Are you considering switching out your existing garage or building a new one altogether? Either way, you should consider one style that has been gaining popularity in recent years - the swing out garage doors. Also dubbed "carriage house doors", these doors mimic the style of old carriage houses but have the advanced functionality of modern doors. They exhibit a beautiful blend of the old and the new and serve to enhance the appeal of your property.
What are Swing Out Garage Doors?
Swing out garage doors, as the name suggests, are doors that swing outwards when opened, much like the doors of a carriage house would. They are hinged on the sides and swing open from the center. This door type combines the charm of old carriage house designs with the advanced features of modern garage doors. They offer a unique, antique aesthetic that sets them apart from other garage door types.
Compelling Features of Swing Out Garage Doors
Considering their unique operations and design, swing out garage doors bear a set of distinctive features.
Craftmanship and Design Variety: Swing out garage doors are very customizable. Carriage house designs come with a wide array of beautifully-crafted, traditional looks ready to fit in any property design.
Insulation: Many swing out doors come with options for insulation. This is a significant advantage when it comes to energy saving and maintaining indoor temperatures.
Window Options: Swing out garage doors often come with a variety of window options. You can choose the amount and design of windows based on how much natural light you want in your garage.
Finding the Right Material for Your Swing Out Garage Doors
The look of your garage doors can be heavily influenced by the material you choose. Here are some popular choices:
Wood: This is the most traditional material for swing out garage doors. Wood gives a classy, timeless look to the garage and offers excellent customization options.
Steel: Steel is sturdy and requires little to no maintenance. It's also an affordable and long-lasting solution.
Fiberglass: This material is durable and can mimic the look of wood. It's a good option if you want less maintenance than wood but like its aesthetic.
Installation & Maintenance of Swing Out Garage Doors
Installation
Swing out garage doors are relatively easy to install. However, it's best to have this done by a professional to ensure that it operates smoothly afterwards.
Ensure there is enough clearance for the doors to swing out freely.
Maintenance
Regular checks: Frequently inspect your door operation and all its components. Look out for any wear and tear signs, especially on the hinges, as these doors swing out.
Cleaning: Dirt and grime can slowly deteriorate your door’s appearance and its operations. Frequently clean your doors to maintain their longevity and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swing Out Garage Doors
What materials are used for Swing Out Garage Doors?
Swing out garage doors can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, each offering distinct benefits. The most common options are wood and steel. Wood swing out garage doors provide a beautiful, natural look and can be customized to match your home's aesthetics. Steel swing out garage doors, on the other hand, are more durable and require less maintenance. They can also be styled and painted to imitate the classic wood finish, if desired. You can also find swing out garage doors made from aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Are Swing Out Garage Doors customisable?
Absolutely! One of the significant advantages of choosing swing out garage doors is the broad range of customizing options that they offer. They can be tailored to perfectly match the architectural style of your home - from the materials, colors, and finishes to the decorative hardware and windows. You can even customize the operational mechanism to include automatic garage door openouts if you prefer.
Can I install a Swing Out Garage Door on my own?
While some people may have the skills and tools necessary to install swing out garage doors themselves, professional installation is generally recommended. Installation can be quite complex and requires specific tools and expertise. Professional installers also understand how to best balance and align the doors correctly, ensuring they swing out smoothly and safely. Improper installation could cause the doors to function improperly, wear out prematurely or even pose a safety risk.
How much maintenance do Swing Out Garage Doors require?
The maintenance required for your swing out garage doors will largely depend on the material they are made from. Wooden swing out doors may require more maintenance to keep them looking their best. This could include regular painting or varnishing to protect against weather damage. Steel, aluminum, and fiberglass swing out garage doors usually simply require a wash or wipe down every now and again. All swing out doors need regular checks to ensure the hinges, seals and operation are still in top condition.
Are Swing Out Garage Doors secure?
Swing out garage doors can be just as secure as other types of doors, if not more so. They often feature heavy-duty hardware and locking mechanisms that make them difficult to forcibly open. Additionally, the absence of an overhead track reduces ways that burglars can potentially access your garage.
Can Swing Out Garage Doors be automated?
Yes, swing out garage doors can certainly be automated. Even though they may appear traditional, they can be equipped with modern automation features. This could include a motorized opener system designed for swing out doors or even a system with smart home integration so you can control your garage door remotely. However, it's essential to seek professional advice for the automation process as not all swing out doors and opener systems might be compatible.
Pros of Swing Out Garage Doors
Authentic Look
Vintage Appeal
Swing out garage doors, also known as carriage doors, offer a vintage and aesthetically pleasing look to any home. They provide an authentic and traditional appeal, adding a unique touch of elegance and high-end feel that's reminiscent of the older carriage house doors.
Variety of Styles and Designs
As these types of doors come in a wide range of styles, designs, and materials, you have the freedom to choose a model that complements the architectural style of your home. Whether it's wood, steel, or even glass, swing out garage doors can be customized to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Usability and Functionality
Easy to Operate
Swing out garage doors are incredibly easy to operate. Unlike roll-up doors, which require a certain level of strength to lift up and down, swing out doors can be easily opened and closed with minimal effort.
Space Maximization
If you're conscious about the interior space of your garage, swing out doors can prove to be a good choice. These doors operate by swinging outwards, not occupying any overhead or side space within the garage. This feature allows you to maximize and utilize the space inside your garage better.
Durability and Maintenance
Durability
As most swing out doors are made of solid materials like wood or metal, they are incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. These doors can withstand harsh weather conditions and are less likely to dent or break.
Easy Maintenance
Swing out doors are known for their ease of maintenance. With fewer moving parts, these type of garage doors often experience fewer mechanical issues, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Cons of Swing Out Garage Doors
Installation and Cost
Expensive
Compared to conventional roll-up garage doors, swing out models tend to be more expensive. The complex installation process and high-quality materials commonly used, typically contribute to the higher price tag.
Professional Installation Required
Installing swing out garage doors is not a simple DIY project. Unlike standard garage doors, which can potentially be installed by a competent homeowner, swing out doors require professional installation. This necessity could add significantly to the overall cost of the doors.
Operational Concerns
Require Space to Open
Swing out garage doors need a clear space in front of them to be able to open fully. This can be inconvenient, especially if you have a short driveway or if you live in a busy street as your doors could potentially swing out into the public sidewalk or even into the street.
Limitation Due to Weather Conditions
In areas prone to strong winds or heavy snow, swing out doors may present operational issues. The build-up of snow could prevent the doors from opening, while strong winds could potentially damage the doors if left open.
Energy Efficiency
Poor Insulation
Swing out garage doors, especially the wooden ones, are often poor insulators. So, if you use your garage as a workshop, office, or extra living space, you may find the temperature in your garage uncomfortable during the extreme weather months and your energy bills higher than necessary.
Gaps and Cracks
Over time, swing out garage doors can develop gaps and cracks around the sides or at the door's base. These gaps can allow drafts, bugs, and even small animals to get inside your garage, causing discomfort and potential problems.
Myths and Misconceptions about Swing Out Garage Doors
Garage doors are an integral part of every home, providing a secure entryway to the garage. Among the numerous styles of garage doors, swing out garage doors have gained popularity for their visual appeal and functionality. However, just like any other product, swing out garage doors are surrounded by myths and misconceptions that may dissuade potential buyers. Let's debunk these.
Myth 1: Swing Out Garage Doors are Not as Secure
Misunderstanding of the Construction
A common misconception is that swing-out garage doors are not as secure as their counterparts. This misunderstanding often stems from the perception that their construction renders them susceptible to break-ins. However, this is not true. Swing out garage doors are constructed using sturdy materials and often feature high-quality locking mechanisms.
The Security Aspect
In reality, swing out garage doors offer a level of security comparable to other types of garage doors. With quality material like steel or solid wood and equipped with proper locks and security systems, these doors can provide optimum security for your garage.
Myth 2: Swing Out Garage Doors are Too Expensive
Perceived Cost Versus Actual Cost
Many people perceive swing out garage doors as a luxury item, associating them with high cost. While it is true that some models, particularly custom designs and high-end material can be quite expensive, a basic swing out garage door can be quite affordable.
Material Cost and Maintenance
The cost of swing out garage doors largely depends on the material used. For example, steel doors are generally cheaper than wood. Additionally, certain woods, like cedar, are costlier than others. Besides, these doors can also bring down your repairs and maintenance cost in the long run, proving to be cost-effective.
Myth 3: Swing Out Garage Doors are Only for Traditional or Rustic Homes
Design Versatility
Swing out garage doors are known for their traditional carriage-house style, which constantly gets associated with only classic or rustic homes. However, this couldn't be further away from the truth. Modern design advancements mean that swing out garage doors are now available in a myriad of styles that complement various home aesthetics, from modern and contemporary to classic and rustic.
Importance of Customization
With the option of customization, homeowners can easily find or design swing out garage doors that perfectly match their home's exterior. Options for windows, color, decorative hardware and finish expand the possibility to seamlessly integrate the garage door with any architectural style.
Myth 4: Swing Out Garage Doors are High Maintenance
The Illusion of Maintenance
Many people believe that swing out garage doors require rigorous and frequent maintenance, which discourages many from considering this type of door. However, the maintenance level largely depends on the material of the door.
Factors Affecting Maintenance
Steel swing out doors, for example, require very little upkeep. Wooden doors may require more maintenance, but with proper care, like regular cleaning and timely repainting or staining, they can remain in excellent condition for years. The hardware system of swing out garage doors is also quite durable, only requiring occasional lubrication and checking for wear and tear.
Myth 5: Swing Out Garage Doors aren't Suitable for Small Driveways
Space Requirements Misconception
There’s a common notion that swing out garage doors need a lot of exterior space to function and aren’t suitable for homes with small or short driveways. The reality is, the doors swing out from the center, meaning as long as there is enough space for half the door's width on each side, they are perfectly viable for any driveway size.
In conclusion, many of these myths about swing out garage doors stem from misinformation or outdated beliefs. With the advances in design, material and utility, swing out garage doors indeed offer a viable, secure, and stylish option for any home.
Summary
Swing out garage doors can really bring a beautiful aesthetic appeal to your home. They give it a classic and vintage feel that sets it apart from the neighbors. Different styles, materials, and colors mean that customers can craft the doors to match their personality and the overall design of their home. With swing out garage doors, you are guaranteed precision and practicality, combined with an elegant visual appeal.
One of the main benefits of swing out garage doors is how long they last. Don't harm it intentionally, and your swing out garage door will serve you for many years to come. They don't require much maintenance and can withstand most of what Mother Nature throws their way. Plus, they don't have complicated components that can get damaged or broken, which saves you time and money in the long run.
Additionally, swing out garage doors are pretty easy to operate. You don't need to put a ton of effort into opening and closing them. They work on a simple and efficient system that allows for effortless usage. They also make much less noise than more traditional overhead doors. So if you are coming home late at night or leaving early in the morning, you won't wake the whole household.
About 1A Garage Doors
1A Garage Doors is your local family-run company based in the heart of Sacramento, CA. Boasting years of hands-on experience, we specialize in garage door repairs, installations, and maintenance. We have a team of licensed and trained professionals who are committed to providing top-notch services, up-to-date with the latest industry technology for all your garage door needs. Our philosophy is centered around making our clients' lives easier, offering reliable, prompt, and affordable solutions. We are proud to be part of the Sacramento community and look forward to continuing to serve our fellow residents with all their garage door requirements. Our customer service is second to none and your satisfaction is our top priority!
