Yes, a garage door can usually be installed in an uneven opening, but it depends on how uneven the opening is and the type of garage door being fitted. Uneven brickwork, sloping floors, inclined headroom and older garage structures are very common, especially on older properties, but they aren’t always an issue when replacing a garage door.
This question is often asked because homeowners are concerned that imperfections in the opening might prevent a new door from fitting properly or looking right.
How uneven openings are handled
Professional garage door installers deal with uneven openings regularly and have several ways to achieve a secure and neat installation.
- Frame adjustments and packing – Minor unevenness can often be corrected by adjusting the frame and using packers to ensure the door sits level and square.
- Custom fitting and trims – Made to measure doors and finishing trims can be used to cover small gaps and create a clean appearance once the door is installed.
- Floor level differences – If the floor slopes slightly, the door can often be set to follow the highest point while still sealing properly at the bottom.
When unevenness becomes a problem
If the opening is significantly out of square or the structure is unsound, additional work may be needed before installation takes place, which could impact the garage door fitting options available. This could include:
- Repairing or reinforcing brickwork
- Adjusting the lintel or frame
- Making small structural improvements to support the new door
These issues are usually identified during a site survey, so any extra work can be discussed before installation takes place.
Door types and uneven openings
Some garage door styles are more forgiving than others. For example roller and sectional garage doors are often well suited to slightly uneven openings because they sit behind the opening rather than within it. Up and over doors meanwhile and similar models might require a more square opening to operate smoothly.
Choosing the right door type can make a big difference when dealing with an uneven garage opening.
Why a site survey matters
Uneven openings are not usual, and they rarely mean a new garage door is not possible. A professional site survey allows installers to assess the opening properly and recommend the most suitable door and fitting method.
This ensures the door operates smoothly, seals correctly, looks right and is in-line with any manufacturer warranty, even if the opening itself is not perfectly level or sqaure.