Measuring for a new garage door seems simple enough – you take out your tape measure, note the width and height of your opening, like so; job done. In fact, it is one of the favourite pitfalls that homeowners make, and small errors can lead to delays, overruns, or a door that does not fit properly.
Here are the usual pitfalls:
Many people measure the visible gap, but when you factor in old trims of timber frames or unlevel bricks, these gaps can be different.
- Forgetting the headroom
Garage doors require a little clearance above the opening where they are situated, in order to accommodate tracks and rollers (for instance, roller doors) or barrel types. If you fail to measure headroom, you’ll pick a type of door that absolutely won’t fit. For help with Garage Doors Bristol, contact Up and Over Doors.
- Ignoring the side room
Side clearance is also required for guides, fixings, and sometimes the motor.
- Not checking the back room
Some automated configurations and sectional doors require a return space in the garage. Homeowners measure the front opening, but forget about measuring its depth.
- Assuming the floor is level
Many garage floors slope slightly. Homeowners who measure height from only the middle might find gaps at the corners or a door that catches.
- Measuring once
Old garages aren’t perfectly square. Remember to measure upper, middle, and lower width, as well as the height on both sides.
Order with caution, and it is best that you get a professional survey done prior. A quality installer will measure the opening, check for clearances, and check out if your frame is in good condition — and then finally recommend a door type that best suits to space you actually have rather than what you think accommodates.
