Overhead vs Swing vs slab pitch

[PeakXV]

Hi Folks,

Got a new garage up and there's a bit of an issue with the doors(8' x 7'). The pitch on the floor is 1/2" per 10ft and was wondering if swinging wooden doors will be compromised or have life shortened in anyway with the pitch and by associated ice, snow buildup or temperature fluctuations etc. The builders are say that either(overhead or swinging) will work fine & long but thought I would run it by those with extra experience, first. Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[kbs2244]

In snow country I would avoid anything that makes you need to remove snow before being able to open the doors.
That means something that go up or sideways.
If you want something other than sectional, overhead doors do some you-tube searches on “hanger doors.”
The airplane guys need big easy to open doors.

 

[Rrumbler]

Overhead - either roll up or sectional; anything else would likely be problematic.

 

[PeakXV]

Okay thanks folks! The slightly niggly issue is that I wanted the swinging doors initially but then the slab pitch was (somehow) implemented/authorized and then, accordingly, the cost of the (more recommended) overhead doors then put the quote over budget by $1000.00+. The money is not really an issue and the swinging doors are fine (and at no extra cost) but there is a slight principle here, and if slab pitch is not a long term (or short term) detriment to them as they are telling me - then I will go with them. However, if they are susceptible to fraying, grinding (layman's terms) ... then I will pay the $1000.00+ and go with the overheads!

 

[kbs2244]

Are you talking about the doors swinging into the building?

 

[NUTTSGT]

The shed on the backside of my garage has a 4' swinging door. I had to kick the snow and ice away so I could get in there an hour ago. There's no way in hell I would want swinging doors on my garage when a standard size O/H door will work nicely.

 

[sublimate]

The money is not really an issue and the swinging doors are fine (and at no extra cost) but there is a slight principle here, and if slab pitch is not a long term (or short term) detriment to them as they are telling me - then I will go with them. However, if they are susceptible to fraying, grinding (layman's terms) ... then I will pay the $1000.00+ and go with the overheads!

I'm not seeing what the slab pitch has to do with the doors?

I put swinging doors on mine and love them. No tracks or anything above on the ceiling, and they seal perfectly. They're also insulated and don't have any of the gaps like you have with a sectional or rollup.

 

[PeakXV]

I'm not seeing what the slab pitch has to do with the doors?

I put swinging doors on mine and love them. No tracks or anything above on the ceiling, and they seal perfectly. They're also insulated and don't have any of the gaps like you have with a sectional or rollup.

That was my question. I have no experience with it and was asking those with experience if there were any issues with the pitch very swinging doors that, yes, swing in. Your answer is that the pitch will not interfere with the doors swinging inwards, regardless of what temperature fluctuations or ice build up on the bottom might do over time. That's what I was looking for - thank you!

 

[boobag]

go overhead. they're out of the way when open.

and if you went with swinging, why would you open them towards inside? that kills your floor space for putting things.

 

[skcj213]

That was my question. I have no experience with it and was asking those with experience if there were any issues with the pitch very swinging doors that, yes, swing in. Your answer is that the pitch will not interfere with the doors swinging inwards, regardless of what temperature fluctuations or ice build up on the bottom might do over time. That's what I was looking for - thank you!

If your door swing inward then, yes, the pitch will be an issue. You say the pitch is 1/2" in 10'. For your 8' wide opening your doors will be roughly 4' wide. That means that 4' inside your garage the floor will be not quite 1/4" higher. You will either have to make the doors a little short leaving a ~3/8" gap when they are closed or have some sort of flexible sweep on the door that will be able to close the gap and still give enough to allow you to open the door.

I don't think I have ever seen a swinging garage door open inward. It uses up valuable space where can't park your car or store anything.

 

[PeakXV]

go overhead. they're out of the way when open.

and if you went with swinging, why would you open them towards inside? that kills your floor space for putting things.

It's a valid question. I think though that the undulation/pitch in the winter on the outside and with ice & snow on gravel may well exceed any issue with the 1/2" /10ft on the inside. Also, if snow drifts up against the door - how quickly can I get out in an emergency on outward swinging doors that need to be shoveled/cleared as opposed to inward swing doors where you just open it and gun her!

 

[HammerMechanic]

There is no possible reason I could see where I would want a door opening in.

 

[PeakXV]

If your door swing inward then, yes, the pitch will be an issue. You say the pitch is 1/2" in 10'. For your 8' wide opening your doors will be roughly 4' wide. That means that 4' inside your garage the floor will be not quite 1/4" higher. You will either have to make the doors a little short leaving a ~3/8" gap when they are closed or have some sort of flexible sweep on the door that will be able to close the gap and still give enough to allow you to open the door.

I don't think I have ever seen a swinging garage door open inward. It uses up valuable space where can't park your car or store anything.

The original garage had these and they worked fine. They were hinged in the middle of each side and folded back nicely after opening. Little space was lost. I was used to them and decided to go back with them. But the slab pitch raised the floor and thus the question. Like your solution to the flex bottom and associated math though. Thanks very much!