Anyone added a panel to make garage door taller?

[MFan]

Just wondering if it would work to add a panel to a garage door to get more height. For example, I have a 9w x 7h garage door (4 21" panels). Can I add an additional 21" panel to make a taller door? Anyone ever done this with success? I have extra track etc. and the headroom above for a taller door.
 

[Inno]

The only thing I can think that might be a problem is not enough spring tension for the heavier door. You might have to upgrade your springs too. Other than that I can't see why it wouldn't work, aside from making your opening bigger and framing it properly etc.
 

[Ken Macfarlane]

Yes, its easy to do. Its how the commercial door guys work around here. They stock panels and track kits and stack em to the side you need.

The brackets for the panel will have to have the right standoff for the taper of the track so the new panel lays flat, but those are available at over head door places or from installers.
 

[batractorman]

You might wanna check with a garage door guy to make sure the spring doesn't need to be made to allow for that much travel. May need to be longer or different tension on torsion type.
Heard about adding panels, must be possible.
 

[MFan]

Thanks for the quick replies. Good poing about the spring issue, I will check into that. This is for new construction (that hasn't taken place yet) so the door opening can be whatever it needs to be. I just want the door lined up before I start building.
 

[Chip812]

You'll also need to add more track...
 

[Dave Sherburne NY]

It can certainly be done You need new, panel new brackets for more standoff on the top panel, different track and new springs. If you want a bigger door it might be more cost effective to find a bigger one and use the smaller one in an other spot. I'm lucky enough to have a fellow less than a mile up the road who makes doors and has everything in stock. I once asked him if after buying 10 doors do I get one free. He said it used to be that way but I have to buy 11 now.
 

[LenND]

I added to my 16 foot. I added the extra length of the track to the bottom. That way you can get by with a straight piece of track cause the distance between door and track can be same as bottom of original track. You will need to add more springs or heavier ones.
 

[LenND]

Forgot some info. You should add you new extension to the bottom also to keep the spacing for the rollers right. I raised the whole track up the 21 or so inches.
 

[oliver power]

Yes, just about every overhead door installer. They start with the bottom panel, and work thier way up. Every panel added makes the door taller. This reply isn't ment to be a smart a$$ reply. It's ment for you to look at how they are installed in the first place. As others have said, extend the bottom of the track, not the top.
 

[Russ from MN]

I have done that, works OK but you need different springs. They recommend setting the compete door on a scales with no springs connected and then measure the travel and they can provide the right spring.
 

[Bill in Colo]

Nephew just add two panels to a 16 wide door so he could get his backhoe and rv inside.cost was about 2000 including a new opener Wayne Dalton doors.
 

[Pops1532]

Lots of good info so far.
Depending on the brand of door you might have to remove the top panel, set your new panel, then put the top one back on.
I'd suggest new tracks rather than extending your tracks. The door will operate more smoothly.
By the time you buy a panel, tracks, springs, cables, and hinges, you'd probably be money ahead to buy a new door. Keep in mind if you ever need to replace the door you'll have to go through all of this again.
If you're planning on having an electric opener you'll have to get one for a taller door.
If you decide to go new I recommend Raynor doors. I've installed many brands and Raynor has the best doors I've used by far.