Raising The Height Of A Garage Door Opening

Raising the Height of a Garage Door Opening

Enhancing the height of a garage door opening can provide several benefits, such as accommodating taller vehicles, improving ventilation, or simply adding a more spacious and inviting feel to the garage. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or prefer to hire a professional, understanding the essential aspects of this project is crucial.

1. Assessing the Feasibility

Before embarking on this endeavor, it's wise to assess its feasibility. Factors to consider include:

Existing Headroom: Determine the height from the top of the current garage door opening to the ceiling. Ideally, you need at least 12 inches of additional headroom.
Roof Construction: Examine the roof structure above the garage door to ensure there's sufficient space to raise the opening.
Electrical and Plumbing Lines: Identify the location of any electrical wires or plumbing pipes that may run through the header above the door.

2. Determining the Height Increase

Once feasibility is confirmed, determine the desired height increase. Consider:

Vehicle Height: Measure the height of the tallest vehicle that will be using the garage.
Ventilation: Raising the door opening can improve air circulation within the garage.
Aesthetic Appeal: A taller garage door opening can enhance the overall appearance of your home.

3. Modifying the Header

The header, or the horizontal beam above the garage door, may need to be raised. This involves:

Support the Header: Temporarily support the header using jacks or posts.
Cut New Openings: Cut new openings in the header to accommodate the increased height.
Install New Header: Replace the original header with a new one that extends to the desired height.

4. Raising the Garage Door

Once the header is modified, the garage door can be raised:

Disconnect the Garage Door: Detach the garage door from its current tracks.
Install New Vertical Tracks: Extend the vertical tracks to the new header height.
Reattach the Garage Door: Reattach the garage door to the new tracks.

5. Finishing Touches

To complete the project:

Insulate and Seal: Insulate any exposed areas around the new header and seal any gaps to prevent air and moisture leaks.
Trim and Paint: Trim any exposed wood and paint or stain to match the surrounding walls and garage door.

Conclusion

Raising the height of a garage door opening can be a substantial project but is achievable with proper planning and execution. By considering the feasibility, determining the height increase, modifying the header, raising the garage door, and completing the finishing touches, you can create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing garage space.