A lot of people wonder if garages have to have a side door. They might not see the purpose of having one and think that it’s just an extra expense.
It can be confusing trying to figure out what kind of garage you need and whether or not you need a side door.
There are so many factors to consider, like the size of your car, the weather in your area, and how much storage space you need.
Having a side door in your garage is not a requirement according to the International Residential Code. The main purpose of side doors is to provide extra access to the garage from the outside and can be extremely beneficial.
When you are considering adding a garage to your home, one of the questions you will have to answer is whether or not it needs a side door.
This is an important question because it can affect the functionality and usability of your garage.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of having a side door in your garage, as well as some of the things you need to consider before making a decision.
We researched several websites, spoke to garage door experts, and consulted the International Residential Code to find the answer to this question so that you can make an informed decision for your home.
Do Garages Have to Have a Side Door?
Most homes have a garage with a traditional rolling door. This type of door is opened manually or with an automatic opener.
The main purpose of the garage door is to provide access to the garage and to park vehicles inside. In some cases, people use their garages for storage or as a workshop.
In these cases, having a side door can be helpful so that you don’t have to open the main garage door every time you need to go in or out.
However, according to the International Residential Code (IRC), a side door is not required. The IRC is the basis for most building codes in the United States.
So, while a side door is not required by code, you may want to consider adding one for the benefits it provides.
So, if you’re wondering, “do garages need to have a side door?” the answer is no, they don’t.
That doesn’t mean that having a side door isn’t a good idea. In fact, there are several benefits to having a side door in your garage.
Benefits Of Having a Garage Side Door
There are a few benefits of having a side door on your garage, such as:
Convenience
Many homeowners choose to have a side door installed on their garage for the sake of convenience.
They offer a level of convenience that traditional overhead doors simply can’t match.
After all, it is much easier to load and unload items from a vehicle when there is a door located on the side of the garage.
In addition, a side door can provide easy access to the yard, making it simpler to move lawn equipment in and out as needed.
Moreover, having a side door can be a real boon during a power outage, as it provides an alternate means of exiting the garage if the main door becomes unusable.
For all these reasons and more, it’s easy to see why many homeowners opt for a side door in their garage.
Security
Many people choose to have a side door installed in their garage for security purposes. If your garage is located in an area where there is a lot of foot traffic, then a side door can help to deter people from entering your garage.
Side doors are usually equipped with locks, which can make it more difficult for burglars to break into your home.
In addition, side doors are often made of solid materials such as wood or metal, which can make them more difficult to kick in.
As a result, having a side door in your garage can give you an extra layer of protection against intruders.
Privacy
Having a side door in your garage can provide you with an extra level of privacy.
If you have a roll-up garage door, then the side door can be used to enter and exit the garage without having to open the main door.
This can be helpful if you don’t want to disturb the neighbors or if you want to keep your car out of sight.
In addition, a side door can also be used as a secondary entrance to the house.
If the main entrance is blocked or if there is an emergency, then the side door can be used as an alternate way to get into the house.
Saves Energy
When it comes to saving energy, there are many things that you can do to help keep your home running efficiently.
One often-overlooked but essential strategy for minimizing energy use is installing a side door on your garage.
This type of door is relatively simple to install and allows you to easily transition between using the car in your garage and going straight into your home.
What’s more, having a side door in place helps you to avoid wasting time and effort by walking all the way around your house every time you need something from the garage.
In addition, using the side door as the primary entrance can also help to reduce wear and tear on your garage door opener.
As a result, having a side door in your garage can save you money on your energy bills and extend the life of your garage door opener.
Things To Consider Before Installing A Side Door On Your Garage
There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when you are deciding whether or not your garage needs a side door.
The first is the size of your garage. If you have a small garage, then it is likely that you will not need a side door.
However, if you have a large garage, then a side door can be very useful.
It can provide you with easier access to your car, and it can also give you more storage space.
The second thing to consider is the location of your garage. If your garage is located in an area where there is a lot of foot traffic, then a side door can be very beneficial.
It can provide easy access for people who want to use your garage as a storage space, and it can also allow you to get in and out of your garage without having to go through your house.
The third thing to consider is the type of garage door you have. If you have a traditional garage door, then a side door is not likely to be very useful.
However, if you have a roll-up garage door, then a side door can be very helpful. It can provide you with easier access to your car, and it can also give you more storage space.
Summing Up If You Need a Side Door For Your Garage
While building codes don’t require you to install a side door for your garage, they can be very beneficial. They can give added privacy and also help save on energy for the home.
If you decide to add a side door to your garage, make sure to consult a professional!