Thinking of widening or raising your garage door? You’re not alone. Many homeowners in Vancouver, Surrey, and nearby cities often reach out to us at Defy Innovations wondering if it’s possible to modify their existing garage door opening. Whether it’s to fit a larger vehicle or just to improve convenience, increasing garage door size can definitely make your garage more functional.
Let’s walk you through what this process involves, how to check if it’s even doable, and what kind of support you’ll need.
Why Homeowners Consider Expanding Their Garage Door
There are a few reasons why people decide to enlarge their garage door:
- To accommodate taller or wider vehicles like trucks or SUVs.
- To replace two single doors with one double garage door.
- To improve overall accessibility and aesthetics.
But before you start tearing down walls, here’s what you need to think about.
Is It Technically Possible to Increase Garage Door Size?
This is the first and most crucial question. Modifying a garage door frame isn’t a minor task. It requires evaluating your current structure and layout. You’ll want to work with a qualified construction specialist or carpenter who can:
- Inspect your garage’s current framing.
- Determine whether load-bearing structures will be affected.
- Help you assess ceiling clearance and side space.
At Defy Innovations, we frequently work with contractors and provide technical advice to ensure everything is in place for a smooth installation. Learn more about our services and how we collaborate with builders.
Ceiling Clearance and Side Wall Space — What You Need
One common issue is not having enough ceiling clearance to fit the garage door’s lifting mechanism. Here are the space requirements to keep in mind:
- At least 5 inches of space between the top of the door frame and the ceiling.
- A minimum of 5 inches between the sides of the frame and adjacent walls.
These gaps are essential for the garage door track system and spring mechanism to operate smoothly.
Watch Out for the Central Beam
Another key thing to check is whether there is a wooden beam or header in the center, just above the door opening. Why does this matter?
The spring system’s central plate is usually attached there. It carries a lot of tension and needs strong structural support. If this beam is missing or damaged, adjustments or reinforcements will be necessary.
What About the Concrete Foundation?
Many people forget to consider the concrete foundation that lies beneath the frame. If you’re increasing the width, part of the foundation might block the new door frame or its movement.
That’s where a construction professional comes in again. They can trim or modify the concrete where needed—something you definitely want to get right the first time.
The Role of Defy Innovations
At Defy Innovations, we’re with you every step of the way. Once the structural changes are done, we can:
- Recommend the best garage door model for your new opening.
- Handle full installation in around 4 hours.
- Provide openers suited to your new door’s size and weight.
Our team has handled many such projects across Richmond, Burnaby, and Coquitlam. We know what it takes to do the job right the first time.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Opener
A larger or heavier garage door will need a more powerful opener. Don’t worry — our technicians will help you pick the right one based on your door’s size, material, and frequency of use.
If you’re switching to a double door setup, a belt-drive or wall-mounted opener might be ideal for quieter and smoother operation.
Why Clients Trust Garage Door VanCity
Here’s why homeowners across Greater Vancouver trust us:
✅ Same-Day Service — We work 24/7 so your schedule isn’t disrupted.
✅ Transparent Pricing — No hidden fees or surprise costs.
✅ Local and Reliable — We’re a family-run, community-focused business.
✅ Excellent Warranty — Our guarantees are among the best in the industry.
Need help? Just give us a call at 604-328-5365 or request a quote online.
Service Areas We Cover
If you live in any of these areas, we’re ready to assist:
- Vancouver
- North Vancouver
- West Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- Surrey
- New Westminster
- Coquitlam
We’re just a call away for any garage door replacement or installation needs.
Final Thoughts
Increasing the size of your garage door is definitely possible — with the right planning and professional guidance. From evaluating your structure to installing the final product, we’re here to help.
So, if you’re ready to give your garage a functional upgrade, contact Defy Innovations today. We’ll make sure your new, larger garage door fits perfectly — and works like a charm.
👉 Visit our website for more details or call 604-328-5365 to schedule your consultation.