What is a standard size for a roller garage door?

Roller garage doors might seem like a one-size-fits-all solution, but did you know that picking the wrong size can cause long-term headaches? From blocked driveways to incomplete closure and even wasted energy, the consequences are real. So, whether you’re a homeowner planning a garage upgrade or a business owner outfitting a loading bay, getting the right door size is essential.

At IDL Windows, we’ve helped hundreds of customers across the UK find doors that fit just right—and today, we’re laying it all out in this complete guide. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in.

1. What is a Roller Garage Door?

A roller garage door is exactly what it sounds like—a garage door that rolls up vertically into a compact coil above the doorway. Think of it like a roll-up blind but made from strong slats of steel or aluminium. It saves space, offers clean aesthetics, and provides excellent insulation when built with the right material. If you’re still exploring the different configurations available, check out our detailed article on the types of roller shutters.

2. Types of Roller Garage Doors

Manual vs Electric:
Manual roller doors are operated by hand—a good choice for small garages or budget-conscious projects. Electric doors come with remote controls and smart systems, ideal for convenience and security.

Insulated vs Non-Insulated:
If your garage shares a wall with your home or stores temperature-sensitive items, go insulated. Otherwise, a non-insulated version might do just fine.

Single-Skin vs Double-Skin:
Double-skin doors are stronger and better insulated. Single-skin doors are lighter and more affordable but less robust.

3. Standard Size Dimensions

UK Standard Sizes

• Single Garage Roller Door:
  Most common size is 2134mm (7ft) wide x 1981mm (6ft 6in) high.
  
• Double Garage Roller Door:
  Typically 4877mm (16ft) wide x 2134mm (7ft) high.
  
• Compact & Mini Doors:
  For limited spaces or side garages, options can be as small as 1500mm wide.
  

US Standard Sizes

• Single Garage: 8ft wide x 7ft high (2438mm x 2134mm)
  
• Double Garage: 16ft wide x 7ft high (4877mm x 2134mm)
  
• Some regions use taller doors (8ft or 9ft high) to accommodate SUVs and trucks.
  

European & International Sizes

• Europe follows EN 13241 standards.
  
• Metric sizes dominate: Common widths include 2400mm, 3000mm, and 5000mm.
  
• Height varies by country—Scandinavian regions tend to prefer taller units due to snow vehicle clearance.

4. Headroom, Side Room, and Backroom Requirements

Headroom Clearance

You typically need at least 300mm (12 inches) of headroom for a standard roll. For tighter spaces, low-headroom kits are available.

Side Room Requirements

Leave 75–100mm on each side for the tracking system. In commercial doors, side room can vary depending on motor type.

Backroom (Depth)

Plan for full roll-up space: roughly the same as the door height, plus a safety buffer. For example, a 7ft door needs about 8ft of depth.

5. Choosing the Right Size for Residential or Commercial Use

Residential Garages

Measure your car’s width, height, and turning space. A single door works for a compact car; double doors suit multi-car households or larger vehicles.

Commercial or Industrial Use

Loading bays and warehouses need roller shutters tall enough for vans and delivery trucks—often 3m+ high and 3–5m wide, depending on use. For these settings, our steel roller shutters supply and fit service offers durable, secure, and tailored installations across the UK.

6. Special Applications: Sheds, Carports & Conversions

Even small outdoor buildings can benefit from roller doors. A converted shed might only need a 1200mm-wide compact roller. Carports? Go wider to accommodate pillars. For a breakdown of options for non-standard spaces, take a look at our roller shutters guide.

7. Made-to-Measure Options & Custom Fitments

When should you go custom? If your opening doesn’t match standard sizes, or if you’re renovating an unusual structure, made-to-measure roller garage doors are ideal.

IDL Windows provides custom-fit doors tailored to your space, with options for motorisation, colour, and insulation.

8. Material and Insulation Considerations

Aluminium vs Steel vs uPVC

• Aluminium: Lightweight and rust-resistant, perfect for coastal areas.
  
• Steel: Strong and secure, but heavier.
  
• uPVC: Budget-friendly, but limited in strength and design.
  

Insulation and Thickness

Insulated doors are thicker (often 20–25mm), which can slightly reduce opening clearance—but massively boost energy savings and soundproofing. To learn more, read our article on the benefits of steel roller shutters.

9. How to Measure Your Garage Properly

Grab a tape measure. You’ll need three key numbers:

• Width: Measure wall-to-wall.
  
• Height: Floor to top lintel.
  
• Clearance: Measure headroom, side room, and backroom depth.
  

IDL Windows offers free consultations to help with these measurements.

10. Standard vs Custom Fit: What’s Right for You?

If your opening matches a standard size, you’re in luck—it’s quicker and cheaper. But for unusual spaces or integrated systems, custom doors give better results.

11. Regulations, Codes & Safety Features

UK Building Regulations

Ensure doors meet Part K (access), Part L (thermal efficiency), and Part Q (security) where applicable.

Safety Add-ons

• Auto-Reverse Sensors stop the door if an object is detected.
  
• Manual Override is essential during power cuts.
  

Always check for CE Marking or UKCA certification before buying.

🧠 Conclusion: Sizing with Confidence

To wrap things up—knowing what is a standard size for a roller garage door helps you avoid delays, fit issues, and cost overruns. From single-home garages to large commercial units, the key is matching your needs with the right dimensions and understanding how fitment impacts performance.

When in doubt, contact the experts at IDL Windows. We’ll help you measure, choose, and install the perfect roller door—stress-free.