How to add doors into the space of current roller door?

[hanspet]

Hi,

I am trying to redesign our garage, which currently is all cluttered with crap we don't need. I want to turn it into a workshop of sorts, but would like to add some windows and light to the place. Are there any options to install some simple doors without having to remove the current rolling door. I just want to roll the door up and place the new doors. Is this possible? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @hanspet,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Sounds like a great idea that I'd love to see develop into a plan and then a finished project.

Do you have any photos of the garage opening that you can share? Let me know if you need assistance with this. I'm happy to help if required.

You wouldn't be making major structural changes to the opening, but you should still reach out to your local council to see if building approval is required. I imagine if the door rolls up and is completely clear of the opening, you will be able to install a wall with windows and a door fairly easily.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag whose award-winning Formal entrance created using single car garage project is similar to what you are trying to achieve.

Depending on circumstances, the sequence of jobs will be as follows. 

A timber stud frame is created, windows are installed, the external is clad and weatherproofed, insulation is installed, the inside is sheeted with plasterboard then plastered, and finally finish carpentry and painting. There is a bit to it, so the assistance of a carpenter might be something you'd like to explore.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Jewelleryrescue and @TedBear for their thoughts and ideas.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[hanspet]

Thanks a lot for your reply. It sounds like a great plan, but also one outside of my budget. I’m really just looking of a simple ready built  put yourself kind of thing, that can be placed in front of the rolling door, as there is a space there were a door could fit. See picture. 

part of the reason of keeping it simple is that this is a rental house, so we can’t really built anything. I’m looking for some door you can just place there without having to drill or anything. 

Any ideas?

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @hanspet,

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of a product that you could use to add windows and a door to the opening without being able to drill into anything.

Something like bistro blinds might be an option, but without being able to mount them to anything it would be tricky.

Hopefully, the others have some ideas and will respond shortly.

Jacob

[hanspet]

I’m hoping to find something that works on the same principle of the doggy doors you sell, which are just placed and secured on pressure. My idea is something you ca place in front of the rolling door, and we could open the rolling door when using the garage.

[JacobZ]

Hi @hanspet,

It certainly sounds like an interesting idea.

The issue is we're dealing with an opening that is much larger than a doggy door that will have much larger forces exerted on it by things like wind and rain. Creating enough pressure to resist these forces would be tricky and in the event of a major weather event, potentially dangerous.

Closing the garage door during weather events could reduce this risk, but not completely erase it. Removing and reinstalling your temporary wall afterwards is certainly recommended.

These Gorilla 155-290cm PIHER Adjustable Multi-Props and Gorilla 1.98-3.35m Galvanised Formwork Props work on the same principle of creating friction through expansion. 

Using three of these props with a length of framing pine across the top of the opening to mount bistro blinds on could be a good option.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[hanspet]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks a lot for taking the time to look into this challenge.

The proposed idea to build the frame seems very reasonable. The only question is whether the bistro blinds will fit within the structure once built, as they don’t seems to be adjustable.

are all these materials at Bunnings? I might start buying the gorilla props and the wood and see how that looks. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @hanspet,

Please keep in mind that this is not a standard way of installing Bistro Blinds, so I can't guarantee its effectiveness, however, it is the best way I can see of creating a temporary structure like you are describing without drilling into your rental property.

They are not adjustable, but with multiple blinds and a combination of Bistro Blinds 10 x 240cm Clear Outdoor Bistro Blind Zip Joiners and Bistro Blinds 5 x 240cm Clear Outdoor Blind Extenders you can make most widths.

Yes, all of these materials are available at Bunnings.
 

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @hanspet 

If what your wanting to achieve is to roll the door up and in front be another wall with a door and a window in it then following the suggestions on how to build one by @JacobZ would be your solution. 

I wouldn’t expect any permit would be required as really what your constructing is standalone and has no structural bearing on the garage itself. 

Nailbag

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @hanspet 

@JacobZ   idea of bistro  style blinds is  about the  best option of  creating a work space. and the closed  roller door at night is you security.

Plus there are several options for bistro  blinds extentions etc.

I learnt  from @JacobZ    never looked into  bistro  stuff before.