If you are installing garage doors on your two-car garage, you will be faced with two options: one large double door or two separate single doors. Many double garages are fitted with two single doors, meaning a car can be parked in each door space, but increasingly people are opting for one double garage door. Which is preferable?
Certainly, selecting the perfect garage door involves choosing the best materials for you and considering your aesthetics. For many, though, the greatest concern is functionality. So, here are some thoughts about each option that may help lead you to a satisfying decision.
Double Door
(usually 14 to 16 feet wide)
Reasons to Install
- Limited Maintenance. Having only one door mean you also only have one set of tracks, one automatic system, and one garage door opener. Keeping it all in working order will be half the work with only one set.
- Lower Installation Costs: In most – but not all! – cases, installing one larger door costs less than installing two smaller ones. So, that can be tempting to those seeking a good door on a budget.
- Room to Maneuver. With one larger door, you will be able to easily maneuver larger vehicles into your garage. Larger trucks and SUVs may not comfortably fit though single doors – if at all.
- Access to Vehicles. Having a large double door gives you the option to park in a vehicle in the center of the garage. This would allow you to not only have easier access for cleaning or maintenance, but it creates many more possibilities for storage in the garage.
Reasons to Be Wary
- Fewer Access Points. If a double door breaks down, you will lose access to the entire garage until the problem is fixed. Potentially, you could operate the door manually, but completely restricted entry is far less likely with two smaller doors.
- Higher Maintenance Costs: There can be high costs attached to the problems that arise with a double door, so long-term maintenance costs may be higher.
- Less insulation. If saving energy or keeping a warm garage is a priority, you might consider the loss of heat and insulation that some along with opening essentially an entire wall of your garage.
Two Single Doors
(each usually around 8 to 10 feet wide)
Reasons to Install
- Increased Flexibility. Two single doors can be a perfect situation for two-vehicle families with people who keep different hours or for people who want to use one half of the garage for the car and one for storage.
- Increased Access. It is extremely unlikely that both doors would malfunction at the same time. While access would still be restricted, if one door does have problems, you would maintain easy access to the garage.
- Temperature Control. If you live in a colder climate and are concerned with retaining heat inside the garage, opening only half as much space lets in less cold air. This can also save on energy costs if either you are heating the garage or the garage is attached to the rest of the house.
- Greater Privacy. With single doors, you need only expose half of your garage when accessing it.
Reasons to Be Wary
- Higher Electrical Costs. The daily operation of two separate garage doors can use more electricity than a one larger door.
- Increased Maintenance. Having two doors also means having two entire systems that will need to be maintained. While each individual maintenance or repair may be cheaper because the systems are smaller, the overall costs can add up, especially if you regularly use both doors.
There is a lot to consider when deciding on a double door or two singles – including your own personal aesthetic and the look of your home! We can go through everything with you to help you make the best decision for your individual situation – talk to us HERE! Overhead Door Company is located in Portland, OR.
