Choosing the right garage door height is crucial, as some vehicles can be taller than others, especially if you own multiple cars, let’s say a truck, RV, or SUV. The last thing you want is scraping the roof of your expensive ride and calling for emergency garage door repair in Los Angeles!
To save you from this problem, we created this guide to help you measure the right door height and what factors you need to consider. We also answered some questions from our clients, which you might also be wondering about.
Average garage door height in Los Angeles
A typical garage door height stands about 7 feet tall. This height works well for typical cars and SUVs, giving enough clearance without wasting space.
However, if you have larger vehicles, such as vans or taller SUVs, you may want to consider getting a taller door. This way, you can prevent damage when loading roof racks or opening the garage door.
Take note that Los Angeles has a garage door height standard and building codes that you should check before building a taller opening.
Factors affecting garage door height
When deciding on the right door height for your garage, you should plan for these factors to avoid problems:
Vehicle size and type
Your vehicles largely determine how tall your door should be. For example, standard cars fit well under 7 feet, but if you own trucks, vans, or SUVs, you’ll need extra clearance.
Aside from the vehicle itself, you should also plan around accessories, such as roof racks, antennas, and lifted suspensions, which will add several vertical inches to the required door opening.
Intended garage usage
You should also think about how you plan to use your garage. If it’s only for cars, standard door heights will likely work fine. However, if you want to use the space for storage, a workshop, or even a home gym, you might need taller doors to move bulky items in and out easily.
Aside from that, taller doors create a more open, comfortable space for other activities you plan to do. This way, your garage space will be functional and easily adaptable for future use.
Garage ceiling height
Different door types require different amounts of headroom to operate properly.
For example, if you have sectional doors, you need about 12 to 18 inches of clearance above the opening to fit their tracks. Meanwhile, roll-up doors stow overhead and need less ceiling space but more room inside the garage walls.
Overall, if your garage ceiling is low, you may have to stick with standard door heights. You can also consider remodeling to increase ceiling space if budget isn’t an issue.
Local building codes and regulations
In Los Angeles, there are specific regulations about door sizes for safety and aesthetic reasons. Some homeowner’s associations may also limit how tall or wide your garage door can be to maintain neighborhood appearance.
Also, take note that larger or custom-sized doors often also require permits and inspections, especially if you’re performing structural changes on your property. Following these rules helps avoid fines and ensures your installation goes smoothly without unexpected delays.
Door type and mechanism
Your preferred door type will affect how much height you need for your multi-car garage. For example, roll-up doors are the most space-saving since they coil tightly into a shaft above your door’s opening.
Meanwhile, tilt-up doors consume the most overhead space as the whole door panel swings out and lifts up. Because of its tilting mechanism, tilt-up doors require higher ceilings and a taller vertical clearance.
Your future needs
Future-proofing your multi-car garage involves choosing the right door height. This will save you from repetitive renovations or upgrades in case you decide to get a bigger vehicle or add storage systems.
If there’s a chance you’ll be converting your garage for something else in the future, it’s best to get a taller door now.
How to measure garage door height for multi-car homes
Measuring a multi-car garage vertical clearance is a bit trickier than a normal garage door height. If you want to go DIY, here are the basic steps you can take:
Step 1. Gather measuring tools
First, get all the needed tools, including a metal tape measure, ladder, and something to write down your measurements. You should also consider getting someone to help out in measuring your wide garage’s opening.
Step 2. Measure opening width and height
Since multi-car garages don’t have the standard garage door height and width, you have to measure both parts properly.
First, measure from the inside of the frame across for your door’s top width and then from the floor to the top edge for your door’s height. Write down all the numbers before you move to the next step.
Step 3. Measure interior clearance
Next, you should check how much space you have inside the garage above the opening. This is important because different door types need different amounts of headroom for the tracks or rolling mechanism.
For this, measure from the top of the door opening up to the ceiling or any beams. Again, write down your measurements to avoid confusion later.
Step 4. Check for obstructions
Once you have your initial measurements, you should also check for possible obstructions on the door’s vertical clearance. This includes beams, pipes, or fixtures that will limit your door’s height, especially if you’re upgrading to a taller unit.
If there are obstructions, you can choose between sticking to standard doors or planning for additional repairs.
Step 5. Double-check your measurements
Lastly, take another round of measurements for the same areas to see if they match your initial numbers. This will let you spot potential gaps you missed on the first measurements.
Once you’re confident with your measurements, you can now reach out to a local garage company to buy your new door!
The average cost to raise garage door heights
The cost to modify and raise the height of your existing garage door opening could range from $500 to $2,000+. The price depends on the complexity of the work, the size of your garage, and if there are other repairs that need to be done.
Overall, this door height modification cost includes rebuilding the door frame and installing new hardware. Also, the price could be much higher, depending on the labor costs in your area.
Need help choosing the right garage door height?
Not confident with your own measurements? Or do you want to skip the technical work? You can call Rock Garage Door Repair for expert garage door height measurements.
We are available for 24/7 and same-day service for all your garage door needs, including custom garage door heights and sizes. Contact us and we’ll send a certified and insured technician to your place right away!
FAQs about garage door height
Is a 7-foot garage door tall enough?
For most standard cars, a 7-foot-tall garage door is spacious enough to enter and exit without issues. However, if you have a selection of both standard and taller vehicles, you should consider upgrading to 8-foot or taller doors.
Can I install a taller garage door than the existing one?
Yes, you can install a taller garage door than your existing one. However, this may involve raising your garage’s vertical clearance to make way for extra height. This is an extra expense on your part since it will require additional construction.
Will changing the height of my garage door require building permits?
If changing your garage door height involves modifying your property’s structure, then you’ll need to secure necessary building permits in Los Angeles. The good thing? You can always hire specialists like Rock Garage Door Repair, who will handle the permitting, repairs, and installation for you.
Can a taller garage door affect the structural integrity of my home?
If not done properly, installing a garage door can have a negative impact on your home’s structural integrity. For example, improperly reinforced headers can weaken the wall and roof support. This is why hiring a certified garage door professional is crucial to avoid such problems.
Can I fit an RV or oversized vehicle with a standard garage door height?
No, a standard garage door height isn’t enough to house an RV or any oversized vehicle. Campers, RVs, and large trucks often require higher doors of around 10 to 12 feet tall.
How do I measure garage door height if the floor is uneven?
For garages with uneven flooring, you should measure at multiple points, from the floor to the top of the door. This will let you see the variation in your door’s height, where the lowest point and the highest point are.
Always use the lowest measurement to ensure that the door will fit into your garage’s entrance. And to ensure a snug fit, consider floor leveling before garage door installation.
Can you add height extensions to existing garage doors?
Yes, you can add height extensions to your existing door if you don’t want to replace the entire door system. There are height extension kits available in the market, but not all garage doors are compatible with this setup.
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