How to Properly Measure for a New Garage Door (Without Accidentally Ordering a Doghouse)
Let’s face it—garage doors aren’t exactly the sexiest home upgrade. But here’s the thing: a perfectly measured garage door is like a good haircut. You only notice it when it’s bad. Ever tried squeezing your car into a garage that’s a few inches too narrow? Or worse, dealt with a noisy garage door that sounds like a metal band rehearsing at 6 a.m.? Yeah, we’ve been there too. At Garage Door Pitt, we’ve seen it all—from broken springs that turn your door into a seesaw to garage door track repair jobs that could’ve been avoided with better measurements. So grab your tape measure (and maybe a coffee), because we’re about to walk you through measuring for a new garage door like a pro.
Why Bother Measuring Correctly? Spoiler: It’s Cheaper Than Guessing
Look, we get it. Measuring seems like the boring part. You’d rather skip to picking out sleek new designs or debating automatic garage door opener installation features. But here’s the cold, hard truth: measure wrong, pay double. Order a door that’s too big? Congrats, you’ve got a very expensive sculpture. Too small? Hello, gaps that let in Pittsburgh’s finest winter drafts.
Plus, if you’re replacing an old door, factors like a shifted garage door or a broken spring can throw off your numbers. And trust us—nobody wants to explain to their spouse why the “quick DIY project” turned into a call for emergency garage door repair.
Tools You’ll Need (No, a Pizza Box Ruler Won’t Cut It)
Before we dive in, let’s keep it simple. You’ll need:
- A steel tape measure (cloth tapes stretch—ask us how we know).
- A ladder (because eyeballing from the ground is how garage door reverses become a thing).
- A notepad or your phone (to jot down numbers—your memory isn’t as reliable as you think).
- A level (for checking if your door is shifted or just looks crooked).
FYI, if you’re missing any of these, maybe just call us. We’re near me in Pittsburgh and Bethel Park, and we’ll bring the tools and the expertise.
Step-by-Step: Measuring Your Garage Door Like You Mean It
1. Measure the Width
Stand inside your garage and measure the horizontal opening from left to right. Do this at the top, middle, and bottom. Why? Because old doors can sag or warp, especially if they’ve survived a few Steelers seasons. Write down the smallest measurement—this is your width.
Pro Tip: If your door is shifted, use the level to check for unevenness. A wonky frame might mean you need garage door track repair before installing anything new.
2. Measure the Height
Measure vertically from the floor to the top of the opening. Again, check multiple spots (left, center, right). If your floor is uneven—common in older Pittsburgh homes—use the shortest measurement.
3. Measure the Side Room
This is the space between the door opening and the nearest wall. You’ll need at least 3.5 inches on each side for track brackets. Less than that? You might need a custom track or a pro like Garage Door Pitt to work some magic.
4. Measure the Headroom
Headroom is the space between the top of the door opening and the ceiling. Standard doors need 10-12 inches, but if you’re upgrading to an automatic garage door, you’ll need extra space for the opener.
Common Mistakes (Or How to Waste $1,500 in 10 Minutes)
We’ve seen folks make these blunders more times than we’ve heard “Renegade” at Heinz Field:
- Assuming symmetry: Just because your house looks even doesn’t mean it is. Always measure twice.
- Ignoring track alignment: A garage door track repair might be needed if your old tracks are bent.
- Forgetting about the opener: Planning an automatic garage door opener installation? Factor in motor clearance!
- Guessing the spring size: Broken springs are no joke. Leave spring measurements to the pros—seriously.
When to Call Garage Door Pitt (Hint: Now’s Good)
Look, we’re all for DIY spirit. But if your measurements look like a calculus equation or your door has shifted, reverses, or sounds like a dumpster in a windstorm, it’s time to call reinforcements. Here’s why Garage Door Pitt rocks:
- Free estimates: No surprises on cost or price.
- 24/7 emergency garage door repair: Because doors love breaking at 2 a.m.
- Expertise with commercial garage door repair and residential.
- We’ll handle garage door cable repair, broken springs, and anything else that’s hissing at you.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Q: How much does a new garage door cost in Pittsburgh?
A: Prices range from $600 to $2,500+, depending on materials and features like automatic garage door installation.
Q: Can I install a garage door myself?
A: Sure, if you enjoy cursing and YouTube tutorials. But for safety (and sanity), hire a garage door company.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Pros like us at Garage Door Pitt can do it in 4-6 hours. DIY? See previous answer.
Q: Why does my garage door keep reversing?
A: Misaligned sensors, obstructions, or a shifted track. Let us fix it before it squishes your bike.
Standard Garage Door Sizes (Because One Size Doesn’t Fit All)
| Width (ft) | Height (ft) | Common Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | Single-car garages | Classic for older Pittsburgh homes |
| 16 | 7 | Double-car garages | Fits most SUVs and trucks |
| 9 | 8 | Modern single-car | Extra height for storage |
| 18 | 8 | Oversized double-car | For those who collect snowblowers |
Wrapping Up: Measure Smart, Then Relax
There you have it—the no-BS guide to measuring your garage door. Whether you’re tackling this solo or calling Garage Door Pitt (we’re humble, but we’re good), just remember: measure twice, order once. And if you hit a snag? We’re here for garage door repair services, commercial garage door repair, or just a friendly chat about why Pittsburgh winters hate your door.
Now go forth, measure like a champ, and maybe—just maybe—avoid that noisy garage door once and for all. 😉
