Measuring Up and Automating
Having reviewed the characteristics of the different door types and decided what is best for you, it is time to work out what size of door you require so that we can give you an accurate quotation. Alternatively, we can come out and measure up the garage, and chat through any questions you may have before providing a quote.
​
If you are wanting to measure up yourself, grab yourself a tape measure and pen and paper, then read on.
​
​
1. Sectional and Roller Doors
Also see our dedicated Sectional Doors pages and roller door pages.
a. Measuring up:
Sectional and Roller doors are mounted to the rear face of the garage structure and do not require a frame. To identify the size of door that you need simply measure the dimensions in the diagram below - the opening does not have to be true or square - you can even have an arched opening.
Door sizes are always quoted WIDTH x HEIGHT and are sold to be bigger than the opening size, i.e. a 7' x 6'6" door will actually be approximately 180mm wider and 100mm higher so that it fits around a 7' x 6'6" opening.
b. Will it fit? Door space constraints:
Clearance is required on either side and above the rear face of the opening.
​
​
2. Retractable and Canopy doors - pre-framed
a. Measuring up:
If you wish to replace your existing frame or simply fit a pre-framed door to your existing brick opening you can identify the size of door that you need by simply measuring the dimensions in the following diagram. Check the dimensions at various points to ensure consistency and verify the diagonal dimensions to ensure the frame is square (the two dimensions should be the same).
Door sizes are always quoted WIDTH x HEIGHT and are sold to fit the opening size, i.e. a 7' x 6'6" door will actually be slightly smaller so that it fits into a 7' x 6'6" opening with the necessary clearances.
Pre-framed doors may be mounted within the opening or mounted on the rear face of the garage structure to give a little more flexibility. If mounted to the rear face a frame to brick overlap of approximately 50mm is required.
b. Will it fit? Door space constraints:
See previous section.
​
3.Retractable, Canopy and Side Hinge doors - fitting to an existing frame
​
a. Measuring up:
If your frame already exists, please make sure that:
-
The frame is structurally sound and in good condition
-
The frame is securely fixed to your garage structure
-
Side frames are upright and parallel
-
The top of the frame is level and square to the sides
If your frame is not up to scratch you have a couple of options: Replace it with a new timber frame, or, replace it with a plastisol treated Steel frame that can be pre-fitted to your door.
To identify the size of door that you need simply measure the dimensions in the following diagram. Check the dimensions at various points to ensure consistency and verify the diagonal dimensions to ensure the frame is square (the two dimensions should be the same… not as shown).
Door sizes are always quoted WIDTH x HEIGHT and are sold to fit the opening size, i.e. a 7' x 6'6" door will actually be slightly smaller so that it fits into a 7' x 6'6" opening with the necessary clearances.
b. Will it fit? Door space constraints:
Retractable: The full height of the door slides back into the ceiling of the garage when opened.
Canopy: As one-third of the door protrudes outside of the garage less space is needed to 'store' the open door.
Dimensions A (depth into garage) and B (additional height above underside of door frame) vary with each manufacturer and door type as follows:
​
​
​
​