Planning to upgrade or install a new garage door? The task begins with selecting the appropriate overhead door size that harmonizes with your home’s architecture. You need to find a balance between aesthetic and you functional needs. Contrary to popular belief, sizes of garage doors are not universal. And you don’t want to get a size that is too small, only to scrape your car on the side.
What’s the Average Size of a Garage Door?
For a garage that’s 9 to 10 feet wide and 18 to 20 feet long, most garage doors are 8 feet wide. You’ll need to be sure that size is adequate for the size of car you drive. If you drive a large SUV, a Hummer, or need to park a Semi truck, you should consider a bigger door and larger garage.
Single or Double Door?
Next, you’ll need to decide if you will be installing a single door or a double door? This depends on the size of your garage and the number of cars you need to store.
A single door is about 8 feet wide. A double door is around 15 or 16 feet wide.
If you’re remodeling or building a single car garage, a single garage door should be sufficient. For larger garages, you’ll need to decide if you are better off with a double garage door or going with two singles. It’s really up to you. This can affect the appearance of your garage door. And of course, a double door will require two garage door openers, including different remotes to control each.
Some people find one large double door to be convenient. Others prefer to have the choice of two. What are you looking for out of your garage door? Will you be using both sides for car storage?
Size Mishaps Can Lead to A Bad Looking Garage
Opting for a door that’s too small might result in vehicular mishaps, leading to car damage or restricted entry and exit space. An excessively large door might overpower the garage façade or create installation challenges. Finding a balance can be difficult but it can be achieved professional help.
What Size of Garage Will You Have?
Naturally the size of your garage door is affected by the sizes of your interior. Some states will require you to build to certain dimensions. For example, here in Rancho Cordova, garages are required to have an interior dimension of 10 by 20 feet.
Make sure you have adequate room to access all areas of your vehicle to get in and out. You may also want to keep storage space in mind or perhaps leave room for recreational or maintenance projects.
Professional Consultation and Door Installation is a Must
Hiring a professional garage door installer can offer invaluable insights into choosing the ideal size. They’ll work to ensure a seamless fit that complements your home’s aesthetics and functionality. Accurate measurements and a thorough assessment of space constraints are important. It’s a few simple steps that can help you avoid costly problems.