Choosing the Right Garage Door in Modern Families
While many people look at the curb appeal of their garage door, its size and style can also be a deciding factor in your family’s day-to-day life. In terms of convenience, security, and even energy efficiency, the right (or wrong) garage door can affect parking and storage, your family’s budgets and stress levels, and overall property value.
At Legacy Garage Doors, we’ve seen firsthand which garage door options are right for local families with our decades of transparent, hands-on work in Toronto and the GTA. Let our team be your guide in the details, comparisons, and key factors to think about when choosing between single or double garage doors for your home.
The Basics: Single vs Double Garage Doors Defined
- Single Garage Door: One door, usually 8-10 feet wide, that is often installed as two adjacent doors across a double garage opening.
- Double Garage Door: One door, usually 16 feet wide, that covers the entire opening for two vehicles.
There are variations to these definitions, of course. You can also have custom garage door sizes and styles (like insulated and smart garage door opener replacements) to work for your family.
Benefits of Single Garage Doors
1. Independent Access
Separate doors on each side of a garage mean each vehicle has its own entry. This can make life easier for a busy household, as one car can be opened or closed without disturbing the other.
2. Energy Efficiency
Smaller openings mean less of a temperature drop when the garage is opened, helping keep your garage (and adjacent rooms) more comfortable.
3. Redundancy and Flexibility
In the event one opener or door is broken, you can still use the other. This could be a critical option for both emergency and everyday use.
4. Cheaper to Repair Individually
Repairs are usually smaller, localized, and only require one side of the opening to be serviced or fixed. This could make general maintenance and garage door repair Toronto more affordable for families.
Benefits of Double Garage Doors
1. Spacious, Unobstructed Entry
Double garage doors offer a wide, unobstructed opening that is easier for larger vehicles (SUVs, vans) or a family with bikes, strollers, sports equipment, etc. Cleaning or shoveling snow is faster, too.
2. Clean Curb Appeal
Single doors usually have a center post or beam in the middle. A double door has a clean, uninterrupted expanse of material, giving your home a more modern appearance that can match your style.
3. More Efficient Mechanism
Only one opener system is needed for the full width of the garage, which could save ceiling or wall space for storage, shelving, or décor.
4. Ideal for Large Projects
Families who host parties, DIY, or even have home-based wood shops or hobbies will appreciate the larger opening for moving large equipment or staging setups.
Key Factors to Consider
- Feature Single Garage Door Double Garage Door
- Width of Opening Typically 8-10 ft wide Typically 16 ft wide
- Vehicles Accommodated 1 per door 2 or more (width dependent)
- Insulation & Energy Efficiency Less heat loss/smaller opening More heat loss/larger opening
- Repair Frequency or Areas Isolated/both at once Isolated (smaller section) Larger single area
- Opener System(s) 1 per door 1 combined system for both sides
- Style & Aesthetic Options Classic/Twin-style doors Seamless, modern appearance
- Redundancy or Backups (two openers, two doors) Yes No
- Upfront costs Lower individual price tag Potentially higher costs upfront
- Maintenance Slightly higher (two doors) Slightly higher (for one large door)
Security & Technology: Essential Aspects for Modern Families
Both options can include the following (think: smart garage door opener replacement):
- Remote or smart openers, safety sensors, and phone apps: Remote operation and monitoring are quick and easy to integrate for double or single garage doors.
- Safety features: Motion detection, auto-reversing features, and other security measures are available for single and double doors.
- Emergency access: Need a 24/7 garage door repair Toronto service? Legacy Garage Doors provides full emergency garage door service GTA to make sure your family isn’t locked out in an emergency at any time.
Common Questions & Scenarios
Is one option better for families with small children or older relatives?
Single doors may be better for lighter, more manageable operation and double access, but a new, automatic opener can make modern double garage doors just as accessible and safe for all family members.
Do double garage doors cost more for repairs?
Potentially, if something goes wrong with the larger assembly. If one side of a single garage door fails, the other is unaffected (and can usually be opened manually).
What about extreme temperatures or bad weather?
Single doors have a smaller wind resistance area, while a wider double door can be braced for inclement Toronto weather. Upgrades like weatherproofing or insulation are an option with both.
How can Legacy Garage Doors Help?
We specialize in:
- Consultations: Helping you find the right door size, material, and smart garage door opener replacement for your household.
- Professional installation: Done right and safely the first time, so your family can enjoy smooth operation for years.
- Garage door repair Toronto: Dependable service, even if you need a same-day repair.
- Emergency service: We’re available 24/7/365 in the GTA, because we know families need security.
- Upgrades: Insulation, opener technology, new hardware, and more.
Make the Best Choice for Your Family-Get Started!
Picking between single or double garage doors may seem trivial or aesthetic, but the right garage door can make family life easier and your home more enjoyable and valuable. Not to mention, few things are worse than a difficult or broken garage door in Toronto real estate.
Get a smarter garage solution for your household. Contact Legacy Garage Doors for a free estimate or appointment today. We do expert installation and repairs in the GTA all year long, even on short notice!
