How to Properly Measure the Opening for Commercial Garage Doors?

How to Properly Measure the Opening for Commercial Garage Doors?

Imagine you have installed a commercial garage, but the opening is not wide enough to accommodate your trucks or equipment. Now, you are stuck with an ill-fitting door.


It disrupts daily operations and can create security risks as well. If you try to adjust the opening, it can cost extra time and money to fix.


This is a mistake businesses make when they don’t take accurate measurements of the commercial garage door. Whether you want to install a new door or replace an old one, in both situations, measuring doors correctly is the key to ensuring a smooth installation.


However, commercial garages come in various sizes, so even a small miscalculation can lead to major issues.


We have shared easy ways to measure the opening of commercial garage doors. Understand these steps and ensure you install the building with proper measurements.


How Wide Are Commercial Garage Doors?


Let’s first understand how wide commercial garage doors are. With this information, you can get an idea of how large doors are best for your needs. Commercial garage door sizes vary based on purposes. The width of a typical door ranges from 12 feet to 24 feet. 


Here is an overview of estimated commercial garage door widths:



The standard height for most commercial garage doors is 14 feet to 16 feet. But if you want taller gates, customize them to your needs. By understanding these dimensions, you can select the right size.


Phases to Measure the Opening for Commercial Garage Doors


Measuring door dimensions can be overwhelming sometimes. We have simplified the process by turning the steps into phases.


Phase 1: Measure the Door Opening


Put the best foot forward by determining the exact width and height of the door opening. For this, asses the surrounding area. These measurements will guide you in selecting a door that fits perfectly.


Measure the Width: Measure the width of the garage, opening from one side to the other. The right width offers enough space so your vehicles don't get ding at the doors.


Measure the Height: Measure the height of the commercial garage door from the floor to the top of the opening. Ensure you take measurements at multiple points like left, center, and right.


Phase 2: Measure the Surrounding Space


Next, you have to evaluate the areas adjacent to the door opening. This includes measuring the headroom space between the top of the door opening and the ceiling.


Likewise, the side room and the backroom or depth. It's crucial to ensure that there is adequate space.


Measure the Headroom: Typically, 10 inches of headroom is enough for a commercial garage door. If you plan to install an automatic opener, consider additional space.


Measure the Side Room: Determine the width of the areas adjacent to the door opening on both sides. A minimum of 3.75 inches is needed on each side. 


Measure the Backroom (Depth): Measure the distance from the front of the garage to the back wall. For manual doors, the backroom should be at least door height plus 18 inches. For the automatic opener, you will need more space.


Phase 3: Check for Installation Readiness


Finally, inspect the site where you want installation of the garage. This way, you can find obstacles before the actual construction. Also, confirm the floor is level because uneven surfaces can affect the alignment.


Check for Obstructions: Inspect the entire area to avoid obstructions. Addressing these obstructions beforehand helps in a smooth process.

Confirm Floor Level: Check whether the floor is level because an uneven floor can affect the measurements. Often, you take the right measurements, but because of uneven floor, measurements turn out wrong. It can also cause gaps that allow drafts.


To Sum up


Every commercial building needs accurate measurements before installation. It includes measuring every part of the building.


Since doors are the entry points, they determine whether the vehicle or equipment can move in and out smoothly. Follow all the measurement phases and measure the correct dimensions.


Also, inspect the site and clean it. Level the floor for easy and smooth installation of the building. It is because uneven spaces leave problems behind that you face after installation.


This way, you can avoid costly mistakes and save thousands of dollars for business growth.