Why Install a Walk-Through Garage Door?
A walk-through garage door can make your home look unique with the right design. Most homeowners, though, look past visual elements for these functional upgrades:
- Usefulness with existing layouts: Garages are a hub for cars, seasonal decorations, gardening tools, and sporting goods, all of which take room. Sometimes, space limitations or structural concerns preclude adding a separate side entry door.
- Enhanced safety and security: A pedestrian door gives you an extra exit point in case of fires, hazardous spills, or other emergencies. It’s also less conspicuous and quieter to open than a full garage door.
- Improved energy efficiency: Using the pedestrian door instead of opening the entire garage door can help keep the interior temperature steady. That’s a plus if you live in an extremely hot or cold area, and it can save you energy and money you’d otherwise spend running your air conditioner.
Types of Pedestrian Garage Doors
There are three different garage pedestrian door options: integrated walk-through, side-hinged, and sectional with pedestrian access. Here’s a little more on each type to help you figure out which one is best for your needs.
Integrated Walk-Through Doors
Integrated walk-through doors are built directly into the garage door panel. They can use the same material and finish to blend seamlessly with the overall garage door’s appearance.
Side-Hinged Garage Doors
Side-hinged garage doors open outward like traditional double doors, perfect for a classic, carriage house-style look. They have a smaller pedestrian door within one of the larger door panels and are particularly well-suited for garages with ample clearance in front.
Sectional Garage Doors with Pedestrian Access
These doors let you save space like a traditional overhead door, with the added convenience of a preinstalled pedestrian door. Typically, the pedestrian door is located on one side, and you can use it independently without opening or closing the main door.
Installation Options for Pedestrian Garage Doors
You generally have three options to install a pedestrian door: go the DIY route, replace the door and hang the new one yourself, or hire a professional.
DIY Installation
If you value functionality over appearance and are skilled with power tools, you could consider adding a pedestrian door yourself. This method won’t add too much weight to the garage door. However, it leaves about 4 to 6 inches of clearance between the bottom of the pedestrian door. That means inspectors won’t consider it an official egress under most building codes.
Here’s a basic overview of the process:
- Remove the door: Take the door or panels off the track. Cut a generous person-sized door hole in the panels.
- Add the horizontal hinges: Attach hinges horizontally to each panel of the door. Keep the measurements consistent so that the pedestrian door will fold properly.
- Install the casing: Install door casing around the inside of the hole in the garage door.
- Add the vertical hinges: Install hinges vertically all the way down the pedestrian door into the door casing. The spacing of the hinges should allow the door to fold when retracted.
Replacing the Garage Door
You may save money on the installation by replacing the garage door, but mistakes can be costly. If you’ve decided you have the equipment and skill for this method, here are some tips to follow it through:
- Know your dimensions: It’s absolutely essential you understand what size door to order. Getting this wrong will be costly as you’ll likely have to pay return shipping and a restocking fee.
- Understand the specs: Garage door technicians are skilled in garage door mechanics, and being your own technician will require research. How heavy is the door, and will your hardware support the weight? Are the other components of your garage door system the right size?
- Research manufacturers: Garage door manufacturers have created some beautiful walk-through garage doors, and you want to be sure to choose a manufacturer who specializes in the product you want.
Hiring a Pro
Hiring a pro isn’t always the cheapest option, but it is the most reliable. Some manufacturers have their own technicians, though you can also find a local retailer that sells garage doors from your preferred supplier. Before you sign any contracts, do your company research and read online reviews from past customers.
Would Installing a Pedestrian Garage Door Be Feasible?
You and your installation contractor should consider these three things to make sure a pedestrian garage door is feasible for your home.
Space and Structural Requirements
The garage door should be wide enough to accommodate a walk-through door. Support beams and other obstacles shouldn’t be in the way, and the garage door opener’s weight capacity should support your modifications and any new panels.
Building Codes and Permits
Local codes may have specific requirements for embedded pedestrian doors inside garage doors. Check with your city’s building department to make sure your project is compliant. This will save you penalties and permit denials over the course of the process.
Cost Considerations
The cost to install a pedestrian garage door will depend on these factors:
- The door’s quality and material
- How you’re choosing to create a pedestrian door
- Extra features included with a new door or set of hardware
Exact prices can fluctuate, but according to Angi, a new walk-through garage door costs between $700 and $6,000.
Materials and Design Choices
The right materials and design can make or break your walk-through garage door project. Most door panels are made from steel, aluminum, wood, or composite. Steel offers robust security and longevity, while treated wood gives a classic and traditional look.
Manufacturers commonly offer custom design services to match specific tastes. Features like windows and decorative hardware add extra customization to integrate the walk-through door seamlessly with the surrounding garage door.
