Measuring Bay Doors
For businesses that operate out of a warehouse, bay doors simplify the processes of loading and unloading. But even with regular maintenance, bay doors need to be replaced from time to time. Taking careful measurements of the door opening is the first step in the process to install a new warehouse bay door.
Why Measure a Bay Door for a Warehouse?
There are a few different reasons one might measure the bay doors of a warehouse, though the most common reason is the installation of a new garage door.
You probably already have an idea of typical loading dock dimensions, even if it’s your first time installing a warehouse bay door. But bay doors are a significant investment, so you should be sure that you have the correct measurements before taking any further steps.
How to Measure for Bay Doors
The process of measuring for warehouse bay doors is fairly simple. All you need is a standard tape measure. When you’re ready, follow these steps:
1. Measure the Width of the Bay Door
Width is the distance between the left and right sides of the opening of the warehouse bay door. Be sure to measure from the widest point and record the measurement in feet and inches.
2. Measure the Height of the Bay Door
Just like you did with the width, measure the height at the bay door’s highest point: from the floor to the top of the finished opening.
You should measure the height at three different points (left, right and center) to make sure that the opening isn’t sagging on either side. If it is, there could be issues with garage door installation — so any sagging should be addressed before the installation process.
3. Measure for the Vertical Track
Next, measure the width of the area next to the openings on each side of the bay door. There should be between 3 and 3 3/4 of an inch on each side to accommodate the vertical track for the new garage door.
4. Measure the Headroom
The headroom is the distance from the top of the door’s opening to the ceiling. The headroom should be at least 6 inches for fitting the garage door opener and the torsion system.
5. Measure the Backroom
The backroom is the distance from the opening to the rear of the garage.
Determining Your Ideal Bay Garage Door Size
The ideal bay garage door opening is large enough to accommodate the opening of a full-size trailer. However, the door should not be larger than necessary so as to avoid the need for more insulation.
To provide total access to the entire height and width of a full-size trailer, standard loading dock dimensions specify that the warehouse bay door should extend between 13 and 14 feet above the parking area — the full height of the trailer.
Visit Continental Door For Commercial Garage Doors
Protect your business assets from the elements by investing in an insulated garage door that’s built to last. A door that properly fits your space will help lower utility bills and make warehouse access easy, so it’s crucial to have all the measurements correct before requesting the installation.
Continental Door is your one-stop headquarters for commercial and residential garage doors in the Greater Spokane area, and we’re always happy to help customers select the right door for their space and usage requirements. Request a free estimate or schedule service today.
