When you think of a garage and how you gain access to it, then you think of the garage door, right? People often overlook pedestrian doors, the other crucial access point to a garage. These doors are fitted on the pedestrian side of the garage, so around to the side of the building, or alongside the garage door where a person would enter rather than a vehicle. They are very important as access points, so why are they overlooked, and what do you need to know about them?

Garage doors are a major access and entry point in the home and they are also one of the biggest doors you are likely to own, so from that point of view, it is not surprising that they are the most commonly considered type of door in a property. For lots of people though, a car is not actually parked inside the garage, meaning that the main garage door is not the most practical or logical access point. Even if you do store your car in your garage, you will probably use it for a whole host of other reasons too, such as storing furniture, keeping large items safe, working out, housing a fridge freezer, storing tools and garden equipment such as a lawnmower, and much, much more. For this reason, a pedestrian door is also an important access point.

A pedestrian door can in many ways be more convenient than a garage door. Many garages will have one, and if not, then they may have the remnants of an older one. When considering how you are going to use your garage, access is a key part of these considerations; think about ease of access, how you use your garage on a daily basis, how often you store a vehicle inside it, and many other factors that are integral to your day to day use of your home and the outdoor areas.

What should you think about if you are going to install a pedestrian door for your garage?

• Is there already a door in place? And if there is are you happy with its location. Installing a new pedestrian door is an opportunity to change its location if you prefer. Consider how and when you access your garage and if there would be a more beneficial access point for you.
• Is the door secure? A pedestrian door will be more accessible for you but it will also be more accessible for anybody trying to gain entry to your garage. Garages are often the target of break ins and as such, security is a primary concern. Any pedestrian door that you install should be highly secure.
• How energy efficient and strong is the door? Choose a material like steel, timber, GRP or aluminium for a door that will perform well in all situations. These materials are strong and resilient, and they will also provide very good barriers against ice, snow and other harsh weather conditions. They are thermally efficient, something that is important if a garage is adjoining your home.