How Much Headroom Do I Need for My Residential Garage Door?
If you’re thinking about getting a new garage door or installing a new garage door opener and are wondering if you have enough garage door headroom clearance, you might be curious about just how much headroom you need for the garage door system you have in mind.
Request EstimateMinimum Clearance for Garage Door Installations
You’ll want a minimum of 15 inches of overhead clearance for a standard garage door with an electric opener. This translates to 12 inches for the door and torsion spring system and 3 inches for the garage door opener equipment. What if you don’t have 12 to 15 inches of space to work with? Do you have to abandon your dreams of a new garage door or opener? The answer is no. You have several other options to consider:
- Low–headroom track systems: Low-headroom track garage door systems suit low-headroom garage door situations. With this system, you may be able to install your garage door and opener with as little as 9 inches of overhead space.
- Frame–down opening: Frame-down opening doors are available in 3-inch increments, so you can simply lower or raise your garage door opening to meet your desired opening height.
- Jackshaft garage door openers: If you need to save a few inches of space where the garage door opener unit would normally go or if there is a beam in the middle of your garage, try looking into a jackshaft garage door opener. These openers are effective and installed on the side of your garage rather than the top, eliminating the need for extra headroom and keeping the middle of your garage clean and spacious.
What Ceiling Height Do You Need for a Garage Door?
Residential garage ceiling heights differ. Most garage doors are available at standard heights of 7 and 8 feet, so ceilings should be 12 to 15 inches higher than your garage door.
Solutions and Considerations for Limited Headroom
Some considerations for headroom requirements include different track system configurations, various garage door opener types, and potential obstructions like ductwork or beams. The headroom space must be free of obstructions such as lighting or a support beam so the door can travel smoothly.
Let’s explore these considerations:
- Garage door opener type: A belt or direct-drive opener needs less headroom than a chain-drive opener, making it more efficient in low-headroom garages. Wall-mounted openers also save space compared to ceiling-mounted alternatives.
- Custom garage door configurations: Although standard sizes are available, they’re not always suitable. Custom garage door installations provide a unique solution for garages with limited headroom.
- Proper installation: A professional installer will advise you on the best door size and alignment and use the proper installation techniques if the initial installation was not completed correctly.
Some solutions include:
- Removing obstructions: Remove obstructions such as ductwork and beams that take up space.
- Finding alternative garage door styles: Consider installing vertical lift or side-hinged doors that open outward instead of overhead, or choose roll-up or sectional doors with low headroom options.
- Installing space-saving openers: The right opener, such as a direct-drive or jackshaft opener, will help save headroom space.
Why Choose Continental Door to Install the Right Garage Door?
Continental Door has served the greater Spokane and Northern Idaho for over 15 years, providing exceptional service to our customers. Our garage door technicians analyze your requirements before taking action for the best outcome and ensure thorough work from start to finish.
Whether assessing your garage door’s minimum headroom requirements to determine a suitable door or installing an appropriate-sized opener to accommodate your low headroom space, they’ll inspect every aspect and recommend an ideal solution.
Contact Continental Door for Expert Garage Door Solutions in Washington and Idaho
At Continental Door, you’ll receive outstanding service from our team of professional, skilled and experienced garage door technicians every time. We’ll handle any garage door issue and ensure expert solutions that suit your needs.
For advice about headroom space for your residential garage door or any other concerns, contact us or request a free estimate for door repairs, replacements or installations.
