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How to Determine the Right Size Garage Door

How to Determine the Right Size Garage Door

When you decide it is time to replace your garage door, it is important to take specific measurements to ensure you have enough space for the door and each mechanism that makes it work. This guide will teach you how to take those measurements and determine the right size garage door.

Begin with Garage Door Measurements

The most common garage door sizes come in widths that vary from 8 feet to 18 feet. However, choosing the right garage door size is about more than simply measuring the width of the actual opening. It requires multiple measurements to ensure that your garage can fully accommodate the door you choose. Follow the steps below for the greatest accuracy.

How to Measure a Garage Door

Headroom: Headroom refers to the area that starts at the very top of the garage door opening and extends to the lowest point of your garage ceiling or lowest obstruction. The amount of room a garage door must has to move up and down when opening and closing is important.
Inside Opening: The width and height of the actual opening will determine how big the door needs to be. As you measure, do so in several spaces so that you can take note of any irregularities due to unlevel areas of flooring.
Sideroom: Different doors come with different tracks that need to be placed on the sides of the opening, so the amount of space you have will play a role in the type of door and track you need. Measure from the edge of the door opening to any wall or obstruction on both sides, taking note of the smallest size.
Room Depth: This is the space between the front and back of the garage where the garage door will roll when opened. If you have boxes, shelves, or other objects on your back wall, your measurements should only extend to those objects. Only measure to the back wall if that area is clear from any obstructions.

*View our garage door measuring guide

Consider Horsepower Options

Most garage door sizes need an opener with 1/3 to 1 horsepower, though most homes use ½ horsepower. However, the type of horsepower you need will depend specifically on the door’s size, weight, and material.

For example, a single garage door made from uninsulated steel will only require 1/3 horsepower. An insulated, double-car garage door will typically need ¾ to 1 horsepower. Larger, heavier doors usually need at least one horsepower but may require more.

Consider Drive Types

The drive type is the mechanism responsible for lifting your door, and you will need to ensure you have enough space for the drive type you choose. These mechanisms come in three basic options: chain drive, belt drive, and screw drive. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the best drive type depends on the size and weight of your door, as well as your noise preference.

Chain Drive

Chain drives are one of the most common, as they have been around for quite some time. They utilize a simple chain and trolley system to move the door. They are reliable openers, but they can be noisy, making them a better option for detached garages.

Chain drives can be utilized for single, two-car, or three-car garages. However, as chains can malfunction and even break under heavier weights, they are not always the best choice for three-car garages.

Belt Drive

A belt drive works the same as a chain drive, but two significant differences exist. It uses a polyurethane, fiberglass, or rubber belt to move the trolley, and it is a quiet option. Belt drives manage single-car garage doors with ease but can struggle under heavier garage door sizes.

Screw Drive

A screw drive uses a rotating steel rod to move the garage door. These are typically easier to maintain and can lift heavier doors more easily than other options. This makes them the best option for managing three-car garage door sizes and doors made from heavier materials.

What Size Garage Door Do I Really Need?

Choosing the right size for your needs is essential, as the wrong size will not function properly. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when choosing the best garage door size. Instead, it comes down to the precise measurements of your garage, how many cars your garage accommodates, and the drive type you need. While you can manage all the measurements and decisions yourself, it is often wise to partner with a specialist to guide you through the process.

When you are ready to purchase a new garage door, Wayne Dalton is here to help you navigate the measurements and other considerations from color to materials and ensure you get the best garage door for your space, needs, and preferences. To get assistance with garage door measurements, call the experts at Wayne Dalton today.

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