5
STEP 3 – Check Headroom/ Backroom/
Sideroom
Headroom is the space needed above the top of the door for the
door, the overhead tracks, and the springs. Measure to check
that there are no obstructions in your garage within that space.
The normal headroom space requirement is shown in Table 3-A.
The backroom distance is measured from the back of the door
into the garage, and should be at least 18" more than the height
of the garage door. A minimum sideroom of 3-3/4" should be
available on each side of the door on the interior wall surface
to allow for attachment of the vertical track assembly. The
rough opening should be the same size as the door. (Fig. 3-A)
Track Radius: The radius of your track can be determined by
measuring the dimension “R” in Fig. 3-B. If dimension “R”
measures 11" to 12", then you have a 12" radius track. If “R”
equals 14" to 15", then you have a 15" radius track. (Fig. 3-B)
Headroom requirements
The standard headroom space requirement is shown in Table
3-A at right.
Low Headroom? If you have restricted headroom, several
remedies are available. See Table 3-B for various options.
NOTE: Installation of the various Low Headroom Options differs
from the installation of a standard headroom door. Supplemental
instructions are included with the hardware of each Low
Headroom Option.
Rough Opening = Door Size
FIG. 3-A
FIG. 3-B
Table 3-A: Standard Headroom
Requirement Chart
Spring Type
Track
Radius
Headroom
Required
Torsion Spring
12”
12”
Torsion Spring
15”
14”
Table 3-B: Low Headroom Options*
Spring Type
Low Headroom Option
Reduces Required
Headroom to:
How can I get this option?
Torsion
Low Headroom Track
(Front Mount Spring)
9-1/2”
Available from and should be
installed by professional installer
only.
Torsion
Low Headroom Track
(Rear Mount Spring)
4-1/2”
Available from and should be
installed by professional installer
only.
*About 3" of additional headroom height at the center plus additional backroom is needed to install an automatic garage door opener.
Check door opener instructions.
R
Backroom = Door
Height Plus 18”
3-3/4” Minimum Sideroom
Door
Height
Headroom
Required
