If you are looking to build a garage, install a new door or replace an existing door, it can help to do your research first. The cost of your garage door, as well as the type of door that you choose, will depend on your needs, the size of your garage, your budget and, of course, your own personal preference.
You may have a good idea of what you want in terms of aesthetics, but before you start looking, it can help to measure up. Garage doors need to be fixed to a subframe, so that needs to be considered when measuring for a new door. What’s more, different manufacturers use different measurements, so it's a good idea to get advice from a garage door specialist before you take the plunge and buy your door.
Measuring for an up and over garage door
Up and over doors are usually fixed to a timber or steel box frame. If you are calling your garage door specialist in the first instance it can help them to know the size you are looking for, so they can give you a more accurate quote. Open the garage door and measure the gap between the subframe. Alternatively, you can just measure your existing door. If it is a standard size, your supplier will be able to tell you which type of door you need and quote for it immediately. If the size is non-standard, you may need a custom door, which may be more expensive.
Measuring a sectional garage door
Sectional garage doors require a bigger frame, therefore need more space. However, unlike up and over doors, sectional doors don’t fit precisely into the opening, sitting behind it instead. This means that the sizing doesn’t need to be exact. As a rule, sectional doors need 90mm on each internal side and 100-210 mm headroom on top of the opening to allow for installation and full function, so before you consider a sectional door, make sure you have that space.
Measuring for roller shutter doors
Standard roller shutter doors require an additional headspace of 300-450 mm to accommodate the rolled-up door, although compact variants are available. Fitted either in the opening or behind it, roller shutters can fit exactly or be marginally too big, provided the internal space is available.
Side hinged doors
Like up and over doors, the internal subframe is the measurement that matters for side hinged doors, and it is important to get it right. There is some space for manoeuvre as the hinges are designed to offer flexibility; additionally, you can locate the doors in front of the opening if space is at a premium. Measure from wall to wall, ceiling to floor of the opening, as well as the subframe.
Once you have your measurements, it will be easy to call your local garage door specialist and gain advice on the type of door that you need, and how much it may cost. Did you find this useful? Follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter.