When you are designing your garage, you have many things you need to consider. One of those things you must consider is whether you are going to have a large double door or two single doors for the garage. There is no one choice that fits all design styles or that will work for everyone. You need to stop to think about which one will be the best option for you. The following are the most important elements to think about that will help you make your decision so you have the garage that works best for you and your home.
The Garage Width
It does not matter if you have an attached or detached garage when it comes to making your choice. You have to think about what you will be using the garage for to make sure you have the right doors. Those who are going to park two cars in the garage will need to have a garage that is at least 18’ wide and 22’ deep. If you are going to have two single doors that measure 8’ x 7’, you would want to have a garage that is 22’ wide at least. If you want larger doors, such as 9’ doors, you would need to have a garage that is even wider. In this case, you would want a door that is 24’ wide. Those who want to have an access door on the front of the garage would need one that is wider still.
To help you determine the size, think about the types of vehicles you will be parking in the garage and their size. Not only will you want to measure the size of the vehicles, but also consider the extra space you will need in the garage for storage and the like. When taking measurements, you also need to consider opening the doors of the vehicle. Of course, you also need to consider your budget.
The Practicality of the Garage
You need to think about some of the most practical aspects of the garage when you are choosing the type of door to get as well. Let’s look at some of the things you need to consider.
Temperature and Humidity
If you have two single garage doors, it will reduce the amount of cold air that gets into the garage. Those who have heating in the garage will find that this can help to reduce the overall heating bills. If you live in a hot environment, you might want to take the opposite approach. You will find that if you can lower the humidity, you can lower your air conditioning costs.
Malfunctions
If you have a single garage door and it has a malfunction, such as a torsion spring break, it could mean that both of your vehicles are stuck in the garage. Those who have two single doors will still be able to get at least one of the vehicles out of the garage.
Number of Vehicles
Those who have three small vehicles and who want to have all those vehicles parked in the garage might want to consider a larger single door. It would be easier to get them in and out than it would with two doors.
Going Larger
If you have several vehicles, or if you have some other equipment that you might like to park in the garage, such as an SUV, you might want to have an even larger garage. A triple garage could be a good option as long as you have the space for it. Typically, a door such as this will need to have at least 900 square feet.
The Aesthetics
Now that you have had some time to think about the practical aspects of the garage, you can start to think about the appearance of the garage. The “look” that is right will depend on your home and on your tastes. However, most agree that the two single doors have a very good look to them. With all the great options on the market today though, you can find attractive doors in a wide range of styles. A very popular option is the carriage house style doors.
What Is the Cost Difference?
As mentioned, you do need to think about your budget as well. Fortunately, you will find that this should not have too much of an effect on whether you choose a double door or two single doors, as the cost will be very similar. What could add to the overall cost is having a second electric garage door opener for the other door. Still, if that is the look and style you want, it can be a good choice.
Please keep in mind that if you choose just a single larger door, this does not mean you are going to need a more powerful opener for the garage. You need to make sure it is properly balanced and that it is installed properly. With a good system in place, it reduces the perceived weight of the door.
Get Started
If you are ready to start on your garage door, you will want to contact us at 515-276-3700. We have the experience you need and we can explain to you about all the different doors and openers available. We understand you are on a budget and will help you find the system that is right for your needs. If you would like, you could send us a request for an online quotation.
Do you want to get an idea of what your new garage door might look like on your home? If so, you will certainly want to make sure you use the a design center. You can also check out our image gallery.
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