Garage Door Sizes: All You Need to Know
Hey there, fellow garage door nerds! Let’s talk about something we all secretly obsess over but rarely discuss at parties: garage door sizes. (What, you don’t? Okay, maybe it’s just us.) Whether you’re building a new garage, replacing an old door, or just trying to figure out why your SUV barely fits, sizing matters. And hey, if you’re in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, you already know our team at Overhead Door Pros lives for this stuff. We’ll break down everything—from picking the right size to avoiding that oh-so-fun moment when your door starts screeching like a banshee. Let’s roll!
Why Garage Door Size Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Picture this: You buy a “standard” garage door online, only to realize it’s two inches too narrow for your opening. Cue the facepalm. Garage doors aren’t jeans—you can’t just “make it work.” Here’s why sizing is a big deal:
- Functionality: Too small? Good luck parking. Too big? Hello, drafts and energy bills.
- Safety: A misaligned door risks damaging your car, your walls, or—yikes—your toes.
- Aesthetics: Ever seen a tiny door on a massive garage? It’s like wearing socks with sandals. Don’t.
At Overhead Door Pros, we’ve seen it all. (Including a customer who tried to stretch a door with a hairdryer. Spoiler: It didn’t work.)
Standard Sizes vs. Custom: What’s Best for You?
Most residential doors fall into a few common sizes, but “standard” doesn’t always mean “right.” Let’s compare:
Single-Car Garage Doors
- Width: 8–10 feet
- Height: 7–8 feet
- Best for: Compact cars, storage, or that one neighbor who still owns a Vespa.
Double-Car Garage Doors
- Width: 12–16 feet
- Height: 7–8 feet
- Pro tip: Go taller (9–10 feet) if you’ve got a lifted truck or need extra storage space. FYI, this is where automatic garage door installation shines—no more wrestling with a manual door after leg day.
RV or Oversized Doors
- Width: 12–18 feet
- Height: 12–14 feet
- Use case: Campers, boats, or that friend who insists on driving a school bus.
Custom sizes? Absolutely. We’ve built doors for everything from vintage car collections to backyard workshops. Just ask our Edmonton clients—they’re very particular about their man caves.
The Sneaky Costs of Getting It Wrong
Let’s talk money. A wrong-sized door isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive. Here’s what happens:
- Installation headaches: Forced to resize the opening? That’s extra labor and materials.
- Repair bills: A cramped door strains springs and tracks, leading to broken springs or garage door track alignment issues.
- Energy loss: Gaps = drafts = your heating bill doubling.
Pro tip: Measure twice, order once. Or better yet, let Overhead Door Pros handle it. We’ve been nailing measurements in Edmonton since dial-up internet was cool.
Noisy Garage Door? Here’s Your Fix (Besides Earplugs)
Clank. Rattle. Screech. If your garage door sounds like a horror movie soundtrack, it’s time for action. Common culprits:
- Loose hardware: Tighten those bolts!
- Worn rollers: Swap ’em out for nylon ones.
- Track issues: Garage door track repair isn’t glamorous, but neither is explaining the noise to your annoyed spouse.
For stubborn cases, call us. We’ll diagnose whether it’s a quick garage door spring adjustment or a full garage door torsion spring replacement.
DIY vs. Pro Installation: Know Your Limits
Look, we get it—YouTube makes everything look easy. But let’s be real:
✅ DIY-friendly tasks: Lubing hinges, replacing weatherstripping.
❌ Leave it to the pros: Automatic garage door opener installation, garage door cable repair, or anything involving springs. (Seriously, those things can kill.)
Our team at Overhead Door Pros loves a good challenge, but we’ve also patched up enough DIY disasters to write a comedy special. Save yourself the hassle—and the ER trip.
“But How Much Does It Cost?!”
We’ll cut to the chase. Prices vary, but here’s a rough breakdown:
Service | Average Cost (CAD) |
---|---|
Standard Door Installation | $1,200–$2,500 |
Automatic Garage Door Opener | $300–$800 |
Garage Door Replacement | $1,000–$4,000 |
Commercial Garage Door Repair | $200–$1,500+ |
Note: Custom sizes, high-end materials, or urgent garage door opener repair at 2 a.m. will cost extra. (We don’t judge—just maybe rethink your life choices.)
4 Burning Questions About Garage Door Sizes
1. “Can I resize my existing garage door?”
Sometimes! If the frame allows, we can adjust the opening. But if your door is ancient or steel-framed, garage door replacement might be smarter.
2. “What’s the lifespan of a garage door?”
15–30 years, depending on material and maintenance. Pro tip: Annual tune-ups from a garage door contractor add years.
3. “How do I choose between steel, wood, or aluminum?”
- Steel = durable, low-maintenance.
- Wood = gorgeous but high-maintenance (like that one friend).
- Aluminum = lightweight, rust-proof, but dents easily.
4. “Should I repair or replace my door?”
If repairs cost >50% of a new door, replace it. Bonus: New doors boost curb appeal and home value.
Final Thoughts: Size Smart, Live Happy
At the end of the day, garage doors are like good relationships: They require communication, respect, and the occasional garage door torsion spring replacement. (Wait, no—that’s just us.)
Whether you’re in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or somewhere that isn’t covered in snow six months a year, Overhead Door Pros has your back. Got a noisy garage door? Need a commercial garage door repair? Just searching “garage door contractor near me”? We’re here to help.
So next time your door starts acting up, don’t panic—give us a shout. And remember: Measure twice, laugh at DIY fails once. 😉
Overhead Door Pros
Edmonton’s Garage Door Whisperers Since 2005
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