Why These Doors Are Worth Considering & How to Choose the Right Side Hinged Garage Door
Side hinged garage doors have seen a resurgence in popularity, offering homeowners a practical, stylish alternative to traditional up-and-over or sectional doors. Their outward-opening design creates more internal space, while a growing number of insulated and customisable options now place them firmly in the premium garage door category.
Whether you’re refurbishing a classic property or enhancing a modern build, choosing the right side hinged garage door can significantly impact security, comfort, and curb appeal. Here’s what you need to consider to choose the right side hinged garage door.
1. Understand the Different Material Options
Side hinged garage doors are available in a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits:
- Steel: Durable and low-maintenance, steel is ideal for security-conscious homeowners. Modern powder coatings allow for a wide range of colours and finishes.
- Timber: Perfect for period or rural homes, timber offers natural beauty but requires more upkeep to maintain its appearance and resistance to weather.
- Aluminium or Composite: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant options that still offer decent strength and insulation, especially when paired with internal foam cores.
Your choice of material should balance visual appeal, maintenance preferences, and the level of security or insulation required.
2. Decide Between Insulated and Non-Insulated Doors
One of the first questions to answer is whether you need insulated doors. If your garage is attached to your home, or if you use it as a workshop or utility area, insulation can provide thermal regulation, reduce energy costs, and improve comfort.
Key benefits of insulated side hinged garage doors:
- Better temperature control
- Quieter operation and noise reduction
- Thicker panels enhance security
On the other hand, non-insulated doors may suit detached garages or storage areas that don’t require temperature control. They are usually more budget-friendly and lighter to operate.
3. Assess Your Climate Needs
UK homeowners should pay attention to thermal efficiency. Look for doors with a low U-value – typically 1.6W/m²K or lower – if insulation is a priority. This is particularly important in colder regions or for garages used year-round.
Waterproof seals, draught-proofing, and thermal breaks can also help enhance energy efficiency and protect your garage contents from moisture damage.
4. Prioritise Security Features
Garage doors can be a vulnerable entry point for burglars, so robust security is essential. Features to look for include:
- Multipoint locking systems: These distribute force across several points of the frame.
- Reinforced hinges or concealed hinge systems: These prevent tampering from outside.
- High-quality locking handles or cylinders: These resist common lock-picking methods.
Some doors meet Secure By Design standards, a UK police initiative that promotes crime prevention through product design. These are excellent for security-conscious buyers and may even help reduce insurance premiums.
5. Match Your Home’s Architecture
One of the strengths of side hinged garage doors is their visual adaptability. Choose from:
- Door leaf styles: Georgian, modern ribbed, or traditional designs.
- Colours and finishes: From RAL colours like Steel Blue to realistic woodgrain effects.
- Window inserts: These allow natural light in while maintaining security.
- Hardware options: Upgrade handles, hinges, or opt for flush concealed systems.
Some suppliers even offer door configurators, letting you upload a photo of your property and visualise your door in different styles before purchasing.
6. Choose the Right Door Leaf Split
Side hinged garage doors usually come in 50/50 or 70/30 splits, referring to how the two door leaves are proportioned. The choice depends on how you plan to use the space:
- Equal split (50/50): Balanced look, ideal for symmetrical properties or when both sides are used frequently.
- Asymmetric split (e.g. 70/30): Great for pedestrian access with one main opening leaf.
The right configuration can enhance daily convenience and match your practical needs.
7. Set a Realistic Budget
Insulated, secure, and bespoke side hinged garage doors typically cost more upfront than basic models. However, they offer long-term value through:
- Lower energy bills
- Reduced maintenance
- Enhanced property value and kerb appeal
There are options for every budget, and many companies run seasonal promotions, with savings of up to £300 on premium models. Be sure to request a tailored quote and check for current offers.
8. Invest in Professional Installation
Even the best door can fail if poorly installed. Avoid DIY installations unless you’re experienced, especially for insulated or custom-fitted models. Professional installers ensure:
- Accurate fitting
- Secure alignment and weather sealing
- Full warranty support
Incorrect installation is one of the most common reasons doors fail prematurely or offer subpar performance.
Choose the Right Side Hinged Garage Door – Final Thoughts
Choosing the right side hinged garage door is about balancing style, functionality, and performance. By considering your climate, security needs, insulation preferences, and design tastes, you can select a door that enhances your home and delivers practical benefits for years to come.
Need expert advice or a visual preview? Get in touch with our team today for a free quote or to explore our custom design tools. Whether you’re in Norwich, King’s Lynn or beyond, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
