In a previous post, we provided a step-by-step guide on how to measure for a new garage door. However, if your garage door has an arched top, measuring for a replacement requires a slightly different approach. Follow the steps outlined below to accurately measure an arched garage door for your home.
Why Are Arched Garage Door Measurements Complicated?
Overhead-acting, sectional garage doors must have square tops to accommodate track hardware. These arch-top garage doors are actually simulated arches. This means that the door (with an arched design feature) has a square top that is hidden behind an arched opening.
True swing garage doors can have simulated arched designs in a square top or they can be a true-arch top door with a curved top and jamb. A true arch-top door cannot be used in an overhead opening door track mechanism.
Types of Arched Garage Doors
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and character to your home’s exterior, arched garage doors are a great choice. With several arched garage door styles, you can find the perfect option to complement your home’s architecture and personal aesthetic.
Single Arch
The single-arch garage door is a popular choice for homeowners who appreciate classic design. This style features a single, sweeping arch without any intricate details, creating a clean and timeless look. Ideal for homes that desire a touch of sophistication without sacrificing functionality, the single-arch garage door is a versatile and attractive choice.
Double Arch
A double-arch door is a stunning and distinctive choice for any home. The two arches converge at the center, creating a visually interesting and inviting entrance. This design is also frequently used for entry doors, as it adds a touch of elegance and craftsmanship that enhances the overall appeal of the home.
Custom Arch
You can also choose a custom arch shape to match your home’s architecture. From subtle curves to dramatic arches, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. Consult with your local garage door expert to discuss your home’s architecture and find the arch shape that will best complement your space.
Arched Garage Door Measurements
There are three garage door measurements you need to take when you’re measuring a door with an arched top. From those three measurements, you will specify the door size and calculate the drop of the arch.
The measurements are:
- Door Width (A)
- Door Height (B)
- Spring Line Height (C)
Door size is represented by multiplying the Door Width and Door Height.
To calculate the Drop, subtract the Spring Line from the Door Height
Tips for arch measurements:
- Measure Door Width from door jamb to door jamb. Verify width at the bottom, middle, and top of the door opening.
- Measure the Door Height from the floor to the center of the arch.
- Measure the Spring Line from the floor to the point at which the arch begins to curve.
- Be sure to verify that the spring line plus drop equals the door height at the peak of the arch.
- Measure the Spring Line on both sides of the door. If there is a difference, they can be averaged or one side can be selected.
Making a Template
Not all garage door openings have the same dimensions. Some arched openings may be complex curves (like an ellipse) or they may not be symmetrical. That’s when a template is needed in order to match your custom opening’s curves.
The same basic measurements are needed but you also will trace the actual opening curve. Here’s how to get started.
Have the following materials on hand:
- Tyvek, building paper, kraft paper, or other non-stretchable materials
- Fasteners (tacks, tape)
- Pencil / Marker
- Tape measure
Follow these steps:
- With your garage door opened, stretch material along the entire top edge of the finished opening from the inside.
- Fasten/secure the material with tape or tacks. It needs to be taut across the opening. If it is loose, the curve on your arch-top door may not exactly align with your opening.
- From the outside, trace the arch onto the paper
- Using your tape measure, make note of all the appropriate measurements as described above: Door Width, Door Height, Spring Line Height, and Drop for each side of the door.
How Much of An Arch is Too Much?
When crafting an arched-top garage door, we use an Artisan standard radius to ensure a visually appealing design. However using your measurements, we also offer the flexibility of creating a custom arch that perfectly matches the unique dimensions of your garage door opening.
While arched garage doors offer a wide range of design possibilities, their size is ultimately constrained by the maximum height and width of the top section, as well as any clearance requirements for the overhead track.
Note: This blog was originally published on May 11, 2017. Updated on August 27, 2024.
