Adding a man door (or pedestrian door) to your garage door can provide a range of advantages that can enhance the safety, security, convenience, and functionality of your garage and garage door. In this article, we will explore these advantages in more detail.

1. Emergency access: One of the most significant advantages of having a pedestrian door built-in to your garage door is the alternative entry or exit route in case of an emergency. This is particularly important in garages where the entry point is through the garage door only. In the event of a sudden breakage or if the garage door suddenly won’t open during an emergency, having a pedestrian door can save lives by providing a safe and quick exit point.

2. Theft prevention and increased privacy: A garage door with a pedestrian door can provide an additional layer of privacy. This is especially important in areas with a high risk of theft, vandalism, or other security threats. When you use the garage door to access the garage, your belongings are left exposed for everyone to see, which can make it easier for burglars to target valuable items and plan a theft. A pedestrian door provides a more secure and efficient entry point, keeping the inside of your garage less visible to outside threats.

3. Breakage prevention: Garage doors are subject to wear and tear over time due to their constant use. This wear and tear can cause overhead door systems, springs, rollers and bearings to malfunction or break down, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Using a pedestrian door when possible can help reduce wear and tear on the garage door’s mechanisms, extend the garage door lifespan overall, improve its performance, and save money on repairs and replacements.

Where to buy a garage door with a pedestrian door

Not all garage door companies sell and install garage doors with a built-in pedestrian door. You first may want to check if the garage door repair company that you’re planning to use is licensed and authorized to sell garage doors and custom equipment, you can start by reviewing their license and permits to see if they include the necessary authorizations.

You can also ask the contractor directly about their experience and qualifications in selling garage doors with a built-in pedestrian door, as well as any relevant licenses or certifications they hold. Additionally, you can research the applicable laws and regulations in your state or locality to ensure that the contractor is in compliance with all requirements for selling the equipment.

Before you buy

Buying a garage door with a built-in pedestrian door involves several steps to ensure that you are getting the right garage door for your needs. Here are the general steps you can follow:

1. Determine the location and opening direction of the pedestrian door: If you store items inside the garage or park your cars inside, a pedestrian door that opens inside the garage probably won’t be the best choice sense the door might get blocked.

2. Lock preference: A built-in pedestrian door comes with a standard deadbolt. Replacing the standard lock with a smart door lock offers several benefits that can enhance functionality and convenience. By replacing a standard lock with a smart door lock, or by making your garage door smart, you can enhance your garage security, increase convenience, and have greater control over who enters and exits your garage.

Garage doors with a pedestrian door increase functionality beyond just providing an additional easy access point to your garage. They offer improved security, as well as help prevent unneeded wear and tear on the garage door and its components. By following these steps, you can ensure that you get the right garage door which fits your needs. You may want to purchase the door from a licensed garage door company with the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and experience to ensure that the project is completed safely, efficiently, and to code.