Why the side door deserves attention
Garage side doors are often the oldest door on the property and the least secure. Timber doors in a garage are exposed to damp on both faces, so they swell in winter, shrink in summer and gradually stop meeting the lock. Because the garage frequently holds bikes, tools and garden equipment, a weak side door is worth taking seriously.
If the garage connects to the house, the door also affects how warm and draught-free the adjoining rooms feel. Where the garage is being converted rather than kept, see our garage conversions page instead.
uPVC garage side doors
A garage side door in uPVC is a practical, low-maintenance choice. It does not need painting, it resists damp and it can be fitted with multi-point locking, so the door is secured at several points along the frame rather than only at the latch.
Glazed, half-glazed and solid panel styles are available. A solid panel keeps the contents of the garage out of view, while a glazed top lets daylight into a garage that has no window. Our uPVC doors page covers the wider range.
Composite and matching options
If the side door is visible from the front of the house, a composite door can be matched in style and colour to the main entrance. That keeps the elevation consistent, especially where the side door sits beside the front door or on a driveway that visitors use.
See our composite doors page for styles, or compare the options for a back door if the garage door leads straight onto the garden.
Fitting into an existing opening
Garage openings are not always standard sizes, and older brickwork can be out of square. Each opening is measured individually so the new frame fits properly and the threshold sits at the right height to keep water out.
Check which way you want the door to open before choosing. Inward or outward opening, and which side the hinges sit on, affect how easily you can bring a bike or mower through, and whether the open door blocks a path.
Getting a quote
Fairway Window Systems Ltd offers a free home survey and a written quote, with a 10-year guarantee, and we beat any like-for-like quote. If you are also replacing the main garage door, mention it at the survey so both doors can be considered together.
Call 02920 860894 or use the form on this page and we will arrange a visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for a garage side door?
uPVC is a practical, low-maintenance choice, while composite suits a door visible from the front of the house. We talk through both at survey.
Can a garage side door have glass?
Yes. Fully glazed, half-glazed and solid panel styles are available. Glazing lets daylight in, while a solid panel keeps the contents out of view.
Will a new door fit my existing garage opening?
Each opening is measured individually, so the door is made to suit it. Out-of-square brickwork is checked at survey.
Can you replace the garage door at the same time?
Mention it at the survey and both doors can be considered together, so styles and colours work across the front of the house.