It’s debatable whether or not converting two single garage doors into one double garage door is a good thing. As a matter of fact, some people want the exact opposite – hence, the double garage door converted into two single garage doors. So, there’s no right and wrong when it comes to garage door conversions. It’s a matter of personal needs. It has to do with the garage space, the family’s requirements, people’s expectations, the building’s structure too.

So, if you are thinking to go one way or the other, let’s see what is involved in such projects, the considerations, the pros and the cons. Shall we?

2 to 1 Garage Door Conversion

What’s the usual process of converting two single garage doors into one big one?

  1. Measuring the garage
  2. Inspecting the structure’s integrity
  3. Selecting a double garage door
  4. Removing the single garage doors
  5. Removing the central pillar
  6. Installing the new garage door

The advantage of double garage doors

garage door conversions This is a rather a complex and difficult project – one that involves one main consideration. Will the structural integrity still be sound after the central pillar removal? The secret here lies on the reinforcement of the overhead section with supports made of durable materials, like wood and steel. If this consideration gets out of the picture, having one double garage door instead of two single garage doors has many advantages.

  • More space, walking room
  • Wider opening for larger vehicles
  • One garage door to maintain and fix – not two
  • Fewer accessories, like garage door remotes

With a wider opening, wheelchairs can pass through with ease. There’s ample space for pedestrians and bikers. Since most cars today are big, you won’t get a headache wondering whether or not the new car you intend to buy will go through the garage opening.

The downsides of double garage doors

While you will save from having to take care of one garage door instead of two, the expenses will not necessarily be low. By definition, double garage doors are bigger and thus, heavier. You will need better garage door springs, a stronger opener and tracks. The parts will most likely cost a bit more – or the same as having to replace garage door tracks or rollers for two doors.

Another disadvantage is that you will only have one garage door. If it’s broken, you won’t have access to the garage until it’s fixed. While all garage doors are heavy, double ones are particularly heavy. When the collapse, the damage is worse – not even start to talk about accidents.

2 to 1 Garage Door Conversion

Whereas most people opt for a double garage door, some want to get rid of it. And while this – at first glance, seems easier than doing the opposite, there are still some considerations. The main one? Measuring the width of the garage to be sure it’s at least 22 ft wide.

So, what’s the process of converting one double garage door into two smaller ones?

  1. Measuring the width of the garage
  2. Selecting two single garage doors (of suitable size)
  3. Removing the double garage door
  4. Installing a central pillar to create two sections
  5. Installing the single garage doors
The advantages of single garage doors
  • garage door conversionsAn alternative if one garage door breaks down
  • Better control of indoor temps
  • Better control of your expenses/finances

Let me explain. With two garage doors, you have two entry points. In the event of one door’s failure, you still have access to the garage. And then, single garage doors are still heavy as double doors but not as heavy. The risks are minimized and so are the expenses, in terms of garage door replacement parts. With one big opening, it’s easy to lose energy. With two smaller ones, you control the indoor environment better.

The disadvantage of single garage doors

The expenses drop, theoretically. You will still have two garage doors to take care of – hence, everything is double. Two garage door openers, two remotes – you get the idea. To put it simply, all the advantages of double garage doors become the disadvantages of single garage doors – mainly related to space.

To make a sound decision, you need to focus on your garage and needs. How much space do you need? What’s the size of your vehicles? Which are your habits – ways you use the garage? Such answers will influence your decision on what to do – if you need to do it at all, anyway.