How Much Top Clearance for a Garage?

Considerations

• The average size of a sports utility vehicle is 8 feet high, while private garage doors are typically 7 feet high. Manufacturers now offer taller garage doors that provide clearance for both the vehicle and any other components, including garage door openers. Even if you have a shorter vehicle, consider adding a taller opening to your garage. The larger opening lets other vehicles drive into the space and makes the garage better suited for potential users if you sell your home in the future.

Garage Door Openers

• Automatic garage door openers require space at the top of the garage. Depending on the type installed, you need an additional 10 inches of space or more. A torsion spring opener requires 12 inches or more of space. When determining your garage top clearance, you must factor in the space needed for the opener. If you do not, your vehicle will scrape against the springs when entering and leaving the garage.

How High

• You should have at least 12 inches of clearance between the height of your vehicle and the top of the garage door. The space protects your vehicle from any low-hanging wires and keeps the vehicle from rubbing against the garage door. Contact the Building Inspections department in your area for exact measurements required when building a new garage. The department is responsible for administering building permits and ensuring that new construction matches any existing building requirements or guidelines.

Public Garages

• Garages open to the public have different regulations in place because of the variety of vehicles passing through. The Building Inspections department in your area might require a set clearance height, depending on any regulations in place. A commuter garage, for example, may have a top clearance of 7 feet, which is suitable for smaller cars and vehicles. A top clearance of 8 feet allows larger trucks and SUVs. Semi-trucks or delivery trucks that use the garage require a height of 10 feet or more.