How To Measure For A Commercial Garage Door

Most homes have a standard-size one or two-car garage door. But your warehouse, factory,  loading dock, or garage is likely to need a custom-sized door. Here is how to measure to install or replace your Pittsburgh commercial garage doors.

Measurement 1: Width And Height

Grab a ladder and an extra-long tape measure. Measure the width and height of the door opening, down to the exact feet and inches.

Measurement 2: Sideroom

Now it’s time to calculate the sideroom measurements. You will need at least 3.75 inches for standard vertical tracts, and 5.5 inches for specialty spring systems. If you have multiple garage doors side to side, you need at least 10 inches between each door 

Measurement 3: Headroom

Next up, you need to measure the headroom between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling. Standard spring systems need at least 10 feet and specialty spring systems will need at least 5.5 inches.

Measurement 4: Backroom

Last but not least, you need to measure the distance between the garage door opening and the back of the garage wall. You will need at least the door height plus 18 inches if you want an automatic garage door. 

Additional Tips For Measuring Commercial Garage Doors

In addition to the measurements above, be mindful of anything that might hinder your new garage door. In some cases, you may need to have a bit of work done before you can install the new garage door you’d like. Things to consider include:

•     Electrical outlets
•     Lighting
•     Damaged jambs
•     Uneven flooring
•     Pipes
•     Ductwork
•     And more!

Not to worry if you aren’t confident in measuring your Pittsburgh commercial garage doors yourself. The team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is happy to come out and do the measurements for you!

What You Need to Know Before Speaking with a Commercial Garage Door Salesman

As a business owner, you are probably looking for ways to make your business run more efficiently. The more efficient your business runs, the more your business profits. Whether you are looking to purchase your first set of Pittsburgh commercial garage doors or are looking to replace your existing ones, here are a few things you should know before you start talking to a garage door salesman.

Application

Before deciding on a new commercial garage door, you’ll want to think about how the doors will be used. While this might seem like a no-brainer, commercial doors can be used to fulfill a wide variety of applications. Also, commercial doors need to be able to stand up to the rigors of businesses that rely on them to open and close with no problems for an extended period of time. You’ll also want to consider how you’ll be using your door and what features are going to be important for you and your situation. Knowing how you’ll be using your door should play an important role in the type of door and system you choose.

Material

Once you have determined the application in which your door will be best utilized, you’ll want to consider what type of door material is going to work best for your needs. Commercial garage doors are available in different materials, the most common being steel or aluminum. Steel is a durable and low-maintenance option for business owners. Aluminum is also a low-maintenance, as well as resist to corrosion. Steel doors are ideal for businesses needing a door that can withstand high-volume cycles. On the other hand, aluminum doors work great in areas where there is high humidity.

Size

One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential garage doors is that commercial doors are available in nearly any size, while residential doors generally come in either one- or two-car options. When you first talk to a commercial garage door salesman, one of the first things they’ll need to know is what size of door you’re looking for. So, you’ll want to measure your openings before you start talking with them.

Features

There are numerous commercial garage door features available. A few of the most common features include:

• Insulation
• Automation
• Safety
• Motor
• Cycle Speed
• Aesthetics
• Price
• Maintenance
• Security

When you are ready to talk to someone about which Pittsburgh commercial garage doors are right for your business, contact the experts at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors!