How to Measure for Garage Doors

Before you even start shopping around for garage doors, you want to ensure you have the proper size of garage door you need. Fortunately, and with the right approach, measuring your garage door can be a quick and easy process. Failing to measure for your garage door may result in unnecessary expenses so you want to ensure you get it right. That’s why it’s important to learn how to measure for garage doors.

How to Measure for Garage Doors

This article outlines a step-by-step process on how to measure for garage doors. You also learn about the tools you need to measure the door.

Steps for Measuring Your Garage Door

Before you start the measuring process, you need to be prepared with a few basic materials. You’ll need a step ladder to easily access all areas, a tape measure to get the actual measurements and a pen and paper for recording purposes. You should also learn about garage door safety tips to ensure that no complications will arise while you’re measuring your garage door.

Now you’re ready to actually measure the garage door.

• Start by measuring the door’s width. To get an accurate measurement, it’s important to record the width at its widest point. You will measure from the center of the right side of the finished opening all the way to the left side. You can record measurements in feet and inches. Stretching the tape all the way across by yourself can be a tough process, so either use a digital tape measure or ask someone to help you.
• Once you’ve measured the width, your next step is to measure the height in feet and inches as well. The trick is to measure the highest possible point. Confirm that the top of the finished opening as well as the floor is level then measure from the floor of the garage door to the top of the finished opening.
• Now it’s time to determine the distance between the ends of the garage and the door opening. Measure the width from the opening on either side to the garage door end on that side. You’ll need up to 3.75 inches on each side where the vertical track will be installed. If you opt for a double garage door, then you’ll need a center post at least 10 inches wide.
• At this stage, you’re almost done with the process. Next, measure the distance from the top of the ceiling to the top of the door opening. This is where the stepladder will come in handy. This area is referred to as the headroom and it’s important because this is where the garage door will need to roll up on tracks.
• Finally, you’ll need to measure the distance between the back of the garage to the garage door opening. This is referred to as the backroom. It’s crucial because the garage door will retract in the backroom when open.

Bottom Line

Knowing how to measure for garage doors is crucial especially if you’re installing a garage door for the first time. With the step by step process above you should have an easy time getting the right measurements. If you’re not sure about the measuring or installation process, always seek expert help from a professional garage installer.