Often when choosing your perfect garage door type, its size is restricted by the space available in your garage opening. Whether it be a single or a double, it needs to fit the space. However, if you are planning on building a new garage from scratch or renovating the one you currently have, then you may have a bit more space to play with. This can make a number of sizes and designs available to you: all of which will improve the aesthetic and safety of your home and belongings.
Standard Sizes
- Single garage door sizes range anywhere between 6ft to 10ft in width and 6ft 6 to 7ft in height.
- Double garage door sizes range anywhere between 10ft 6 to 16ft in width, and 6ft 6 to 7ft in height.
Replacing Your Current Garage Door
If you are simply replacing your current garage door, the easiest method to ensure you buy the correct size to fit within the opening is to measure the existing door from the inside. We would also suggest measuring the clearance above the opening, to ensure that new tracks can be appropriately installed. This will also help to determine what types of garage doors are available to you.
What Can Affect Your Garage Door Size?
Building Regulations
Usually, the building of a garage and the installation of a garage door doesn’t require planning permission. A few instances where this may not be the case include:
- If the garage is used for commercial purposes.
- If the floor space is no more than 30 square metres you can build under permitted development, however, we would advise that you speak to your local planning department before carrying out any building work.
- The garage exceeds more than 50% of the total area of your property.
- The height of the garage exceeds 4 metres.
Garage Door Type
The type of garage door you are looking to install will be unique in its requirements for clearing and track installation, which can also differ between manufacturers, so it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the different types available to you. If you’re looking to maximise the space within your garage, especially if you have a large family vehicle, a retractable roller garage door is probably your best bet, due to it sitting flush to the ceiling when opened.
Width Of Your Garage
The width of your garage will make it so that only a certain number of garage door sizes can be installed within the opening. Some garage door types require extra space to operate seamlessly and so taking these measurements to prevent obstruction during opening and closing will ensure that the space within your garage is used efficiently.
Due to structural constraints, it can be very hard to increase the size of your garage door opening without increasing the actual size of your garage. Increasing the size of the opening to install a larger door would often require a larger clearing for the door to be retracted, ultimately decreasing the overall space inside your garage unless you increase its size. Also, the wall above the opening may become too heavy to be securely supported.
Car Size
When measuring your garage door size and type, it is so important to measure the width and height of your car to ensure that it will fit. The last thing you want to do is install a garage door that is going to take up too much space.
Number Of Cars Needed To Fit
If you have a number of cars that need to fit within your garage, then it would be wise to either opt for a double garage door or a bespoke fit, to maximise the space available for both storage and comfortable parking.
How To Measure Your Garage Door Opening
Ensuring that you have made a note of the correct measurements of your garage will ensure that you can choose from a selection of garage door sizes and types that are appropriate for the space you have available. Every type of garage door is unique in its sizing requirements and it is important for the safety and the overall feel of your home that you choose one that’s right for you. The following steps will help to ensure your garage functions as it should:
- Measure the width of your opening – the horizontal length from one side of the opening to the other.
- Measure the height of your opening – measure the height of the space from the floor to the highest point of the garage door opening, also referred to as the lintel.
- Measure the clearance of the side – measure the depth from the sidewall to the opening, from one edge to the other.
- Measure the clearance of the roof – measure the distance of the underside of the lintel to the edge of the ceiling.
If you are struggling to acquire these measurements, one of our engineers will be more than happy to assist you.
How Can Garage Door Repair Man Help You?
Choosing an appropriately sized garage door can make all the difference in how your garage operates and the space available for your belongings, which is why it is important to get it right!
At Garage Door Repair Man, our expert engineers are experienced in carrying out a variety of garage door services including repairing, fitting, servicing and converting garage doors. We offer 24-hour care, 7 days a week, because we understand how essential the operation of a garage is for day-to-day life, whether that be solely for housing your car or as a point of entry to your house. Our team are proficient in the installation or renovation of garage doors in the most cost-effective way for you and your home.
If you are looking to install a new garage door, or need a garage door repair in Leicester, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us today by calling 0800 542 7978 or if it’s an emergency, please reach an emergency engineer directly on 07957 353 228. All of your garage door needs are just a phone call away.
