What to Consider When Buying a New Side Hinged Garage Door

Choosing a new garage door is an investment that can improve your home’s appearance, security and practicality. If you’re considering side hinged garage doors, you’ll benefit from easy access, modern security features and a wide choice of styles to suit both traditional and contemporary properties.

Before making your decision, here are the key factors to consider.

1. How You Use Your Garage

The first question to ask yourself is how you use your garage on a daily basis.

Many homeowners no longer use their garage solely for parking a vehicle. It may also be used for:

• General household storage
• A workshop or hobby room
• A home gym
• Bicycle and gardening equipment storage
• Utility or laundry space

If you regularly access your garage without needing to move your car, a side hinged garage door offers a practical solution. Unlike up-and-over doors, you can simply open one leaf for quick pedestrian access, making everyday use far more convenient.

2. Choose the Right Door Split

Side hinged garage doors are available in different opening configurations.

50/50 Split

A traditional design where both doors are the same size. This is ideal if you regularly need full-width access for vehicles or larger equipment.

70/30 Split

One larger door and one smaller access door. This allows you to use the smaller door for everyday entry while still having full access when required.

Choosing the right split depends on how often you’ll be entering the garage and whether vehicle access is a priority.

3. Insulation Matters

If your garage is attached to your home or used throughout the year, insulated garage doors are worth considering.

Modern insulated side hinged garage doors help to:

• Reduce heat loss
• Improve energy efficiency
• Keep the garage warmer in winter
• Reduce outside noise
• Protect stored belongings from temperature changes

Insulated steel panels also add strength and durability while requiring very little maintenance.

4. Think About Security

Your garage often contains valuable possessions including tools, bicycles and even access to your home.

Look for doors that include:

• Multi-point locking systems
• Strong deadlocks
• Secure shoot bolts
• Heavy-duty hinges
• Reinforced steel or aluminium frames

Modern side hinged garage doors offer significantly improved security compared with many older garage door designs, giving homeowners greater peace of mind. (Eagarage Doors)

5. Select the Best Material

There are several materials available, each offering different benefits.

Steel Garage Doors

• Low maintenance
• Highly durable
• Excellent security
• Wide range of colours

GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester)

• Will not rust or rot
• Lightweight but strong
• Woodgrain appearance available
• Virtually maintenance free

Timber Garage Doors

• Traditional appearance
• Natural character
• Can be customised
• Require regular maintenance

Your choice will depend on your property’s style, your budget and the level of maintenance you’re happy to carry out.

6. Consider the Style of Your Home

Your garage door is one of the largest visible features on the front of your property.

Today’s side hinged garage doors are available in a huge range of:

• Modern ribbed designs
• Georgian styles
• Traditional panelled doors
• Contemporary flush finishes
• Woodgrain effects
• Glazed window options
• Hundreds of colour choices

Choosing a design that complements your home’s architecture can significantly improve kerb appeal and even add value to your property.

7. Check Available Space

Because side hinged garage doors open outwards, you’ll need enough clearance in front of the garage.

If you regularly park directly outside the garage, make sure there’s enough room for the doors to open fully without obstruction.

The benefit is that no tracks or lifting mechanisms take up valuable headroom inside the garage, leaving more usable storage space. (Ryedale Garage Doors)

8. Low Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability

Modern powder-coated steel and GRP side hinged garage doors require very little maintenance compared with older timber doors.

Simple occasional cleaning and basic hinge lubrication are usually all that’s needed to keep them looking and operating like new for many years.

This makes them an excellent long-term investment for busy homeowners.

9. Professional Installation Makes All the Difference

Even the highest quality garage door will only perform as well as it’s installed.

A professional installation ensures:

• Accurate measurements
• Smooth operation
• Correct alignment
• Effective weather sealing
• Maximum security
• Manufacturer warranty compliance

Choosing an experienced installer also gives you expert advice on the best door style, materials and configuration for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are side hinged garage doors secure?

Yes. Modern side hinged garage doors feature advanced locking systems, reinforced frames and robust construction, making them an excellent choice for home security.

Are insulated garage doors worth it?

If your garage is attached to your home or used regularly, insulated doors improve comfort, reduce energy loss and help protect stored belongings from changing temperatures.

Which is better – 50/50 or 70/30 side hinged garage doors?

A 50/50 split offers equal access through both doors, while a 70/30 split provides a convenient everyday pedestrian entrance without opening the entire garage.

Do side hinged garage doors require much maintenance?

No. Modern steel and GRP garage doors are designed to be low maintenance and only require occasional cleaning and simple servicing.

Looking for the Right Side Hinged Garage Door?

Whether you’re replacing an old garage door or upgrading to a more practical solution, side hinged garage doors offer excellent accessibility, security and style. With a wide range of materials, colours, insulated options and opening configurations available, there’s a solution to suit virtually every home.

If you’re unsure which garage door is right for your property, seeking professional advice and arranging a site survey will help ensure you choose a door that delivers years of reliable performance and enhances the appearance of your home.