JWR,
I am finally getting to build a house out on my retreat property. First st on the agenda is the 25′ x 40′ steel storage building that will give us secure storage for materials, etc., and then I will build a garage/shop. The issue that has us stumped is how to harden the garage door against someone being able to “work” at getting in while we are away at work all day. A chainsaw would chew right thru the normal fiber board panels and no one is close enough to notice the noise. So far we have thought of fixing “U” stakes (the stamped cheap replacement for “T” fence posts) to the inside of the door panels, and concrete reinforcement wire mesh. The concerns are the weight/ability to be able to lift the door after hardening. There will be no lock on the door from the outside, since we will lock through the roller tracks from the inside. Any other/better ideas?
OBTW, we are using insulated concrete forms for the house – 2.5″ of form, 8″ of concrete, 2.5″ of form, drywall. The siding on the outside will be about 2″ of cultured stone – I think that will make for pretty tough walls. – D.A.B.
JWR Replies: I have experience with steel garage and shop doors, but not wood or fiberboard doors. So what you are asking is beyond my expertise. I think it is time to poll the audience. Comments, folks?