Building a Home Garages/Workshops Design Dilemma

1, 2, or 3 layer garage door--who to believe?

4 years ago

New build. Attached garage is unheated we live outside of Boston, ie, it's cold here. Garage leads to mudroom on main floor off kitchen.

Builder uses 1 layer Clopay Gallery garage doors. He says he uses crappy garage doors and great openers because the openers are more important.

We went to look at an Amarr door (like the style better) and the sales rep told us he "wouldn't sell us" a 1-layer door because it's too crappy. He said to go with the 3 layer.

So, yet again I find myself in the position of who to believe. Sales guy or builder? Or neither?

Thanks!!!!

Featured Answer

Cheryl Smith

4 years ago

For the minor price difference I would always go for an insulated door even if the space itself isn't. It is a one time cost and you may someday decide to insulate, Sheetrock and paint your garage. It would help with heating costs since it is attached to the house. It is amazing how nice and bright just painting a garage walls white makes it. I would also get windows in the door. I would much rather have natural light anywhere over having to turn on a light. Yes it's added cost but just once... do it right the first time.

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Comments (12)

daisiesandbutterflies
4 years ago
I'm a little familiar with Boston winters, and I would go for the heavier door. Both guys admit that the one layer is "crappy", so I'd believe them. You do need a good garage door opener as well.
Seabornman
4 years ago
I went with an insulated door on my garage just because it's quieter. The third layer on that door was a thin vinyl that is easy to damage but it's held up well in 3 years. Cost difference wasn't much for 3 doors.
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Anglophilia
4 years ago
Does no one use wood garage doors anymore? I have the original for my house - they are 70 years old. If the previous owner hadn't done multiple coats of cheap paint, they'd look better, but a couple of years ago I had my grandson do a lot of sanding and filling and they still look pretty good.
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BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
Get a Clopay door and insulate it after the fact. The kits are inexpensive.

And if you ever need a garage door part you can go to the local big box store. Also Clopay is the company known to keep their panel designs over the years, so that if you get a dent, you can replace the panel without replacing the door. Not so with Amarr.
Lindsey_CA
4 years ago
If you insulate your door "after the fact," be aware that the insulation will add weight to the door, and the door springs and automatic door opener may not be able to handle the additional weight. Therefore, plan accordingly.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
Insulate after the fact means styrofoam panels.............10lbs
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PRO
Jeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
4 years ago
There's a door for every budget. Insulated are quieter. Wood doors, require maintenance or you'll be sadly replacing them.

I always get belt drive chamberlain openers unless the door is heavy and requires a chain. The direct drives are nice, but more.
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just_janni
4 years ago
Get the better door - if you spend any time in the garage. (and the better door opener too - it's not like it's "either / or")
0
mike_kaiser_gw
4 years ago
If budget allows, go for the 3 layer door. Besides being more rigid, you don’t have to worry about the insulation being damaged. If you are DIY inclined, a single layer and do the insulation yourself.

IMHO a mid-level GDO is fine for most people. If you want something quieter, then belt drive. There’s really no need to spend more money unless you have some need for a battery backup or WiFi connectivity.
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Mystic Pools, LLC
4 years ago
I just replaced my detached garage wood door with a Pella door from Lowes non-insulated. Cost was the factor as I have future plans of tearing down the old garage and building new.

I purchased a replacement opener, Chamberlain 3/4 HP, from Home Depot-very happy with it.

I put 1" insulation board on the open panels not really for insulating but to make the door quiet when opening and windy days rattling the door. Minimal weight added to standard 7'x8' door.

Took a couple of days with one of my employees for the install. We had to make to make a few mods in the garage to make it work. All good.

For your application I would use the insulated door since the garage is attached to the house. I would definitely insulate the garage while your contractor is there.

Your better off paying for a better set up now than changing later.

I go through the same thing with own clients and they are happy spending the additional funds when all said and done.
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deb s
4 years ago
also get the side mount opener not the center drive (old style) its quieter and if you have tall ceilings you can use the space above the door for storage
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1, 2, or 3 layer garage door--who to believe?

Cheryl Smith

Comments (12)

daisiesandbutterflies

Seabornman

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