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Standard Garage Door Sizes: What You Need to Know (Before Your SUV Gets Stuck)
Let’s be real—garage doors aren’t exactly the star of the home improvement show. But try parking your car in a space that’s two inches too narrow, and suddenly, that bland metal slab becomes the main character of your daily soap opera. We’ve all been there: squinting at measurements, wondering if “standard size” is just a myth invented to mess with us. Spoiler alert: it’s not. And lucky for you, we’ve spent years at Gloss Garage Doors here in Calgary helping folks avoid garage-related meltdowns. Let’s break this down—no PhD in geometry required.
Why Size Matters (And No, We’re Not Talking About Your Lawnmower)
Ever tried squeezing a full-size pickup into a garage meant for a golf cart? Yeah, it’s like playing Tetris with your life savings. Garage doors aren’t one-size-fits-all, and guessing wrong can lead to costly repairs, noisy garage door tantrums, or worse—a broken spring that leaves your door dangling like a bad punchline.
At Gloss Garage Doors, we’ve seen it all: doors that scrape roofs, tracks bent like pretzels, and homeowners muttering “why me?” over a garage door torsion spring replacement. Trust us—getting the size right upfront saves headaches (and cash) later.
The “Standard” Sizes (Because Nobody Wants a Custom Bill)
Most residential garage doors follow predictable dimensions. But “standard” varies depending on what’s parked inside. Let’s get specific:
Single Car Garage Doors: For the Minimalists
- Width: 8’ to 10’ (because compact cars deserve love too).
- Height: 7’ to 8’ (unless you’re hauling giraffes—then maybe go taller).
Perfect for: Sedans, motorcycles, or that collection of vintage garden gnomes you swear are worth something.
Double Car Garage Doors: Because Sharing is Caring
- Width: 12’ to 16’ (because two cars > one car).
- Height: 7’ to 8’ (same as single—trucks and SUVs might need extra headroom, though).
FYI: If your garage doubles as a workshop or storage dungeon, consider wider doors. Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” like fitting a kayak and a snowblower.
Commercial Garage Doors: Go Big or Go Home
- Width: 10’ to 20’+ (for forklifts, delivery trucks, or that side hustle storing your neighbor’s boat).
- Height: 12’ to 14’ (because warehouses don’t mess around).
Need commercial garage door repair in Calgary? We’ve got you. Just don’t ask us to store the boat.
When “Standard” Doesn’t Cut It (Looking at You, Custom Homeowners)
Maybe your garage is older than disco, or you’ve got a quirky layout that defies logic. Custom sizes exist, but prepare for garage door replacement sticker shock. Pro tip: If your door looks like it was installed by a drunk contractor in 1972, measure twice—or just call us.
Gloss Garage Doors handles oddball sizes all the time. We’ve even tackled a garage in Okotoks that doubled as an art studio. (No, we didn’t ask about the abstract sculptures.)
The Cost of Getting It Wrong (Spoiler: It’s Not Pretty)
Think a too-small door is just a mild inconvenience? Try explaining garage door track repair to your wallet after your SUV takes out the frame. Common consequences include:
- Noisy garage door grinding sessions.
- Broken spring emergencies (they don’t fix themselves, sadly).
- Garage door cable repair bills that make you question life choices.
And if you DIY the measurements? Let’s just say we’ve rescued plenty of folks from YouTube tutorial regrets.
How to Measure Like a Pro (Without Needing a Therapist)
Grab a tape measure, a friend (for moral support), and follow this foolproof plan:
- Width: Measure the opening between the side walls.
- Height: Floor to the top of the opening.
- Headroom: Space above the door—critical for automatic garage door installation.
Too much math? We offer free estimates. Because adulting is hard enough.
The Price Tag: What’s Fair (And What’s Highway Robbery)
Let’s talk numbers. A standard garage door installation in Calgary typically runs between $1,000 to $3,000, depending on materials and size. Add automatic garage door opener installation, and you’re looking at another $300 to $600.
But wait—before you panic:
- Steel doors: Affordable, durable, but louder than your uncle at a hockey game.
- Wood doors: Gorgeous, high-maintenance, and priced like a luxury sedan.
- Aluminum/Glass: Modern, sleek, and perfect for folks who love washing windows.
Need garage door spring adjustment or track alignment? Repairs usually cost $150 to $400, depending on the drama involved.
When to Call the Pros (Hint: Always)
Sure, you could attempt garage door opener repair at 2 a.m. after three coffees. But why risk turning a $200 fix into a $2,000 disaster? At Gloss Garage Doors, we’ve got the tools, expertise, and patience to handle:
- Garage door torsion spring replacement (these things are literal death traps—don’t Google it).
- Commercial garage door repair for businesses in Strathmore or beyond.
- Emergency fixes for doors that sound like a dying walrus.
FAQs: Because We Read Your Mind
Q: What’s the most common residential garage door size?
A: 16’x7’ for double doors. But measure anyway—your house didn’t come with a manual.
Q: Can I install a taller door for my RV?
A: Absolutely! Just check headroom and reinforce the structure. We’ll handle the heavy lifting.
Q: Why does my garage door sound like a haunted house?
A: Likely garage door track alignment issues or worn rollers. Let us silence the ghosts.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Usually 4–6 hours. We’ll even stick around to ensure your car doesn’t get exiled to the driveway.
Final Thoughts (And a Shameless Plug)
Choosing the right garage door size isn’t rocket science—but it’s close. Whether you’re in Calgary, Okotoks, or Strathmore, Gloss Garage Doors is here to save you from measuring tapes gone rogue. From garage door replacement to automatic garage door opener installation, we’ve got your back.
So next time your door starts groaning like it’s got a vendetta, give us a shout. We’ll fix it faster than you can say, “Wait, is that a standard size?” 😉
P.S. Seriously, don’t mess with torsion springs. We like you too much to see that happen.
