Most garage doors weigh anywhere from 100 pounds to 400 pounds, depending on size, material, and insulation. Knowing the weight of a garage door is more important than many homeowners might think. It affects everything from the type of opener you need to the springs that keep it balanced. Whether you’re planning a replacement or just curious, this guide will help you get a handle on garage door weights.
Why Does Garage Door Weight Matter?
Weight can affect the overall function and safety of your garage door. As a result, homeowners need to use the right hardware for support.
Garage doors rely on springs to counterbalance their weight. If the door is too heavy for the springs, it can be difficult to lift the door or cause an automatic opener’s motor to struggle under the strain. If you haven’t calibrated the spring tension, the garage door could fall unexpectedly, posing a serious safety risk.
Even if the door doesn’t fail, improper weight support can increase wear and tear on its hardware. In turn, this can cause you to replace parts frequently.
Garage Door Weight by Material
Different materials affect the appearance of your garage door and its overall weight. Wood, metal, overlay, glass, and vinyl are popular options.
Wood garage doors are a classic choice, but they’re also one of the heaviest options out there. A single wood garage door can tip the scales at over 300 pounds, while a double door might weigh more than 500 pounds – nearly double when compared to some other types of materials.
Wood doors often come with a variety of finishes and decorative features, which can add even more weight.
Metal doors, particularly steel, are a popular and lightweight option. A single steel door weighs around 80 pounds, with double doors coming in at more than 150 pounds. Metal double doors are half the weight of a single wood garage door. The thickness of a steel door also affects the weight.
Overlay doors have a steel base with a wood overlay, giving you the natural beauty of wood without all of the weight. Single overlay doors weigh around 250 pounds, while double doors can reach about 400 pounds.
For a modern look, some homeowners like glass garage doors. They’re certainly eye-catching, but they’re also heavy and require strong hardware and opener systems. A single glass garage door often weighs more than 300 pounds, and a double door can exceed 550 pounds.
Vinyl can resemble wood doors but without the heft. However, they’re less durable compared to wood. Their weight depends on insulation. Single vinyl garage doors can weigh up to 115 pounds, while double door options can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Garage Door Weight by Dimensions
The size of your garage door also plays a significant role in determining its weight. Let’s look at some common garage door sizes and their typical weights, using vinyl doors as an example.
9 x 7 Garage Door Weight
A 9 x 7 garage door is the standard size for single-car garages. The weight depends on the amount of insulation. Typical weights are:
- Uninsulated: 85 pounds to 95 pounds
- Insulated: 95 pounds to 115 pounds
14 x 7 Garage Door Weight
For a two-car garage, a 14 x 7 door is common. Typical weights are:
- Uninsulated: 135 pounds to 150 pounds
- Insulated: 145 pounds to 170 pounds
16 x 7 Garage Door Weight
A two-car 16 x 7 garage door offers more width and ease of access. Typical weights are:
- Uninsulated: 150 pounds to 170 pounds
- Insulated: 160 pounds to 200 pounds
What Can Affect the Weight of Your Garage Door?
Size and material absolutely play a role in the weight of your door, but insulation, thickness, and accessories can also affect the overall weight.
Insulation
Insulation adds 10 pounds to 30 pounds to your door’s overall weight. While this might not seem like much, it could push your door into a higher weight bracket, meaning it will require different hardware or opener strength. The exact weight increase depends on the type and quality of insulation used, as well as the size of your door.
Thickness
Garage doors can range from just over an inch thick to more than three inches. Thicker doors weigh more due to the extra material used.
Most garage doors are about 2 inches thick, striking a balance between durability and weight. The thinnest doors, usually around 1 3/8 inches, can be nearly 30% lighter than a 2-inch door. While thinner doors are less expensive and lighter, they’re also less durable. It’s all about finding the right balance for your needs and budget.
Accessories
When calculating your garage door’s weight, don’t forget about the extras! Accessories can add more heft than you might think. Here are some common add-ons and how they impact your door’s weight:
- Window inserts are lightweight. Acrylic options weigh less than 2 pounds each, but if you’re using more than one insert, the weight can add up. However, if your door materials are heavy, adding window inserts may make your door lighter.
- Reinforcing struts maintain your garage door’s shape, prevent bulging, and improve stability. Typically made of steel, they can add one pound of weight for every 12 inches of reinforcement strut. So, 12 feet of struts would add 12 extra pounds to your door.
- Decorations, such as metal handles or hinges, can add as much as 20 pounds per fixture. Choosing lighter materials, including aluminum, can improve the look of a garage door without significantly adding to the overall weight.
How to Weigh a Garage Door
If you need to know the exact weight of your garage door, you can weigh it yourself. Follow this step-by-step guide:
- Carefully unwind the door’s springs to relieve tension in the torsion cables, and leave the door open.
- Place a scale under the garage door opening. Depending on your door’s size, you might need an industrial scale instead of a regular household scale.
- Gently lower the garage door until it rests on the scale. The scale should give you an instant reading of your door’s weight.
- Reset the springs when you’re done.
Garage Door Weight Calculators
If you’d rather not physically weigh your door, there are online calculators available to help you estimate your garage door’s weight. These tools take factors, including material, size, and accessories, into account to give you a good approximation. Better Building Hardware Garage Door Calculator and Garage Door Repairs Spring Size Calculator are two options.
Final Thoughts About Garage Door Weight
Understanding your garage door’s weight is more than just a matter of curiosity. It’s an important factor in maintaining your door’s safety and functionality. From choosing the right opener to properly balancing your springs, knowing your door’s weight can help you make informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and upgrades.
