How to Measure for a New Garage Door
Not every garage door will fit your garage perfectly. If you’ve bought a new garage door, it’s important that you measure your garage correctly so that the new door will fit properly. And, if you skip this critical step… You might make a costly mistake.
Don’t let this be you!
The experts at Garage Door Repair Service can help you understand how to measure for a new garage door so that you can make sure it fits perfectly into your space.
Step One: Gather Necessary Tools
To make sure your garage door fits properly, you’ll need to measure it. Your local hardware store should be able to sell you everything you need for this task. You’ll want a tape measurer (to measure) and some chalk or a colored pencil so that you can mark where each side of the door should go.
Likewise, you’ll also want a level so that you can make sure the door is perfectly straight before you install it. Some houses, over time, can settle and might change the shape of your garage opening, which can complicate newer installations.
Step Two: Measure Your Garage Door Openings
The second step to measuring for a new garage door is… Well, actually measuring! If you have a standard-sized door and it’s not too old, it should have some information on the side that explains what those measurements are. If not, here’s how to figure them out:
To begin, you’ll need to measure the width and height. The garage’s dimensions is the same size as your new garage door. While that’s relatively simple, there are a few more necessities beneath.
Step Three: Necessary Side Room
You’ll need just a little more room for a garage door installation to be workable in your home. This is the ‘squeeze’ area for you to store something other than just your car– perhaps a couple bikes, or a few gardening supplies. If you’re not sure how much room you need, it’s best to measure your garage door and go from there. Ideally, the distance between each side of the opening is at least 1/3 of the width of your new garage door.
Step Four: Measure Headroom
Most garage doors are 8-feet high, but some newer models can be as tall as 12 feet. If you have a low ceiling, it’s best to measure before purchasing a new garage door so that you can ensure there’s enough space for it to fit comfortably above your head when opened or closed. You’ll also want to make sure that any windows or other fixtures in the room aren’t obstructed by this measurement.
Check with your local building code to ensure you’re compliant with any height restrictions.
Step Five: The Backroom
If you’re installing a new garage door, you’ll need to measure the space between the back of your car and the wall. This will help ensure that there’s enough room for your cars to fit inside once the new door is installed.
If you’re planning on parking two vehicles in your garage, be sure to measure both widths of each vehicle separately so that they fit comfortably without bumping into each other or running out of space before reaching their respective walls.
Then finally, if this all seems a bit much for you to figure out, we’re here to help! Look no further than Straight Up Doors to simplify all your installation needs.
