Double Car Garage Door Size: The Unsung Hero of Your Home (And Your Cars!)
Hey there, fellow garage tinkerers and car enthusiasts! Let’s chat about something we all take for granted until it goes wrong: your double car garage door size. You know, that massive slab of metal or wood that protects your vehicles (and let’s be real, your overflowing stash of holiday decorations). We’ve seen too many folks in Edmonton and Sherwood Park accidentally order doors that turn their garage into a high-stakes game of Tetris. So, grab a coffee, and let’s break this down together—no jargon, no fluff, just straight talk from our crew at Legion Garage Doors.
Why Getting the Size Right Isn’t Just “Nice to Have”
Ever tried squeezing your SUV into a garage that feels like it was designed for toy cars? Yeah, it’s like watching a giraffe try yoga—painful and slightly tragic. A too-small door doesn’t just ding your paint job; it strains hinges, misaligns tracks, and turns your peaceful home into a symphony of grinding metal (hello, noisy garage door). Worse, it can lead to broken springs or garage door cable repair nightmares. We’ve fixed enough DIY disasters to know: Measure twice, install once. Trust us, your future self will thank you.
Standard Sizes: Your Blueprint for Stress-Free Parking
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Most double garage doors fall into a few common sizes, but “standard” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s the cheat sheet we swear by:
| Width (feet) | Height (feet) | Best For | Watch Outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 7 | Two sedans or compact cars | Tight for trucks/SUVs; check mirror clearance! |
| 16 | 8 | Taller vehicles (pickups, vans) | Extra height = better storage flexibility |
| 18 | 7 | Spacious fit for SUVs + daily drivers | Ideal for modern families |
| 18 | 8 | Trucks, RVs, or “I need a workshop space!” | Perfect for gearheads with big toys 😉 |
FYI, these dimensions assume a minimum clearance of 3-6 inches on all sides. Ignore that, and you’ll be yelling “garage door track alignment near me!” into your phone at 10 PM.
When “Standard” Doesn’t Cut It (And That’s Okay!)
Got an older home in Old Strathcona or a custom build in Windermere? Your garage might play by its own rules. We’ve handled everything from heritage homes with quirky openings to industrial spaces needing commercial garage door installation. Pro tip: If your door frame looks like it survived the ’80s, custom sizing might save you headaches (and cash) long-term. IMO, it’s cheaper than forcing a square peg into a round hole—literally.
The Installation Journey: No Hard Hats Required (We Wear Them For You)
So, you’ve nailed your measurements. What’s next? Whether it’s a garage door replacement or automatic garage door installation, here’s our playbook:
- Prep Work: We clear debris, inspect tracks (because garage door track repair mid-install is the worst), and reinforce weak spots.
- Door Mounting: Securely hang sections while ensuring they glide smoother than a Zamboni.
- Opener Setup: Sync your automatic garage door opener installation with your existing smart home system. No tech shaming here!
Cost alert: Prices vary wildly ($1,200-$4,500+), but skimping often means future garage door opener repair bills. Our team at Legion Garage Doors offers upfront quotes—no mystery fees.
Oops Moments: When Things Go “Clank!” Instead of “Swoosh”
Even perfect doors throw tantrums. Here’s how to spot trouble:
- Grinding noises? Could be garage door track alignment issues or worn rollers.
- Door won’t budge? Classic broken garage door spring (don’t touch those—they’re under insane tension!).
- Cables sagging? Garage door cable repair needs pro hands unless you fancy a ER trip.
We fix these daily across Edmonton—yes, including emergency commercial overhead door repair for businesses. :/
Why “Near Me” Matters More Than You Think
Look, we get it. Googling “garage door contractor near me” feels like rolling dice. But choosing local (like us at Legion Garage Doors!) means:
- Faster response when your garage door torsion spring replacement can’t wait.
- Knowledge of Edmonton’s climate quirks (ever seen a -40°C door seal fail? Oof).
- Fair pricing without the “big brand” markup.
FAQs: Your Curiosities, Sorted
Q: Can I DIY a garage door spring replacement?
A: Only if you enjoy high-risk physics experiments! Garage door spring repair requires specialized tools and training. We handle garage door torsion spring replacement safely—call us.
Q: What’s the top mistake homeowners make with double doors?
A: Ignoring clearance! Tall trucks + low headers = crunched roofs. Measure vehicle height with roof racks!
Q: How often should I service my door?
A: Annually. Lubricate tracks, test balance, and check cables. Prevents 80% of garage door repair calls.
Q: Why does my new door sound like a dinosaur?
A: Often loose hardware or misaligned tracks. Schedule garage door track repair ASAP—it’s cheaper than a full breakdown.
Wrapping It Up: Because Your Garage Deserves Better
At the end of the day, your double garage door isn’t just a portal for your cars—it’s your home’s armor against Alberta winters and a backdrop for countless family memories (and maybe a few DIY fails). Whether you’re eyeing a sleek automatic garage door installation or nursing a broken spring in Sherwood Park, Legion Garage Doors has your back. We’re Edmonton’s garage whisperers, blending expertise with zero ego.
Ready to ditch the guesswork? Contact Legion Garage Doors today for a no-pressure consult. Let’s make your garage the hero it was meant to be—not the villain in your homeowner saga. 😊
