The Undeniable Benefits of Pedestrian Doors in Garage Spaces

For many homeowners, a pedestrian door, sometimes called a walk-through garage door or a man door, is the perfect addition to their homes. Not only are walk-through doors convenient and functional, but they are also aesthetically pleasing and serve numerous other purposes. If you’re considering adding a pedestrian door to your garage but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, consider these well-known benefits. 

What is a Pedestrian Door?

A pedestrian door or walk-through garage door is a smaller door that allows you to get into your garage without having to open and close the main overhead door. They have become trendy in recent years because homeowners have learned just how valuable they can be in various situations. 

The Many Types of Walk-Through Doors

There are three main options when you choose to add a pedestrian door to your garage: a complimentary door, integrated door, or wicket door. All these types serve similar purposes, but they differ based on where they’re located in your garage or on the door itself. 

A complimentary door is a second door in addition to your overhead garage door. You can add it to any garage wall that faces the outdoors. Complimentary doors are usually aesthetically pleasing, but they take up more space in your garage. 

An integrated door is a walk-through door that is part of the frame of your overhead garage door. You can still use it without raising the main garage door, but it doesn’t take up any extra wall space. However, some people do not like the way it looks as it breaks up the symmetry of your garage door, and if your overhead door breaks, it may need additional maintenance. 

A wicket door is a special type of pedestrian door that is built directly into the main overhead door itself. These can only be installed on custom garage doors, and it’s a process that our woodworkers at CAMBEK have perfected over the years. We build wicket doors that operate as a door within a door, giving you the flexibility to access your garage space how you want, when you want. 

What are the Advantages of Adding a Pedestrian Door to My Garage?

No matter the type of walk-through door you choose, having access to one provides you with many advantages. First, they’re highly functional and very convenient. If your garage door is the only entrance and exit from your garage, raising and lowering it every time you want to step outside is both time-consuming and uses a lot of energy. Also, the wear and tear from constantly opening and closing your garage door can shorten its lifespan or lead to expensive maintenance and repairs. 

Safety is another reason to consider adding a walk-through door. In the case of an emergency, having to wait for your garage door to open can be detrimental. With a pedestrian door, you can simply step outside like you would through any other door in your home. And because many garage doors operate on electricity, you never have to worry about getting outside of your garage during a power outage. 

Walk-through doors can also protect your privacy. Do you keep something valuable in your garage like an old car, a boat, a motorcycle, or a big entertainment system? Every time you open your overhead garage door, you expose your personal belongings to anyone who walks or drives by your house, which can attract thieves. Having access to a pedestrian door is ideal for your privacy and security. 

These types of doors are especially convenient if you have a home or property that doesn’t have much space for other entrances and exits. They’re also convenient for basement garages, particularly if you don’t have another entrance to your basement. 

Finally, walk-through doors can help you save on energy costs. Your garage door, when open, is the largest opening in your home. This means that there’s a substantial amount of energy lost through heated or cooled air. When using a walk-through door, you can easily go in and out without losing a ton of energy in the process. 

Is There Anything Else to Consider?

Anytime you add a custom garage door to your space, there are a few other things to consider. For example, you may want to make sure you have enough space to add a door that is wheelchair accessible. That means it should be at least 35 inches wide. This is especially important if you don’t have any other accessible doors to your home. 

Looking to add a pedestrian door to your home? You’ve come to the right place. We can help you build a custom garage door that incorporates a walk-through that is right for you! Get in touch with us for a free design consultation today.

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