A garage is an essential feature for most homes. In fact, more than half of all new houses built have two-car garages incorporated in their design and structure. Choosing the right garage door size is an important part of your garage design and construction. We have narrowed down the factors to keep in mind when buying the right size garage door. 

This guide is specifically for the homeowner who needs help selecting the correct size for their property. If you’re a business owner, however, check out our commercial garage door guide here.

Why Is It Important to Have the Right Garage Door Size Anyway?

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Having the right garage door size is a given for most homeowners. But that’s only because you never consider having the wrong size garage door. However, knowing the right garage door size for your property is important, especially if you’re building a custom garage. The right garage door

• protects your vehicles from the weather 
• provides protection from crime and auto theft
• increases the market value of your property
• adds curb appeal
• protects the items you store in your garage
• prevents mould, mildew, and other unwanted growths

It goes without saying that houses with existing garages have less flexibility than custom homes when it comes to the size of the garage door.Consulting with a garage door installation specialist will help you choose the right size.

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Deciding Your Garage Door Size

Whether you want to install a metal or wood garage, you need to consider a few things. Before you buy your custom garage door, think about the following features:

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Standard Garage Door Sizes

Today, the average garage is made much larger than before. In the past, standard garage doors were made to fit one family car. Today, however, most garages are made to store multiple and bigger vehicles. Garage door brands nowadays design garage door in different sizes to fit various garage entries. Mostly, garage doors range between 2.4 to 6.1 metres (8-20 feet) wide and 2.1 to 2.4 metres (7-8 feet) in height.

Single Garage Doors Vs. Double Garage Doors

Single door styles are made for one or multiple-vehicle holding garages. However, over 60% of modern home designs have double-sized garages. When choosing a double garage door size, it’s important to measure the size of your garage as well as the garage door opening size. The rough opening includes an additional six to seven centimetres around the garage frame.

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Garage Door Frames

Pre-existing garages already have the framework in place so it can be more limiting to choose the right door size. While it is easier to decrease the size of your garage door on an existing structure, it is often more work than it is worth to increase the door size. On the other hand, custom-built homes allow more flexibility in the size of the garage door.

The reason for having a rough measurement is ensuring easy movement when the door opens and closes. You don’t want your garage door to get stuck when you use it, but if it does, you need a garage door repair.

Measuring Your Garage Door Size

Before installing a new garage door, you must measure the garage space first to ensure you get the proper size.  When measuring for your new garage door size, you will need to measure the 

• height and width of your garage
• clearance above for the tracks
• headroom between the garage door frame and top of your vehicle

A garage is an essential part of the home. The correct garage door will protect your property while adding to the aesthetic and market value of your home. If you need further assistance in selecting the right garage door size, contact a professional garage door company. An expert’s opinion will spare you the trouble of having a garage door that doesn’t fit and dealing with the hassle of installing a new one.

RELATED ARTICLE: Buying a Garage Door Remote?

Getting out from your car to open or close the garage door can be a bit inconvenient, especially if you are in a rush. That’s where garage door remotes come in. These remotes are simple and easy to use and add convenience to your life. So where can you find a garage door opener? While it may seem as simple as heading over to your local store and buying the first one you see, there are a few key factors to keep in mind before making the purchase.

Decide Which Features You Need

Just like any piece of technology, garage door remotes also come with a variety of different features. You have the option of purchasing a remote made by the manufacturer of your garage doors, or a universal remote. The types of remotes include full-size and mini. Full-size remotes are much larger and effortlessly clip onto your car’s visor. These remotes allow for easy access and will likely not get misplaced. The disadvantage of going with this remote includes the risk of giving someone access to your garage if someone steals your car. Mini remotes are much smaller and directly attach to your key chain. These remotes operate just like full-size ones, so it comes down to personal preference.

Where to Purchase the Right Garage Door Remote

Finding a reputable seller is necessary when purchasing a garage door remote. There are a few different ways you can go about this. If you are looking to buy a remote directly from the manufacturer, you should look at the motor unit for the correct information. Here you will find the exact model number for the remote. Once you have that, contact the manufacturer directly to place an order. If you are looking to purchase a universal garage door remote, head over to your local hardware store or search for the model number online. Universal remotes work with most new garage door openers and are easy to use.

Ensure the Remote Is Properly Programmed

Once you’ve found the perfect remote that works with your garage, the next step is to program it. Both types of remotes, universal or manufacturer, come with a detailed set of instructions. Depending on which remote you purchase, you will have the option to program up to four different garage doors. Once you follow the simple instructions, your garage door remote will quickly add convenience to your life.

Start Your Search for the Perfect Remote

Always remember to have the correct information before purchasing a remote. Once you have all that, decide on your preferred features and then begin your search. Life is much more easygoing with the right garage door remote.

If you’re having difficulty deciding on a garage door remote for your house, consult a professional garage door specialist. They can give you their expert recommendations on the best garage door openers for you.

RELATED ARTICLE: Garage Door Size: Know What’s Right for Your Property

Garage doors are some of the elements most prone to break down in a home. The use of a garage door multiple times a day makes it susceptible to deteriorating. If you’re facing this problem, consider investing in a garage door replacement. When you replace your garage door, you guarantee there are no issues while operating it. You also get to customize your new garage door according to the style of your house, its colour scheme, and overall design.

Nevertheless, one of the most crucial things you must keep in mind when shopping for a new garage door is budget. Many factors affect the price of a garage door installation. We have compiled all you need to know when you’re shopping for a new garage door. Read on. Continue reading Garage Door Installation Cost →

Your garage is an important extension of your home that keeps your valuable belongings safe from the outside world. Not only does it keep your car, an expensive investment of yours, safe and sound, it is often used as a storage place for your costly tools and appliances. Regular garage door maintenance will help it stay in excellent condition, which in turn can prevent serious injuries and property damage. Hindsight is 20-20, but foresight is much more useful.

Using our many years of garage door repair experience, we developed some garage door maintenance tips that every house owner should know. They are easy to perform, you do not require any special equipment, and your garage door will serve you much longer for them.

Here are 7 simple steps for garage doors maintenance:

1. Listen and Observe
   You are more likely to find a growing problem if you are on the lookout for it, and your eyes and your ears are the best tools for the job. Visually inspect your doors: do they have obvious faults? Wooden garage doors are an undeniably elegant choice, but remember they can chip and crack under the influence of water. Steel garage doors on the other hand, can rust, which means they will need priming, sanding, and repainting over time.Even when the garage door problem is not visible you can often hear that something is wrong. Does your garage door make any squeaking or scraping noises? Do you hear a rattling when you are operating it? for more common garage door problems please refer to this article.
2. Screw It!
   Every garage door is exposed to constant movement while it is operating. Vibrations can loosen up bolts and brackets, and tightening those up is the most common garage door maintenance trick that every house owner can perform independently.
3. Clean It!
   Excessive dirt can be one of the reasons your garage door can break down or get stuck. Wash the door at least once a month with water and a cloth; this also includes getting rid of debris on the tracks to make sure there is nothing obstructing movement. Always stay safe and make sure that you stay away from automatic parts that are connected to electricity!
4. Lubricate Moving Parts
   Do not forget to lubricate metal parts like the guide tracks, springs, hinges, and the opener chain. The operation of the garage door over time will wear these parts down, and much like a bicycle chain, you have to make sure that this does not happen. Lubrication of these components should be done at least two to four times every year in order for the garage door to always maintain its performance.
5. The Best Way to Prevent a Problem is to Predict It
   If you have noticed that one of the parts has to be replaced, do not hesitate. It is much more cost-effective to prevent an issue the moment it occurs, than to wait until the problem escalates and potentially spreads to other parts of your garage door.
6. Add Weatherstripping
   Weatherstripping is an essential part of any garage door, as it is the best way to keep dirt and debris from outside of your home from getting indoors. If your garage is equipped with a wooden door without a weatherstripping, it is a good practice to add one.
   Make sure that the weatherstrip is not brittle, and replace it without delay if you find any damage. If this is not an option for you, alternative methods like sealing or painting it will work as well.
7. Review Your Manual
   Garage doors are not rocket science, but we still highly recommend that you have a look at the manual. On top of useful information about the installation, many manufacturers provide great garage door maintenance advice specific to your brand of door.

Hire a Professional to Do Garage Door Maintenance

Garage door maintenance tips are very handy at preventing your garage door from premature wear, but keep in mind that any major adjustments like replacing a door or working with its electrical parts may require the assistance of a garage door technician.

First Responders is a team of certified and qualified professionals with over 10 years of expertise on the Canadian market. We work with all garage door brands and sizes, offering our clients quick, affordable and quality service.

Give us a call today and get a free, no obligation quote

RELATED ARTICLE: Winterizing Garage Doors

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