Whether your garage door is damaged from an accident or you are in the mood for an update, you might be thinking about a replacement. In addition to giving your home exterior a new look, an updated garage door can also improve your home security and property value — but only if it is installed correctly. Here are three tips to measure accurately and ensure installation is a snap.

Get a Little Help 

A measuring tape can be awkward to handle, so consider getting a little help from a family member, friend, or neighbor. Have that person hold the body of the measuring tape while you walk across the area you are measuring, and hold it parallel to the floor or ceiling. By asking for help, you will make the process faster, easier, and more accurate, improving your measurements.

Focus on the Tallest & Widest Points

If the opening is uneven, get the measurements of the tallest and widest points so your garage door fits within the largest areas. To make finding these areas easier, take several measurements of the same space, and always record the largest readings.

Calculate for Tracks & Headroom

Garage doors are more than a simple door, so don’t forget to measure for the tracks, openers, and headroom between the door and the ceiling of your garage. Most garage doors need about 3.75 inches on either side for a track and enough space overhead to make way for the rolled-up garage door.

When you know how much room you need for your new garage door, contact the professionals at Overhead Door Co. of Lycoming County in Williamsport, PA. Known as "The Genuine, the Original Overhead Door Company," they offer aluminum, wood, carriage-style, fiberglass, insulated, vinyl, and steel garage doors in thousands of colors and configurations. As a division of Schrader Architectural Products, they offer only the most durable, long-lasting products. For more information about their services, explore their website or call (570) 326-4749.