2024-01-05 6 min read
When it comes to garage door installation, accurate measurements are absolutely critical. A door that's too small will have gaps that compromise security and energy efficiency. A door that's too large simply won't fit. Either mistake can be costly and time-consuming to correct.
At Garage Door Belfair, we always perform our own professional measurements, but understanding the basics can help you communicate with contractors, plan renovations, or simply better understand your home's specifications.
Measure the width of the garage door opening at its widest point. Take this measurement at floor level. Standard single-car garage doors are typically 8-9 feet wide, while double-car doors are 16-18 feet wide.
Measure from the floor to the bottom of the header (the framing at the top of the opening). Standard residential doors are 7-8 feet tall, though custom heights are available.
Measure the distance from each side of the door opening to the nearest wall or obstruction. Most standard garage door systems require at least 3.75 inches of side room on each side for track installation. This space is also called "side clearance."
This is the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling or lowest obstruction (like a joist or light fixture). Standard torsion spring systems require 12-15 inches of headroom. Low-headroom hardware is available for tighter spaces but may cost extra.
Measure from the inside of the door opening to the back wall of your garage. This determines what type of opener and track system will work. Most installations require the backroom to be at least equal to the door height, plus 18 inches.
Garage openings aren't always perfectly square. Measure width at both the top and bottom of the opening, and height at both sides. If measurements differ, note the smallest dimension, this is what the door must fit through.
Use a level to check if the floor is level and if the sides of the opening are plumb (perfectly vertical). Unlevel floors or out-of-plumb openings may require additional work before installation.
Custom sizes are available for oversized vehicles, RVs, boats, and commercial applications. These typically range from 10-12 feet in height and can exceed 20 feet in width.
If your measurements don't match standard sizes, don't worry. Custom garage doors are readily available. At Garage Door Belfair, we work with manufacturers who can create doors to virtually any specification. Custom doors may take longer to order but provide a perfect fit.
While DIY measuring can give you a general idea of what you need, we always recommend having a professional confirm measurements before ordering a new door. At Garage Door Belfair, our free estimates include precise measurements by experienced technicians who know exactly what to look for.
Ready for a new garage door? Call us at 360-226-7649 to schedule your free in-home consultation and professional measurement.