Same-Day Free Estimates with 30-Minute Arrival Windows for Collin and Dallas County areas Since 1977.

November 14, 2018

1 Big Garage Door or 2 Smaller Doors?

 

The economy is booming and new-construction homes are becoming commonplace. Homeowners who build their own homes have many choices to make. One of these decisions includes: Should the garage have two single-size garage doors or one two-car door?

While this may sound like a simple question, the answer can be complicated. If you’re building a new construction home and trying to decide whether or to build a garage with one big door or two smaller doors, here’s what you need to think about.

Accessibility

Having one large entryway into your garage rather than two smaller entryways makes parking in the garage easier. This is especially true if you own an extra-large vehicle, like a big truck. Big vehicles can be a tight squeeze through small doorways. One large entryway is also more convenient if you own three very small cars that you hope to fit inside the garage side by side.

However, there is one way in which accessibility is improved by installing two small garage doors over one big garage door. When a two-car garage door breaks down, you may not be able to get any cars into or out of the garage. In a garage with two single doors, both doors operate on different systems. One door will remain operational even if the other door is broken.

Maintenance

Double the doors can mean double the maintenance. Each door must be tuned up separately, which can mean two tune-up charges every year.

However, even if a two-car door requires less maintenance than two single-size doors, two-car garage doors are much heavier. The wear and tear on a system for a two-car garage door can be extensive, which may lead to greater repair costs.

In addition, if the garage door is damaged by impact from a car or another moving vehicle, a two-car garage door may be more costly to repair or replace than a small garage door.

Installation Costs

Installation costs vary from one garage door to the next, depending on factors such as the size, insulation level, and materials used. Homeowners who want to save as much money as possible on their garage door installation should be aware of two important differences between the purchase of one two-car versus two single-size doors:

In other words, installing two doors can be more costly than installing one door. If you’re a homeowner on a budget and yet you believe that two single doors is a better option for you than one two-car door, you may need to shop around to find something that fits in your budget.

Temperature Control and Insulation

Temperature control and efficiency are very important for many modern homeowners. More often than not, modern homeowners insulate their garage to help control the temperature inside their house. As soon as a two-car door opens, the inside of the garage is filled with air from the outside. If the temperature outside is cold, the inside of the garage becomes cold.

The best way to control the temperature inside the garage is to install two single-size doors and open them separately as needed. Although air from the outside will make its way into the garage with only one single-size door open, the limited exposure between the inside and outside will help control the temperature in the garage slightly more effectively than a two-car.

Privacy

If you’re a homeowner who wants to load your garage with boxes and personal belongings, a single-size garage door will limit the visibility into your garage from the street. You’ll be able to hide anything valuable or unattractive that you want to keep out of the view of your neighbors and any strangers passing by. A two-car door opens up your entire garage to the street every time you open the door, even if you only use one side of the garage for a car.

Now that you have more information about single-size versus two-car garage doors, putting all of this information together can be a challenge. If you’re trying to decide which size and type of door is right for you, contact a garage door installation expert in your area. Get some quotes to see what will fit in your budget. Your door installation company can help you pick the right door or set of doors based on your budget, lifestyle, habits, and other preferences.

If you have more questions about new garage doors in the Dallas, Texas area,  contact Plano Overhead Garage Door . We’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you information that can help.

< Older Post

 Newer Post >

Share this article

Recent Posts

How to Identify Common Residential Garage Door Repair Needs

February 23, 2026
Garage doors are among the biggest moving parts in your home. When something goes wrong, it can disrupt your entire day and pose safety hazards. Homeowners searching for residential garage door repair in Dallas, TX , often notice problems during harsh weather changes or after years of everyday use. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we want to help you spot issues early and keep your garage door working safely and smoothly. Common Signs Your Garage Door Needs Attention Knowing when residential garage door repair is needed can save money and prevent accidents. Some warning signs are easy to spot once you know what to look for. If your door makes loud noises, sticks, or doesn’t open and close easily, repairs are likely needed. Unusual sounds like grinding or squeaking often mean that residential garage door repair is required for parts such as rollers, springs, or hinges. Doors that wobble or move unevenly may be off track. These and similar signs all suggest it’s time for a careful inspection. Broken Springs: A Frequent Problem Springs do the heavy lifting in residential garage door repair. They help your door open and close smoothly. Over time, Texas heat and humidity make springs break down faster. If your garage door feels very heavy or won’t open, a broken spring may be the cause. Trying to fix springs without proper tools can be dangerous. A snapped spring can cause serious injuries. It’s best to contact a pro who understands residential garage door repair and can replace springs safely. Off-Track Doors and Their Dangers Bent or blocked tracks easily lead to doors coming off track. A door that leaves its track won’t move right and could collapse. Hot Dallas summers cause metal tracks to expand, making the problem worse. If you notice your door is crooked or stuck, residential garage door repair is needed. Don’t try to force the door, as this risks further damage and injury. Opener Problems and Sensor Issues Garage door openers make modern life easier but often need repairs. When the remote or wall button stops working, or the motor grinds but the door doesn’t move, you may have an opener problem. Sensors play a crucial safety role in residential garage door repair. Texas storms or high humidity can affect sensor alignment. If the door won’t close or reverses unexpectedly, check for dirty or misaligned sensors. Professional help ensures correct repair and keeps your family safe. The Impact of Texas Weather Dallas weather is tough on garage doors. High heat, fast temperature swings, heavy rain, and storms all speed up wear. Metal parts rust faster, springs lose tension, and wooden doors swell or crack. These conditions increase the need for residential garage door repair and regular inspection. As the weather changes, inspect your garage door for signs of damage or excess noise. Routine checks and early maintenance help avoid bigger repairs. DIY Risks: Why Professional Help Matters Watching online videos might make residential garage door repair seem easy, but it’s often unsafe. Springs, cables, and heavy doors involve serious risks. Homeowners without special tools or training could cause more damage or get hurt. Hiring a licensed expert ensures garage door repair is done safely and correctly. Professional work prevents later breakdowns and extends your door’s life. How Timely Repairs Save Money Small problems become expensive if ignored. Fixing minor track issues or replacing a worn roller is much cheaper than installing a whole new garage door. Routine care and residential garage door repair protect your equipment and keep things running easily. A trusted professional catches small issues early, often before you even notice a problem. This proactive approach limits downtime and prevents your day from being disrupted by unexpected garage door failures. By addressing problems quickly, you save money and avoid sudden, costly emergencies that could impact your home and family. Choose Local Expertise for Peace of Mind Dallas homeowners benefit from working with local professionals for residential garage door repair. A trusted provider understands Texas conditions and knows how to fix problems unique to this area. Experts use the right parts and offer dependable service. Using a local company also ensures a fast response when emergencies happen, giving you peace of mind during stressful situations. Local professionals are familiar with Dallas neighborhoods, so they can arrive quickly and address your concerns without delay. Good customer support and expert repair help keep your home secure, and having someone nearby makes future maintenance and follow-up even more convenient. Get Reliable Garage Door Solutions in Dallas! For fast, safe, and affordable garage door repair in Dallas, TX, call on professionals who care about your family’s safety. Plano Overhead Garage Door has years of experience with residential garage door repair and offers local expertise Dallas homeowners can trust. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a disaster. Contact us today and protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind!
Brick garage with white garage door and concrete driveway.

Four Stylish Garage Door Designs Perfect for Garage Door Installation in Murphy, TX

December 3, 2025
Plano Overhead Garage Door provides expert garage door installation services for Murphy, TX. Call 972-422-1695 for custom designs and quality services.
Hand in red sleeve using remote to open a white garage door.

Top Signs You Need Residential Garage Door Repair in Murphy, TX

December 2, 2025
Residential garage door repair in Murphy, TX, made simple. Call Plano Overhead Garage Door today at 972-422-1695 for fast service.