If you’re replacing your garage door or trying to ensure it opens more smoothly, you should know its radius. Taking a garage door curve measurement can feel overwhelming. But with the following guide and some attention to detail, you can accomplish the goal and ensure you properly care for your garage door.
Our nationwide network of Raynor Authorized Dealers can help you measure your garage door and recommend all the necessary hardware.
Importance of Measuring Your Track Radius
The radius of your garage door measures how much the track curves and, thus, how much headroom you need to open your door safely. Why should you know your garage door radius?
- Radius determines the amount of headroom you need. Too little headroom can cause your garage door to buckle or jam more frequently.
- If you need replacement parts, knowing your radius ensures you get the right kind.
- Knowing the proper measurements helps avoid accidents or safety issues associated with malfunctioning garage doors.
Five Steps for Measuring Your Garage Door
While calculating your door arch radius is important, you should know all your garage door measurements. The following steps will point you in the right direction:
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Measure Width
Measure the width of your door at the widest possible point. This means you must measure from the wood framing (usually two inches by six inches) on each side of the door. While measuring, take the time to look for any irregularities that could affect how well your door opens, such as parts that aren’t square or places the door could catch.
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Measure the Height
To measure the height of your door, start at the floor and determine the distance to the finished opening at the top. Stay vigilant about any irregularities on your floor, such as divots or uneven surfaces.
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Measure the Sides
You should have some space between the finished opening of your door and the walls of your garage. If you’re installing more than one, you need a minimum clearance of five inches for a single door and 10 inches between the doors.
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Measure the Headroom
The headroom refers to the distance between the lower part of the upper finished opening (the top of the door frame) and the ceiling of your garage. Different types of tracks require different headroom, but for the vast majority of tracks, you’ll need a minimum of 12 inches.
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Measure the Backroom
Backroom refers to the distance between the wall with your garage door opening and the back of your garage or the nearest obstacle. Depending on the type of door you’re installing, your backroom must equal at least the height of your door plus 18 inches.
Calculating the Radius
When calculating your garage door arch degree, the most important measurement is the height of your door. For doors under 91 inches, you likely have a 12-inch radius. For doors between 91 and 93 inches, you probably have a 15-inch radius. Be sure to hire an authorized professional to be sure before ordering new equipment.
Important Tips for Measuring
When measuring your garage door radius, implement the following tips.
Check Your Work
Nearly all residential garage doors have a garage door bend measurement of 12 or 15 inches. If your door is over 93 inches in height, or you don’t have adequate headroom, you may have a different radius and track type.
Confirm the Track Style
Before measuring the radius of your garage door curve, confirm you know its track style. Most have a standard lift track, but you may have a different type if your garage has special space restrictions or you’re measuring the door on a commercial or industrial building.
Shut the Door
To ensure you measure the right areas, measure the door from the inside. Measuring from the outside can lead to inaccurate results and may mean the difference between believing you have a 12-inch or 15-inch radius. You should also shut the door so it doesn’t get in the way of your measuring.
Remove Obstacles
To ensure your safety and that you can measure accurately, remove obstacles you could trip over or that might impede access to the place you must measure. The most common obstacles that can cause problems while measuring include vehicles, boxes, and other storage items, as well as a workbench.
You should also note any obstacles that could prevent the door from opening properly. These may include pipes, open doors, uneven portions of your floor, or a damaged garage door frame. Be sure to hire authorized garage door professionals to assist you if needed.
Types of Tracks
Knowing what kind of track you have can help you measure the radius of your garage door.
Standard Lift Track
The most common type of track, the standard lift, requires headroom one inch greater than the track radius.
Low Headroom Double Track
Whereas the standard track needs a minimum of 13 inches for headroom, these tracks only require 10 inches. If your garage door has a big top, you need this track.
Low Headroom Rear Torsion
This track requires a minimum headroom of six-and-a-half inches and has strong rear torsion springs that can last a long time.
Low Headroom Extension Springs
This track requires the same headroom as the rear torsion variety but uses extension springs instead.
High Lift Track
If your garage has a high ceiling, you can use this track, which has a more vertical than horizontal path. The larger part of the garage door stays vertical even while open.
Vertical Lift Track
As a general rule, you need a ceiling that’s double the height of your door opening for a vertical lift track. You’ll also need a jackshaft garage door opener.
Room Pitch Track
If your garage door has a unique curvature, you can use this track, which follows the path of your roof and curves the door accordingly.
Raynor Garage Doors Can Measure Your Track Radius
Does measuring your garage door radius feel overwhelming? Raynor Authorized Technician can provide meticulous measurements for your home, tailored to your specific needs, so you know exactly what type of track and spring you require. We make the process stress-free and work hard to maintain competitive prices.
Contact a Raynor Authorized Dealer near you today to resolve any issues related to your garage door, including repairs and installation.
