A close-up shot capturing a measuring tape stretched across the width of a garage door, highlighting the precise measurement process for accurate door sizing.

How To Measure A Garage Door: A Comprehensive Guide

ByHulya Aksu Updated on

If you’re looking to replace or install a new garage door, one of the first steps is accurately measuring the opening so you can get a door that fits. Getting the right measurements is crucial for proper installation and operation.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to measure your garage door opening correctly.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Use a tape measure to measure the height and width of the garage door opening and write down the measurements. For accuracy, measure at 3 different points and use the smallest measurements.

Also measure the backroom, which is the space behind and above the opening.

Measure the Opening Height

Measure at 3 Points

When measuring the opening height of your garage door, it is important to take accurate measurements. Start by measuring at three different points: the left side, the middle, and the right side of the opening.

This will help you get a more accurate measurement, as sometimes the opening may not be perfectly level or straight. By measuring at multiple points, you can ensure that you have a precise measurement.

Use the Smallest Measurement

After measuring at three points, you may notice that the measurements vary slightly. In this case, it is recommended to use the smallest measurement as the basis for your garage door’s height. This is because using the smallest measurement ensures that your garage door will fit properly, even if there are any slight variations in the opening’s height.

It’s always better to have a garage door that is slightly smaller than the opening, rather than one that is too big and doesn’t fit properly.

For more detailed instructions and visuals on how to measure the opening height of a garage door, you can visit Garage Living’s blog post which provides a comprehensive guide on this topic.

Measure the Opening Width

Measure at 3 Points Across the Top

When measuring the width of a garage door opening, it’s important to get an accurate measurement to ensure a proper fit. Start by measuring at three points across the top of the opening: the left side, the center, and the right side.

Use a tape measure and make sure it is level to get an accurate reading. This will help you identify any variations in the width of the opening.

Use the Smallest Measurement

Once you have measured at three points across the top, it’s important to use the smallest measurement as the width of the garage door opening. This ensures that the door will fit properly and open and close smoothly.

If there are any obstructions or unevenness in the opening, using the smallest measurement will help you avoid any potential problems.

Remember, when measuring your garage door opening, accuracy is key. It’s always a good idea to double-check your measurements to ensure they are correct before making any decisions or purchases.

For more detailed information on how to measure a garage door opening, you can visit www.garagedoorprosontario.ca for a comprehensive guide. They provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure you get the most accurate measurements for your garage door.

Measure the Backroom

Measure Above the Top of the Opening

When measuring the backroom of your garage door, it is important to start by measuring the space above the top of the opening. This measurement will help you determine how much space is available for the garage door to roll up and down.

To measure the backroom above the top of the opening, simply measure the distance from the top of the opening to the ceiling. Make sure to account for any obstructions such as light fixtures or shelves that may reduce the available space.

Measure Behind the Opening

In addition to measuring above the top of the opening, it is also crucial to measure the space behind the opening. This measurement is important because it will determine how much space is available for the garage door hardware, such as the tracks and springs.

To measure behind the opening, measure the distance from the back of the opening to the nearest obstruction, such as a wall or the end of the garage. This measurement will ensure that the garage door can fully open and close without any hindrances.

It is recommended to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek professional assistance when measuring the backroom of your garage door. They will provide you with accurate measurements and ensure that your garage door fits perfectly in your space.

Measure Old Door (If Replacing)

If you are replacing an existing garage door, it is important to take accurate measurements to ensure that your new door will fit properly. Here are the steps to measure your old door:

Measure Height and Width

The first step is to measure the height and width of your old garage door. Use a tape measure to measure from the floor to the top of the door opening for the height, and from one side of the opening to the other for the width.

Be sure to measure at multiple points to account for any variations in the opening.

Pro tip: It’s always a good idea to measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the door opening, as well as on both sides, to ensure accuracy.

Note Other Measurements

In addition to the height and width, there are a few other measurements you should take note of when measuring your old garage door:

  1. Headroom: Measure the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling. This measurement is important to ensure that there is enough space for the tracks and the door to fully open and close.
  2. Backroom: Measure the distance from the back edge of the opening to the nearest obstruction, such as a wall or a beam. This measurement is important to ensure that there is enough space for the door to fully retract when opened.
  3. Sideroom: Measure the distance from each side of the door opening to the nearest wall or obstruction. This measurement is important to ensure that there is enough space for the tracks and the door to operate smoothly.

By accurately measuring your old garage door and taking note of these additional measurements, you can ensure that your new door will fit properly and function smoothly. If you are unsure about any aspect of the measuring process, it is always best to consult a professional garage door installer for guidance.

Consider Door and Track Type

When it comes to measuring a garage door, one of the first things to consider is the type of door and track you have. This will help determine the proper measurements needed for installation or replacement.

Standard vs Custom Sized

The majority of residential garage doors come in standard sizes, which are typically 8 feet by 7 feet, 9 feet by 7 feet, or 16 feet by 7 feet. These sizes are designed to fit most standard garages and provide a good balance between functionality and aesthetics.

However, if you have a non-standard garage opening or have specific requirements, you may need to consider a custom-sized garage door. Custom-sized doors are made to order and can be tailored to fit your unique needs.

Keep in mind that custom-sized doors may come at a higher cost and may take longer to manufacture and install.

Track Type: Standard, Low Headroom, etc.

Another important factor to consider when measuring a garage door is the type of track it uses. The track is responsible for guiding the door as it opens and closes, so it’s crucial to choose the right track type for your specific garage setup.

Standard track systems are the most common and are designed for garages with ample headroom. These tracks provide a smooth and reliable operation for most residential garage doors.

However, if you have limited headroom in your garage, you may need to opt for a low headroom track system. These tracks are specially designed to accommodate garages with low ceilings or limited space above the opening.

They allow the door to slide closer to the ceiling, maximizing the available space.

For garages with high ceilings or vertical lift requirements, a vertical lift track system may be necessary. This type of track allows the door to lift straight up, following the contour of the ceiling, before rolling back horizontally along the tracks.

It’s important to consult with a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the appropriate track type for your garage door.

Conclusion

Accurately measuring your garage door opening is a crucial first step to a successful installation. Take precise measurements at multiple points and use the smallest measurements for the opening height and width. Don’t forget to measure the backroom space as well.

If replacing a door, take measurements of the old door too. Use these measurements to find a properly sized replacement door and hardware for your particular garage. With the right prep work and measurements, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth garage door project.

Hulya Aksu is the founder and editor-in-chief of Posh Seven Magazine, the leading lifestyle publication serving the affluent suburbs of Washington D.C. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Hulya moved to the United States to pursue her passion for fashion. She worked for major fashion houses before recognizing a need for a magazine that spoke to successful women in D.C.'s prestigious neighborhoods.

In 2007, Hulya launched Posh Seven Magazine from her home while on maternity leave. The magazine quickly gained an avid following for its insider's perspective on upscale living in communities like McLean, Potomac, and Bethesda.

Over the past 15 years, Hulya has built Posh Seven into a multimedia brand with print, digital, social media, and experiential components. Her visionary leadership and hyper-local approach has made Posh Seven a go-to resource for over 100,000 readers.

As founder and editor-in-chief, Hulya lends the magazine her impeccable taste and insights into luxury living. She resides with her family in Ashburn, Virginia where the Posh Seven headquarters are located. Hulya is deeply committed to serving the vibrant community of successful women who call D.C.'s affluent suburbs home.

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