Is a Side Hinged Garage Door the Right Option for Your Home?

While the primary function of most garages is car parking, this is not the case for most garages in the UK. Most UK homeowners have converted the garage space into other uses, such as a workshop, storage room, home gym, or utility space. This does mean that the choice of door is more important and is a consideration when the garage is used for something other than parking. A door designed for vehicle access may not be suitable when you have to walk in and out repeatedly on a daily basis.

It is this type of consideration that has seen great growth in the choice of side hinged garage doors in the UK. They take into account how the garage is really used and the choice has increased significantly in recent years. So what do you need to know?

Operation of Side Hinged Doors

These doors works just like a pair of hinged external doors. There are two leaves that will swing out and open the garage. There are no lifting arms or motors (although you can get automated ones) and no tracks. The simplicity is very appealing. Most of these doors come as a doorset, meaning that all of the leaves are hinged in a steel frame, which simplifies installation considerably.

The door can be specified with equal splitting (two identically sized leaves) or asymmetric splitting — for example, a larger main leaf plus a smaller pedestrian leaf — which facilitates quick single-handed access as no need to open the door fully to walk through.

Benefits

Perhaps, the most practical benefit of this type of access is that it is so easy to use. You do not need a power source, you do not need a remote, and you do not need an overhead mechanism to “clear” before you step through the door. So, if you need access to a garage frequently to grab tools or access storage, or need to get to a freezer, then this type of user-activated, ground level access is much more convenient than having to operate an electric roller or sectional door.

The ceiling space also plays an important role. Side hinged doors used in garages leave the entire ceiling and upper walls of the garage clear. No track systems run back into the roof space, no overhead spring systems cross the opening, and no motor units use up headroom. If you are intending to add shelves, overhead storage or even lights, below the ceiling this is a key consideration.

Reliability is typically good for side hinge doors due to fewer moving parts than other door types. Hinge components, locks and hinges are straightforward and easy to inspect, maintain and replace when necessary, which cannot be said to the same of the more complex mechanisms used in overhead garage doors.

Things to consider before ordering

Above all, the space in front of the garage is most important.

As a result of side hinged doors swinging outwards, they require unobstructed areas directly in front of the opening. If your driveway is short, or if you park directly in front of the garage, this could be an obstruction that needs consideration.

It will also be necessary to assess the current state of the frame and opening. Side hinged door sets are integrated into the garage opening and if the brickwork or the lintel above the opening is in a deteriorated state, it will need to be repaired prior to the installation of a new door. This is something that should be checked first to avoid discovering this mid-installation.

Majority of contemporary side hinged garage doors are made of steel, which can be either single skin or double skin insulated. For basic storage garages where thermal performance is not a priority, single skin doors are sufficiently adequate and are more economical. For garages that are also used as workshops or occupied spaces, double-skinned insulated doors with foam cores between the two steel surfaces are the best option as they provide better heat retention, rigidity, and security.

Timber side hinged doors are also available. Western Red Cedar is the most common option, and is preferred for period properties and countryside houses as the natural aesthetics of the timber complements the style of the structure. When maintained with a good quality stain, Cedar withstands the extremes of the British climate well, however, it is not as maintenance-free as steel.

All modern steel side hinged doors come with a variety of RAL colors and panel designs such as vertical and horizontal ribs, smooth flush finishes, and Georgian designs. This allows you to customise your door to fit the design of your property.

**Security**

Side hinged doors can be fitted with powerful locking systems. These can include multi-point locks that secure the door at several places along the edge, reinforced hinge, and Euro cylinder locks. If your garage has tools or equipment worth money, good quality locking hardware is a good idea.

**Is It Right for You?**

A side hinged door will give you better daily access than an overhead door if you use your garage for activities beyond just parking your car. They are a good choice considering ease of access, clear ceiling space, and simple maintenance. We are happy to advise on suitable specifications if you are replacing an existing door.