If you're considering garage door replacement for your home in the North Georgia area, you'll need to figure out the exact measurements of your current setup. Starting with accurate dimensions will ensure that your new door fits perfectly and performs well.
At Balanced Garage Doors, we guide you through the selection and measurement process for a seamless installation. Whether you're looking to update your home's look or replace a damaged garage door, understanding standard sizes and how to measure your garage door is the first step.
What Are Standard Door Sizes?
Garage doors come in various standard sizes for both single and double-car garages.
Single vs. Double Garage Doors: Which Is Right for Your Home?
When deciding between single and double garage doors, it's important to consider your household's needs, your garage's layout, and even your home's curb appeal. Both options have unique advantages, and the right choice depends on how you plan to use your space.
Single Garage Doors
Single garage doors are typically available in widths of 8 or 9 feet, with a standard height of 7 feet. Some homeowners prefer singles for a few key reasons:
Flexibility: Single doors work well if you want separate access to each bay. They're also perfect for smaller vehicles, golf carts, or riding mowers.
Energy Efficiency: With two smaller openings, you may experience less heat or cold transfer when only one door is used at a time.
Redundancy: If one opener fails, the other door can still be used, offering greater reliability.
Double Garage Doors
A double garage door is commonly 16 feet wide and between 7 and 8 feet high - ideal for accommodating two vehicles side by side. Here's why many homeowners choose a double:
Open Convenience: A single large opening makes it easier to park and maneuver larger vehicles, including SUVs and trucks.
Streamlined Aesthetics: One double door often creates a bold, unified look that can complement many architectural styles.
Simplicity: Only one opener and remote to maintain, which can be a practical solution for busy families.
Cost Considerations
Budget-wise, there's often little difference between two single doors and one double door of comparable quality. Keep in mind, though, that two singles will require two separate openers. Choosing between single and double garage doors comes down to how you want your garage to function and appear - from daily convenience to long-term maintenance. Consider your vehicles, winter weather, and personal taste to make the best decision for your home. However, not all garage doors are standard, and you may need to take special measurements if your garage door comprises panels. We recommend having a professional from Balanced Garage Doors perform the measurements to ensure precision.
Standard Garage Door Thickness
As you explore standard garage door sizes, it's also important to consider the thickness of the door itself. The thickness affects not just the door's durability but also its energy efficiency - something especially relevant if your garage is connected to your home or doubles as a workspace.
Typical Residential Garage Door Thicknesses Include:
Basic steel doors: These entry-level options usually have a panel thickness around 1/8 inch. They're the most budget-friendly choice, though they offer minimal insulation.
Insulated models: For improved energy efficiency, choose a door with built-in insulation. These usually have foam insulation inserted into the panels, resulting in door thicknesses ranging from about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.
High-performance doors: For maximum insulation, look for a two-layer (or even three-layer) construction with insulation sandwiched between outer panels. These doors typically measure between 1 inch and 1½ inches thick.
Keep in mind, if you plan to heat or cool your garage, investing in a well-insulated, thicker door may help with temperature regulation and noise reduction. If your garage is just used for storage or parking, a standard non-insulated option might be sufficient for your needs.
Common Garage Door Heights
Standard garage door heights are generally 7 feet (84 inches) and 8 feet (96 inches). These doors are often divided into panels of varying heights:
- 7′ garage doors are often composed of four 21″ panels.
- 8′ garage doors often comprise two 21″ panels and three 18″ panels.
Larger garage doors require a bigger radius (the curved section of the garage door track). The structure of the panels must match the radius of the garage door track for smooth operation.
How Much Headroom Is Needed Above a Garage Door?
Headroom - the space between the top of your garage door opening and the ceiling - is essential for the door and its operating system to work properly. Most standard garage door setups need about 10 to 12 inches of headroom to accommodate the track and hardware.
If you plan to add an automatic opener, you'll want to allow an extra 3 inches above the door. Accurate headroom measurements help prevent installation headaches and ensure your new garage door operates smoothly from day one.
Common Garage Door Widths
Width is equally as important as height when it comes to garage doors. Standard widths for single-car garages range from 8 to 10 feet, while double-car garage doors typically measure 16 or 18 feet across.
Determining Proper Backroom Clearance
Beyond height and width, there's another dimension to consider: backroom. Backroom is the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of your garage. This space is essential for the door to fully retract when open and to accommodate the hardware required for installation.
As a general rule, you'll need a minimum of the door's height plus 18 inches for the backroom. For example, a 7-foot-tall door will typically require at least 8½ feet of backroom to operate smoothly. Keep in mind, if you plan to install an automatic opener, you might need additional space to ensure everything functions properly.
Always double-check that there's sufficient clearance for both the door and any opener mechanism to move freely when the door is in both the open and closed positions. Proper spacing here prevents installation hiccups down the road and keeps your garage door running smoothly for years to come.
Garage Door Thickness & Insulation: What Matters?
Now that you've got a handle on garage door widths and heights, let's talk about another important factor: thickness - and, closely related, insulation. Both play a big role in how your garage door performs, especially if your garage doubles as a workshop, storage space, or simply needs to keep North Georgia's seasonal weather at bay.
Pros and Cons of Different Thicknesses
Thinner, Non-Insulated Garage Doors
Pros: Lightweight, typically the most affordable option, and easy for manual operation.
Cons: Offer little to no insulation, so they're best suited for garages not connected to your home or those used strictly for parking.
Single-Layer Insulated Doors
Pros: A step up in terms of energy efficiency compared to non-insulated doors. Usually feature a thin layer of foam insulation, helping cut down on drafts and mild temperature swings.
Cons: While they do provide some insulation, the protection is pretty minimal - better than nothing if you occasionally store temperature-sensitive items.
Double-Layer, Well-Insulated Doors
Pros: These have insulation sandwiched between two sturdy panels, commonly providing thicknesses from 1" to 1-1/2". Great thermal efficiency keeps your garage cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Also, they tend to be quieter during operation and are better at reducing outside noise.
Cons: Generally cost more upfront, and the increased thickness adds weight, which may require a stronger opener.
Choosing The Right Option
If your garage is attached to the house or you use it for more than just your car, investing in thicker, insulated panels pays off in comfort and energy savings. Detached garages that double as workshops or home gyms also benefit from better insulation.
On the other hand, if your garage rarely needs to stay warm or cool and price is your top concern, a thinner, non-insulated steel door is a practical choice. For those in-between, a single-layer insulated option might be just right.
Both your needs and Georgia's changing weather are worth considering. With a range of options in hand, you can land on the thickness and insulation that are just right for your space.
Garage Door Thickness, Insulation & Energy Efficiency
When choosing a new garage door, thickness plays a key role in determining its insulation capabilities and overall energy efficiency. A thicker garage door generally provides better thermal protection, helping to keep your garage - and even adjacent rooms - more comfortable throughout the year.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Thin, Non-Insulated Doors: Basic steel garage doors tend to be the thinnest available. While cost-effective, they provide little resistance to temperature fluctuations and offer minimal sound dampening.
Moderately Insulated Doors: If energy efficiency is a concern, consider doors with insulated cores. Many standard insulated models have a layer of foam insulation (usually polystyrene or polyurethane) ranging from ¼ inch to ½ inch thick, set inside the panels. This helps create a moderate barrier against heat and cold.
Highly Insulated Doors: For the best energy efficiency, look for garage doors with double or even triple-layer construction, where insulating material up to 1½ inches thick is sandwiched between steel or composite panels. These models offer significant improvements in both energy savings and noise reduction, making them ideal for garages attached to living spaces or frequently used as workshops.
Ultimately, the right thickness (and level of insulation) depends on your climate, how you use your garage, and your energy-saving goals. Taking these factors into account will help you choose a garage door that works for your home and your budget.
Do You Need an Insulated Garage Door?
Once you've narrowed down your door size, it's time to think about insulation. Not every garage needs an insulated door, but your decision should be guided by how you use your space. If your garage is attached to your house, doubles as a workshop, or you store temperature-sensitive items, insulation can help maintain a more consistent interior temperature and reduce noise. It's also a valuable feature for energy efficiency, especially during Georgia's hot summers and chilly winters.
On the other hand, if your garage is detached and used mostly for parking vehicles or basic storage, a non-insulated door may be more cost-effective. Take into account your comfort needs, local climate, and budget when weighing this option - there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
How To Measure Your Garage Door
Measuring your garage door is straightforward but requires attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls like uneven floors or sagging headers. Start by measuring the width from one side of the opening to the other, measuring from the inside of the jam boards. For the height, measure from the floor to the bottom of the horizontal jam board at the top of the opening.
How Much Side Room Do You Need?
Next, check the side room - the space available on either side of your garage door opening. This space is essential, as your door's tracks and hardware will need enough clearance to function properly.
In most cases, you'll need at least 3 ¾ inches of side room on both the left and right sides for standard vertical track systems with torsion springs or other hardware. However, some setups, especially those with heavier doors or special track systems, may require up to 5 ½ inches per side. Be sure to measure carefully and account for any pipes, shelving, or obstacles that could interfere with the installation.
Remember, small discrepancies in floor level or header positioning can affect your measurements, so consider these factors when determining the final size.
Understanding and Measuring the Rough Opening
The term "rough opening" refers to the framed, unfinished space in your wall where the garage door will be installed. Getting precise measurements here is crucial for a snug, functional fit.
To measure the rough opening:
Measure the Width: Stand inside your garage and measure the distance between the inside edges of the framing (jam boards) at the widest point, from left to right. For best results, take the measurement at both the top and bottom, and use the most narrow width if there's any variation.
Measure the Height: Next, measure from the finished floor up to the underside of the framing at the top of the opening (often called the header). Do this in the center as well as at both sides - it's common for garage floors or headers to have slight discrepancies. Use the shortest height to ensure your new door will fit properly.
Keep in mind, it's wise to allow for a small margin - typically about an inch on each side - when installing insulation or weatherstripping down the road. This attention to detail helps ensure your new garage door operates smoothly and seals up tightly, no matter what North Georgia weather sends your way.
Schedule Garage Door Services Today
Garage doors aren't always standard, so it's best to have an experienced professional measure your door and guide you in choosing a replacement. Understanding the nuances of sizing garage doors can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone.
Balanced Garage Doors offers free in-home estimates to accurately measure your garage door and provide options that meet your needs and budget. You don't have to settle for guesswork; trust your garage door replacement to the pros.
