The span above the door opening is framed with a long header that supports the wall area above the door and this header will need to be raised or rebuilt in order to increase the overall door size.
Header size for double garage door.
When in doubt build a double 2 12 header sandwich like we explain next.
The standard size for double garage doors is 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high.
Tables providing size selections for various beam spans and loading combinations for southern pine dimension lumber and southern pine glued laminated timber are available for the following applications.
If you are creating an opening no wider than 4 feet for a door or smaller window then you need a 2 by 6 header.
Many 16 x 7 garage doors will be designed with a pair of single 8 foot garage door bays separated by a central post or column.
Many home builders do not consider this a structural necessity but a style and price choice for the homeowner.
Window door garage door headers supporting roof wall floor loads.
If you are putting in an opening between 4 and 5 feet wide then you ll need two 2 by 8 headers.
If the opening will be 5 to 6 feet wide such as for double doors then you will need two 2 by 10 headers.
Many homeowners have two cars and need garage space to shelter them both.
Window door garage door headers supporting roof loads only.
In all but the most bizarre situations they ll easily carry the weight for 4 ft.
Wide window and door openings and in most situations be code compliant for openings up to 6 ft.