If you want to take your home’s curb appeal up a notch, adding swing-out garage doors is an excellent way to do so. Not only are these types of doors aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also durable and secure.
With some basic tools and materials, building swing-out garage doors can be a simple DIY project that doesn’t have to break the bank. In this blog post, we’ll explore all the steps necessary how to build swing out garage doors that will become the envy of your neighborhood!
What Is the Difference Between an Inswing and Outswing Garage Door?
Understanding the differences between an inswing and an outswing garage door is important when considering which type of door to install. As their names suggest, the primary difference between these two types of doors lies in how they open. An inswing garage door opens inwardly towards the interior space of the garage, while an outswing garage door swings outward from the exterior of the garage.
Inswing doors are usually more secure and can provide additional protection to the items stored in your garage, while outswing doors offer more convenience when it comes to parking and entering/exiting a vehicle. Outswing doors also require less maintenance due to their lack of interior hardware components. In addition, outswing doors often provide better insulation against the elements and fewer obstructions when it comes to opening and closing.
When deciding which type of door to install, consider what your primary purpose is for the garage space. If you need extra security or are looking for greater energy efficiency, then an inswing door may be a better option.
On the other hand, if you need more convenience or prefer a cleaner look to the exterior of your garage, then an outswing door may be the way to go. Ultimately, it is important to weigh all potential benefits and drawbacks when selecting which type of garage door is best for your home.
7 Methods How to Build Swing Out Garage Doors
1. Hanging the Door
The first step in building swing-out garage doors is to hang the door. This can be done by attaching the door to a track that is mounted on the ceiling or by attaching the door directly to the frame of the opening. If the track is being used, then it should be securely fastened to the ceiling.
To hang the door, rollers are installed on both sides of the door and then connected to the track.
The rollers should be adjusted so that the door moves freely along the track while still being secure. Once the hang is complete, the door should be tested to make sure it opens and closes smoothly.
2. Installing the Tracks
Once the door is hung, the next step is to install the tracks. The tracks should be installed so that they are level and plumb. If they are not level, the door will not open and close properly. Most tracks come with pre-drilled holes in them that should be used to attach the track to the wall. Use lag screws and washers, or concrete anchors, depending on the wall material. The track should be attached in two places, at the top and bottom of each track. While attaching the track, make sure it is level and plumb.
Once the tracks are in place, install the rollers onto the door. The rollers are generally held in place by a few screws. Securely fasten the rollers to the door and make sure they are level and plumb. Then slide the door onto the track and make sure it rolls freely.
3. Attaching the Hardware
The next step is to attach the hardware to the door. This includes the hinges, handles, and locks. The hardware should be attached so that it is securely fastened to the door. The hinges should be drilled into the door frame, and the handles should also be securely fastened to the door. For added security, additional locks can be added to the door.
When attaching the hardware, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. While there is some room for adjustment, it is important to ensure that the hardware is securely attached and able to support the weight of the door.
4. Testing the Door
Once the hardware is attached, it is time to test the door. Open and close the door several times to make sure that it is functioning properly. If there are any problems, make sure to fix them before moving on to the next step. Although it may seem tedious, this step is important to ensure that your door is functioning properly. However, if the door is functioning properly and not stuck, it is time to move on to the next step.
5. Installing Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping should be installed around all four sides of the door opening. This will help to keep out drafts and moisture when the door is closed. To install the weatherstripping, use a thin bead of caulk along the door jambs and top. Then press in heavy-duty foam or rubber weatherstripping into the gap.
Make sure it is sealed securely in place to avoid any gaps. Also, make sure to replace the weatherstripping every few years to keep it in good condition. If you live in an area with extreme weather, choose a heavy-duty weatherstripping material to ensure it lasts longer.
6. Adding Insulation
If desired, insulation can be added to swing-out garage doors. This will help to keep out heat in summer and cold in winter. Insulation comes in many forms, such as foam board and batting. Choose insulation that is easy to install and appropriate for your door’s material. For metal doors, foam-board insulation can be attached directly to the interior of the door using a construction adhesive.
For wooden doors, batting may be attached with nails or staples. To ensure proper installation, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the insulation. Once the insulation is in place, the door should be re-hung and sealed before the trim is applied. This will help keep out drafts of air and pests.
7. Finishing Touches
Once everything else is complete, it is time to add any finishing touches. This may include painting or staining the door, adding trim around the edges, or installing a threshold at the bottom of the door opening.
If you have windows in the door, it is also a good idea to add weatherstripping or caulking around them to prevent any drafts from entering the garage. Finally, make sure that the door has been properly aligned and balanced before testing out its operation. With these steps, your swing-out garage doors should be fully operational!
Things to Consider When Building Swing-Out Garage Doors
1. Swinging Mechanism:
When choosing the swinging mechanism for your garage door, you should consider two main types – lightweight torsion spring or heavy-duty extension spring. Torsion springs are more lightweight and require less maintenance, but they also tend to be costlier. Extension springs provide a more durable and economical solution for heavier garage doors.
2. Hinges:
The hinges you select for your swing-out garage door should be strong enough to support the weight of the door. You’ll also want to look for hinges that provide a smooth, quiet operation and are corrosion-resistant.
3. Locking Mechanism:
The locking mechanism you choose should be secure enough to protect your household belongings, as well as any other valuable items in the garage. Consider investing in an automatic or electric lock system for added security.
4. Insulation:
Swing-out garage doors are often the most vulnerable when it comes to energy efficiency due to their construction. To help combat this, consider installing a weather seal around the edges of your door and investing in insulation for the interior of your garage. This will help reduce energy costs in both the summer and winter months.
5. Finish:
Your garage door is an important part of the exterior of your home, so you’ll want to choose a finish that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Consider opting for a high-quality paint or staining option to give your garage door a perfect look.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to build swing out garage doors, it’s time to get started! Building these doors is a great way to add extra security and style to your home.
With a little bit of planning and some elbow grease, you can have new garage doors in no time. Thanks for reading, and we hope this article was helpful!
