Standard Garage Door Sizes
Whether you’re building a new home or it’s time to replace your existing garage door, getting the right measurements is the first critical step. While we offer a wide selection of doors from many quality vendors, we have a special partnership with Clopay® as our primary provider. We’ve found their superior product quality, outstanding support, and robust warranty make them the best choice for our customers, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting investment.
At Oregon City Garage Door, our goal is to make your garage door installation a smooth and surprise-free experience. While our team is always ready to provide professional measurements, this guide will help you understand the standard garage door sizes available for your home.
A Guide to Standard Garage Door Dimensions
While custom doors are always an option, most garages are built to accommodate a few standard door sizes. When measuring, it’s crucial to consider more than just the door opening. You also need to account for:
- Headroom: The vertical space between the top of the door opening and the ceiling. This is needed for the door’s tracks, springs, and opener.
- Side Room (or Sideroom): The space on either side of the door opening, required for mounting the vertical tracks.
These clearance measurements are essential for a safe and functional installation. Now, let’s look at the most common door dimensions, which are typically presented as Width x Height.
Standard Single-Car Garage Door Sizes
A single garage door is designed for one vehicle but can vary in width to accommodate anything from a compact car to a large SUV or truck. The most common height for modern homes is 7 feet, but 8-foot-tall doors are also readily available for taller vehicles.
Common standard widths for single-car doors include:
- 8′ x 7′
- 9′ x 7′ (A very popular choice, offering more room)
- 10′ x 7′
- 8′ x 8′
- 9′ x 8′ (Ideal for SUVs and trucks)
- 10′ x 8′
Standard Double-Car Garage Door Sizes
A double garage door provides a wide, convenient opening for two vehicles. These are perfect for family households or for homeowners needing extra space for workshop equipment, storage, or recreational vehicles like ATVs and golf carts.
Common standard widths for double-car doors include:
- 16′ x 7′ (The most common double door size)
- 18′ x 7′
- 16′ x 8′ (Provides extra height for larger vehicles)
- 18′ x 8′
Configurations for Three-Car Garages
A three-car garage offers the ultimate flexibility for multiple vehicles and storage. Rather than one massive door, these garages typically use a combination of standard-sized doors for structural integrity and practicality.
The most common configurations are:
- One Double Door & One Single Door: For example, one 16-foot door next to one 9-foot door.
- Three Single Doors: Three separate 9-foot or 10-foot doors, separated by support posts.
Choosing the Best Garage Door Size for Your Home
The right garage door size depends on your vehicles, your garage’s construction, and your lifestyle. If you’re replacing an existing door, the choice is often straightforward. However, for a new build or a major remodel, you have more flexibility.
A new garage door gives you incredible customization options. We particularly recommend our Clopay collections for their vast selection of styles, colors, insulation levels, and window designs. Planning for a slightly wider or taller door than you think you need can be a smart long-term investment, providing flexibility for future vehicles and making everyday use more convenient.
Custom Garage Door Sizes for RVs and Special Applications
Do you own an RV, a boat, or a lifted truck? Standard doors won’t cut it. For these applications, you’ll need a custom-sized door. RV garage doors often need to be 12 to 16 feet tall and can be 10 to 12 feet wide or more. Building a garage for a recreational vehicle usually requires a detached structure designed specifically for these larger dimensions. Our team can help you source and install a high-quality door built to your exact custom specifications.
Oregon City Garage Door: The Perfect Fit, Every Time
Don’t leave your new investment to guesswork. Let our experienced technicians take precise measurements to ensure your new door is a perfect fit. Want to see how a new Clopay door will look on your home? Try the powerful Clopay Door Imagination System to visualize different styles and colors.
Our friendly and efficient installation team is ready to help you choose and install the perfect door for your home. We’ll handle everything from measurement to final testing, giving you peace of mind that the job is done professionally.
Ready to get started? Call us at 503-632-3000 or request your free estimate online today!
How to Open a Garage Door Without Power
Many homeowners don’t realize their garage doors are affected by power outages until they can’t use them. Luckily, you don’t have to wait until the power comes back to use your garage door.
What Happens to Garage Door Openers During Power Outages?
Garage door openers allow users to control their garage doors automatically while securing them against manual force. During a power outage, electricity no longer flows to the door opener, preventing it from controlling door movement.
How to Manually Open and Close Your Garage Door Without Power
Your vehicle is of no use if you can’t get it out of the garage. The good news is there are various techniques for safely opening and closing your garage without power.
From the Inside
If you’re in your garage and need to get your car out, follow these steps:
- Unlock the door: Locate any locks or latches on the garage door and open them to ensure they don’t cause damage when manually lifting the door.
- Unplug the garage door opener: Unplug the garage door opener to prevent the assembly from sustaining damage if the motor engages when the door is off the tracks.
- Pull the emergency release cord: The emergency release cord is a red handle that hangs from the center of the garage door track. Pull the handle straight down to disconnect the door from the trolley.
- Lift the garage door: Now that the garage door is disengaged, you can open it manually by grabbing the bottom of the door and lifting it. Make sure the door stays in place above you before letting go.
- Close the door: Once you’ve driven your car out of the garage, pull the door down to close it.
From the Outside
If you come home to find your garage door shut during a power outage, you can open it from the outside in a few simple motions:
- Find the emergency release kit: Locate the small lock toward the top of your garage door, which contains an emergency release cable.
- Free the release cord: Use the special key to open the lock and pull out the tumbler to access the emergency release cord. Pull the cord to trigger the release mechanism.
- Unlock the garage door: Find the lock near the garage door handle and turn it vertically to unlock it.
- Lift the door: Push the door straight up and make sure it stays open before releasing it.
- Close the door: Enter the garage and pull the door closed.
Upgrade Your Garage Door at Oregon City Garage Door
For dependable residential garage door installations, choose Oregon City Garage Door. With over 25 years spent providing services across the Portland area, we’re the experts you can trust.
Request an estimate on our products today!
How to Fix Gaps on the Top, Side and Bottom of Your Garage Door
A small gap in your garage door might not seem like a big deal, but it can be an open invitation for rain, debris, and pests like mice and insects. In some cases, a noticeable gap could even be a security risk.
At Oregon City Garage Door, we want to help you keep your garage safe and sound. Here’s our guide to finding and fixing those pesky garage door gaps.
What is a Garage Door Gap?
A garage door gap is any unwanted space along the sides, top, or bottom of your door when it’s closed. These gaps can let in drafts, raising your energy bills, and allow water to seep in, potentially damaging your garage’s foundation.
How to Find Garage Door Gaps
Some gaps are obvious, but smaller ones can be tricky to spot. Try these two simple methods:
- The Sunlight Test: Turn off the lights in your garage during the day. Look for any slivers of sunlight coming through around the edges of the door.
- The Hand Test: On a breezy day, run your hand along the inside perimeter of the garage door. You’ll be able to feel any drafts.
Common Causes of Garage Door Gaps
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what’s causing it. Here are the most common culprits:
- Worn-Out Weatherstripping: The rubber or vinyl seal at the bottom of your garage door can wear down, crack, or get chewed on by pests over time.
- Misaligned Tracks: The metal tracks that guide your garage door can become bent or misaligned, causing the door to sit unevenly.
- Incorrect Limit Switch Settings: The limit switch on your garage door opener tells the door when to stop. If it’s not set correctly, the door might not be closing all the way.
- Shifting Foundation: Over time, the concrete floor of your garage can settle or shift, creating an uneven surface for the door to close on.
How to Seal Garage Door Gaps
Here are four common ways to fix gaps in your garage door:
1. Replace the Weatherstripping Seal
This is one of the most common and effective fixes. You can buy a garage door weatherstripping kit at your local hardware store. Be sure to measure the width of your door to get the right size.
2. Check the Tracks
Look at the vertical tracks on either side of your door. Do they look straight and parallel? If they seem bent or out of alignment, we strongly recommend calling a professional for this repair. Adjusting garage door tracks can be dangerous without the proper tools and experience.
3. Adjust the Limit Switch
If your door stops just short of the floor, you may need to adjust the “down” limit switch on your garage door opener. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your model, as this can vary. A small adjustment can often make a big difference.
4. Install a Garage Door Threshold
A threshold is a rubber strip that you glue to the garage floor directly under the door. It creates a raised barrier that seals the gap and helps keep water out.
A Note on Safety
Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home. While some of these fixes are DIY-friendly, others can be dangerous if not done correctly. If you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable with a repair, please call a professional.
Still Have Gaps? Contact Oregon City Garage Doors Today!
If you’ve tried these solutions and still have a gap, or if you’d rather leave it to the experts, we’re here to help. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and provide a lasting solution to keep your garage secure and weatherproof.
How to Repair a Dented Garage Door Panel
A dented garage door can impact your home’s curb appeal and the security of your garage. Thankfully, there are several tried and true methods for garage door dent removal and repair.
At Oregon City Garage Door, our experts have put together a guide on fixing a bent garage door panel to help you get started.
Common Ways Garage Doors Are Dented
Manufacturers build many standard garage doors with aluminum and steel because of their durability and low maintenance. The downside is that they are easy to dent. Many things can dent your garage doors, from accidents to nature.
Over time, the impacts of high winds, rain, hail and snow can cause your garage door to weaken and buckle. Without regular yearly maintenance, this process can happen faster.
It’s surprisingly easy to get into an accident when your garage doesn’t open all the way or you can’t see it in your car’s blind spot. Leaving an object in the door’s path or track can also lead to significant damage. Even a stray Frisbee or baseball can make a small dent.
Can Dents in Garage Doors Be Repaired?
If you have a dented garage door, you should first examine the damage to determine whether a DIY repair is possible.
Check whether your garage door can open and close. Exercise caution before attempting to open the door because the assembly has a high level of tension. If the door can’t open and close, you’ll need professional maintenance.
It’s typically harder to remove dents from wooden doors than to repair steel or aluminum.
How to Fix a Dented Garage Door Panel
There are several trusted methods for fixing a minor garage door dent. Use your best judgment to determine if you can repair your door or you should hire a professional.
Hammering Out the Dent
You can often repair an aluminum door with a hammer. Follow these three steps:
- Wash: Clean the dented area with soap and water.
- Gather supplies: Use a wood block and mallet for this repair.
- Hammer: Hold the block against the dent and tap the section until it’s level with your surrounding door panels.
Heating the Panel
Another common method for garage repair is heating:
- Preparation: Wash and dry the panel, then stretch aluminum foil over the dent.
- Heat: Use a lighter for about one minute to heat the surface of the aluminum foil. Afterward, take the aluminum foil away quickly.
- Spray: Spray the dent with a can of compressed air for about half a minute to a full minute. Carbon monoxide should pop your panel back into place.
Contact Oregon City Garage Door
Whether the job is too big or you want the convenience of professional help, Oregon City Garage Door is in your corner.
We offer garage door panel repair and replacement services. Our team of professionals will assess and repair minor dents in your door or accident that prevents it from opening and closing. Reach out and request a free quote today!
How to Prevent the Garage From Flooding
Has your garage flooded during heavy rainfall or a natural disaster? Since this part of a home or business is made to be accessible, it’s naturally more vulnerable to flooding or water damage during storms. When that happens, the costs can rack up quickly — flooding can cause foundation damage, destroy inventory or belongings, and lead to health concerns like mold and mildew development. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to flood-proof garage doors and help stop water from entering a garage.
At Oregon City Garage Door, we want to help home and business owners keep their property in pristine condition by providing top-quality garage door services and educational resources. Learn more about why garages flood and how you can help prevent it.
Why Do Garages Flood When It Rains?
If you live on a slope or your area is prone to flash floods, your garage flooding may be an issue you face frequently. When it rains so hard and often that the rivers and lakes rise and the drainage overflows, the water will have nowhere to go but flow down from its starting location. When you own property on a lower incline than the nearest body of water or in a city with inadequate drainage, you need to be prepared to take mitigation measures and prevent water from getting into your garage.
When planning flood prevention, be sure to consider your downspouts. These installations are supposed to help divert water away from a building. If the gutter downspouts face the wrong direction or have leaks, they could unintentionally lead to water seeping into your foundation and the garage. If you notice constant flooding in your garage, you will want to identify any sources of leaks and close up any holes or open spaces that allow water inside.
How to Protect Your Garage From Flooding
If you live in an area prone to storms, it’s especially important that you know how to protect your garage from flooding. While flooding is one of the most common occurrences in all states, some regions are more prone to it than others. For that reason, everyone should know how to protect a garage from flooding.
The garage door is a great place to start, as it takes the most impact from storms. Since garage doors are made relatively light to allow them to open and close, they are subject to movement during intense storms, which may allow water to enter the garage.
Ways to Prevent Flooding at the Garage Door
To help stop water from entering your garage, you’ll want to start by ensuring all openings have proper seals and are in good repair, including any windows and the garage door itself. If the garage door is old or dented, it will do very little to protect your garage from water, which is why it’s essential to perform garage door maintenance to prevent flooding problems.
If you see any damage to your door, replacing it is the first step. There are many types of garage doors to choose from, with some offering greater levels of durability or insulation to withstand specific environmental conditions. You can even buy hurricane-ready garage doors if you live in a hurricane-prone area.
Weatherstripping and Foundations
At the bottom of any garage door is a weatherstrip. Weatherstrips are usually rubber or vinyl and are present to help prevent water from seeping in underneath the garage door. When they age, however, they can crack, which will allow water to seep through the gaps.
It is essential to check and replace your weatherstripping regularly, as these pieces help prevent water from entering your garage during minor flooding occasions and help your garage maintain its temperature.
If you bought your home or commercial facility many years ago, you might need to check your foundation for cracks, damage or even previous water-damaged areas. Since damage here will affect literally every other part of a building, it pays to be vigilant and ensure your foundation stays in good repair. Even if any cracks you see are minuscule, you need to address them. Water can seep into holes of any size and cause damage, especially during freezing weather.
If you see any cracks in your foundation, use waterproof paint or concrete patches to fix them as part of your flood-proofing regimen.
Improving Drainage Around Your Home
If your garage floods during heavy rain, there are a few vital steps you can take to improve the drainage around your home. If the city-provided drainage system is inadequate, you can install French drains either along your driveway or in front of your garage to help eliminate excess water when the street drains are overwhelmed. French drains are gravel-filled trenches the water can run into and pass through. Underneath the gravel is a perforated pipe that collects the water and draws it away.
Barriers
If you have the time to prepare them, flood barriers for your garage door can be beneficial in the case of severe rainfall like that associated with hurricanes. Sandbags are popular for this purpose, as they act as an inexpensive makeshift dam. Put towels behind them to help soak up any water that may leak past. Along with using sandbags to direct water away from your property, you can also dig trenches and erect other barriers if you believe the previous prevention methods will be insufficient.
If you live in an area prone to these tropical storms or severe rainstorms, you may want to look into flood vents. Flood vents allow the floodwater to enter your garage freely rather than building up and exerting pressure against the garage door. Though it may seem counterintuitive, deciding to let the garage accommodate the excess water during severe weather will help save the rest of the property from suffering flooding and water damage.
Professional Garage Door Flood Prevention
If you’re not sure how to best flood-proof your Portland-area garage, Oregon City Garage Door is here for you. Whether you want to protect a commercial building or a residence, you can rest assured that our expert team will be there to evaluate your needs and help you decide on the best flood-mitigation measures for your property.
When you need maintenance or a tuneup done on your garage, Oregon City Garage Door is for you. With services ranging from garage door installation to flooding prevention, we cover all the bases to help you keep your garage in peak condition. We can even provide guidance on how to dry out a flooded garage if the damage is already done, and we’ll do everything we can to prevent it from happening again in the future. Contact us today to learn more about our garage door services for the Portland area.