styles.
People who value strong warranties for long-term peace of mind.
🔸 Considerations: Longer delivery times, potential shipping quality issues
🔹 Overhead Door – Best For:
Reliable, long-standing brand with proven performance.
Homeowners seeking affordable to mid-range pricing.
Those who want quick availability and better dealer network support.
🔸 Considerations: Some dealer-specific complaints and slightly higher prices for certain models.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose C.H.I. if design flexibility, premium materials, and warranty coverage matter most to you.
Choose Overhead Door if you want trusted reliability, more affordable pricing, and faster availability.
Final Tip: Compare local dealer pricing, warranty options, and installation reviews before making your decision!
FAQs: C.H.I. vs. Overhead Door
1️⃣ Which brand offers the best warranty?
🔹 C.H.I. provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most garage door sections, along with 6-year hardware and 3-year composite overlay warranties.
🔹 Overhead Door offers 15-year, 20-year, or Lifetime warranties on most models, but aluminum and glass doors have only a 1-year warranty.
Best Warranty: C.H.I. (for most models), but Overhead Door still provides solid warranty coverage.
2️⃣ What is the price difference between C.H.I. and Overhead Door models?
Garage Door Type | C.H.I. Price Range | Overhead Door Price Range |
---|---|---|
Budget Steel Doors | $1,200 – $2,500 | $800 – $2,500 |
Fiberglass / Composite | $3,000 – $5,000 | $3,000 – $4,500 |
Premium Wood / Aluminum | $6,000+ | $3,200 – $6,500 |
Best Price: Overhead Door has more budget-friendly options, but C.H.I. offers more premium customization.
3️⃣ Which brand has the best insulation options?
🔹 Both brands offer polystyrene and polyurethane insulation with multi-layer construction.
🔹 C.H.I. R-Value: Up to 18.03
🔹 Overhead Door R-Value: Up to 17.5
Best Insulation: C.H.I. has a slightly higher R-value, making it better for extreme climates.
4️⃣ Can I get a custom garage door with both brands?
Yes! Both brands offer extensive customization options, including:
✔ Carriage House, Traditional, and Modern styles
✔ Custom panel designs, finishes, and decorative hardware
✔ Insulation, window, and material choices
Best for Customization: C.H.I. offers more overlay and finish options, but Overhead Door provides reliable custom solutions too.
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