Your Guide to Operable Walls for Your Garage

Have you ever looked at your garage and wondered how many amazing things you could do with all that extra space? Operable wall systems could be the ideal upgrade you’ve been looking for. You can build a temporary room in your garage using operable walls.

Operable walls are comprised of panels and act as the perfect room divider. Operable walls are unique among partition wall types. They’re practical, attractive and adaptable. Read on for everything you need to know about operable wall partitions.

What Is an Operable Wall?

An operable wall is a type of room divider preferred for easy assembly, sustainability and noise management. A system of individual panels makes up an operable wall. The panels can be used separately from one another but form an uninterrupted barrier when joined together. Operable walls are sturdy and provide permanent or temporary home additions.

Operable walls are easy to operate and maneuverable. There’s no need for a floor track, as the panels are often installed from the ceiling, but there’s the option for floor tracks if needed. Most operable wall systems have seals on the panels, so they provide an uninterrupted barrier once you’ve locked them into place.

How Can You Use an Operable Wall in Your Garage?

Operable walls allow you to make better use of the space in your garage. A garage partition wall can present many possibilities for using that extra space. You can build a temporary room in your garage and use it as an office, bedroom, recreational space or gym. The options are endless.

Installing operable wall partitions takes the permanence out of making an upgrade to your garage. Instead of calling in a crew of contractors and building a wall, you have a temporary option that will last as long as you need it. Operable wall systems give you extra room in your home, so let your imagination run wild.

What’s the Difference Between an Operable Wall and a Partition?

Both operable walls and partitions provide an opportunity to utilize your garage space better, but there are some differences between the two. Operable walls allow you greater flexibility in using your area, as you can keep an operable wall open or closed as you wish. Folding partitions are great if you’re looking for something less movable.

Types of Operable Walls

Operable walls come in several finishes, including metal, wood, veneer, glass and recycled materials. To find the best option for you, consider how much sound protection you’ll need for your garage, whether you’ll change the layout often or if want the light to pass through.

• Wood: For a more natural finish, operable wooden walls are a good choice. They add a rustic element to the overall aesthetics. When closed, they help with noise cancellation and provide room occupants privacy. 
• Glass: Glass options allow natural light through and offer a crisp look with various opportunities to augment the glass and add finishes, including aluminum and wood. 
• Metal: Consider metal options such as steel for added security, noise control and durability. Metal provides users with more permanence and can be decorated in many color combinations.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Operable Wall For Your Garage

You know you want to create a new room in your garage and have an idea of the different partition wall types available. Now, how do you choose? To get some more clarity, consider the following:

• Understand your budget: It helps to have an idea of what you’re willing to spend before you start. Some options will cost more than others, so you’ll want to clearly outline what you can afford.
• Think about how often you’ll want to move things around: If you plan on changing your space often, you should look at easy reconfiguring options. A once-off installation for a more specific purpose can be heavier and more permanent.
• Focus on sustainability: Operable wall systems are considered environmentally friendly, but if sustainability is especially important to you, consider those made from recycled materials.
• Consider the surface that fits best: Depending on what you plan to do with your space, certain surfaces of the room divider will work best.
• Remember the technology: You may need to run cabling through the wall system, depending on where the plug points are in your home.
• Consider privacy needs: How much privacy will you require in your space? Would opaque glass or recycled material do the trick? On the other hand, privacy might not be an issue at all.
• Achieve your aesthetic: When upgrading your garage space, you want it to look as goo as it functions. Choose the wall options that look best with your home’s design so your aesthetic flows throughout your house.
• Anticipate noise: The amount of glazing you choose depends on the amount of noise you want to avoid. Single-glazed doors are lighter, but they let more noise in. Double glazing gives you more options and cancels out some sound.
• Think about storage: When you want to remove your operable door system, consider how easy it’ll be to store the walls and where you’d keep them.

Benefits of Having an Operable Wall in Your Garage

Whatever you’d like to use the new room for, having a demountable partition wall system will improve your space. Aside from having a brand new room to use in whatever way you please, some of the other benefits of having an operable wall in your garage include the following:

• Practicality: There’s no need to make significant structural changes to enjoy a new space in your garage. Operable wall partitions are easy to move around. You can create a unique space in less time with less hassle and open it up as needed.
• Visual appeal: You can turn your garage into a space with spectacular interior design. No one will recognize your garage by the time you’re finished.
• Space management: Operable walls allow you to manage your space more effectively. Wasted space is a thing of the past, as you can partition the room and put every inch of your garage to good use.
• Cost-efficiency: You can add a new room to your garage without having to undergo construction, which can be costly.
• Adaptability: You can change things around as you need to with operable walls. If you don’t want to use the space as an office anymore, you might want to open it up for some indoor gardening, for example.
• Privacy: More than a simple room divider, operable garage walls can lower the noise level inside, making it perfect for a home office or other quiet area. You can also choose options that don’t allow anyone to look in while you’re busy.

How Do You Install an Operable Wall?

Installing an operable wall system is straightforward. The panels attach with simple attachment joints. Once you’ve lined the panels up correctly, the joints should clip into one another with ease. Then, you must connect the panels to something to complete the installation, which is most often the wall.

Installation methods will differ if you’re using hanging or wall-attached operable door panels. If you’d like to install hanging doors, you must drill the railing into the ceiling, then attach the doors. Should you be working on a wall-attached unit, take a look at these step-by-step instructions:

1. Identify the wall mount side.
2. Attach the top wall bracket.
3. Install the bottom wall bracket.
4. Lift the first panel into position.
5. Attach the first panel to both wall brackets.
6. Attach the rest of the panels, aside from the last one, to each other accordingly.
7. Position the end panel perpendicularly.
8. Attach the end panel.
9. Open and close the wall.

How Do You Open and Close an Operable Wall?

Operable partitions are designed to open and close. Before opening or closing any panels, ensure the area is clear of any equipment that could damage the panels. When you’re not using your operable wall panels, you can store them in a stack or cupboard. Starting from there, move your panels into position using the following steps:

1. Pull the first panel toward you.
2. Move one panel at a time.
3. Ensure all panels are straight.
4. Set all the seals correctly.
5. Reverse the process to close.

How Do You Uninstall an Operable Wall?

One of the best things about demountable partition wall systems is they can be temporary if needed. Uninstalling them is a simple process. Ensure you’ve removed all electrical cables and other hazards before you start. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Remove the trim.
2. Score the seams if working with drywall.
3. Unscrew the attachments.
4. Remove the panels.
5. Remove the wall mounts.
6. Remove the anchor panel. 
7. Store the wall.

How Do You Maintain an Operable Wall?

Like any other structure, your operable wall system needs maintenance. Keeping it well-maintained gives it a longer life span, improves acoustic performance and keeps everything safe around the room. The best way to keep your wall system operating is to schedule professionals to perform routine maintenance on the system.

Some general guidelines for operable wall maintenance are as follows:

• Check the track system: Every six months, ensure the track system is level and the joints are aligned. Check for wear and tear, as you may need to replace them. Clean the inside flange of the track with a simple cleaner.
• Inspect the carriers: You may need to make adjustments every six months. Make sure the jamb or lock nut is still screwed in tight and the carriers are adjusted to the correct height.
• Go over the panels: Check your panels once a year for smoothness, working seals and damage to the trim or panel material. Clean all the rubber and vinyl parts with standard household cleaning products and some warm water.
• Clean all surfaces: At least every six months, clean all the surfaces and attachments and remove any dust or buildup. Use standard household cleaning products as needed.

If you’re uncertain about anything maintenance-related, consult a professional to ensure the longevity of your system.

Signs Your Operable Wall Needs Attention

Taking immediate action as soon as you see signs of wear and tear on your operable wall system can increase its longevity and effectiveness. Some of the signs that indicate your system needs attention include the following:

• Increased noise levels: If you notice more noise is making its way through the seals, they may need replacing. Check that all the panels are straight and everything is in place. If everything looks good and noise is still coming through, call a professional to come and inspect your seals.
• Difficulty moving the panel: Panels should move effortlessly along the tracks. If things get sticky and the track is clear, you may need to replace some parts.
• Sticky hinges: If you need to shake things around to open a partition, the hinges may be bent or broken.
• Unusual noises: A strange scraping or grating noise when you move the panels along the track is a sign there could be a problem. Check the track for debris. If there isn’t any, your wall needs attention. Try not to move the panels until a professional has checked them.
• Ripped or stained panels: Dirty panels may still operate perfectly, but they do detract from the aesthetic and should be replaced.
• Drag in the panels: There could be something wrong with the ceiling track if the panels are dragging when you try and move them.
• Bent or broken parts: If parts are visibly damaged, they can cause issues in your whole system. It’s best to replace them as soon as possible.
• Seals don’t set: If they’re no longer set, they could require replacements. Check that the panels are straight and try the seal a couple of times. If they’re still not set, call a professional.
• Lack of movement: Address panels that aren’t moving along the track as soon as possible. There are several reasons this could be happening. Don’t force the panel along the track — have a professional check it instead.

Learn More About Operable Wall Systems With Continental Door

If you’re in the greater Spokane area and interested in installing an operable wall in your garage, let Continental Door guide you through the process. You can trust our expertise — we’ve been at the forefront of commercial and residential garage door services for over 15 years and carry quality brands such as Clopay, Linear and LiftMaster, to name a few.

Browse through our movable wall options and find the best fit for your new and improved garage area. Feel free to contact us to learn more about what Continental Door can do for you.