If you’re interested in learning how to install a garage door, it’s important you consider your skillset and experience before starting.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the installation instructions provided by the garage door manufacturer before you get started. Following the instructions will ensure you assemble your garage door correctly while also reducing the risk of injury.
Again, this is a difficult project involving heavy materials so you should proceed with caution.
How to Install A Garage Door
Installing a new garage door involves heavy materials and the configuration of a variety of moving parts, including pulleys and springs. If you’re not comfortable working with heavy materials and systems that require specific placement, we recommend you contact a professional garage door service provider.
Overview
- Release the tension
- Disconnect the existing garage door and opener
- Install the panels
- Secure the hinges and install the track
- Attach the spring assembly to the track
- Bolt the tracks together
- Install the springs
- Install the torsion rod and pulleys
- Attach the cable
- Tighten the springs
Let’s get started!
Step 1. Release the Tension
To remove your old garage door, you need to release the tension in the torsion spring. You can use adjustable locking pliers to lock on to the torsion spring shaft and position them against the wall above the door. Insert a steel rod into the spring winding cone, which is used to tighten and loosen the spring. Once secure, slowly loosen the screws holding the winding cone in place.
Step 2. Disconnect the Garage Door and Opener
Once you’ve released the tension, it’s time to disconnect the existing garage door opener from the door. Start by removing the garage door panels located near the top of the door. Be careful when handling panels with glass windows as these may cause injury if improperly handled. You’ll likely be able to take the door itself apart in pieces, removing one panel at a time. Remove all parts of the old door, including the door itself, tracks, springs, and pulleys.
Step 3. Install the Garage Door Panels
You’ll build your garage door from the ground up, by placing one panel on top of the other. Most manufacturers will direct you to use nails to keep each panel in place. They’ll also require hinges so that the panels can move properly when the door is opened and closed.
Attach the hinges to the top of each panel using the pilot holes provided by the manufacturer. If your door doesn’t have pilot holes, you will need to create them yourself. Be sure to attach the axle supports to the bottom of the lower panel and the top of the upper panel. Hold the panel upright and make sure your alignment is level. Once you’re satisfied, attach the next panel on top of the lower panel.
Step 4. Place the Rollers on the Interior of the Door
The rollers are what will make the door move smoothly from one position to the next, so it’s crucial that they are installed properly. These can be placed in the track, and you can, at this point, attach the track to the garage wall, making sure it is very secure.
Step 5. Attach the Spring Assembly to the Track
Assemble and attach the spring assembly to the track. Be sure to check the instructions to make sure you’re installing the spring assembly correctly. Once assembled, position the curved portion of the track on the vertical piece previously installed. Bolt the tracks together loosely so you can ensure the door fits properly. Drill a hole through the horizontal track and align it with the vertical track. Be sure you’re using the correct bolts.
Step 6. Install Your Springs, Torsion Rod, and Pulleys
Attach the spring anchors to the springs and attach the spring locking cone. The locking cone ensures your spring doesn’t pop looses under tension. Once secure, bolt the two springs to the header bracket.
At this point, you want to slide the torsion rod into the holes in the header brackets. Secure the center header bracket to the header.
Step 7. Attach the Cable and Tighten the Springs
Attach the cable to the pulley wheel on both sides. Adjust the wheel so the slack is pulled tight over the pulley and carefully tighten. At this point, you’re ready to tighten the spring in the opposite way you loosened them earlier.
Be sure to check your garage door instruction manual to find out how many turns are needed.
That’s it!
Now you know how to install a garage door. As mentioned, we recommend you check the manufacturer’s instructions for more detailed instruction.
If you’re a little overwhelmed by the idea of installing a garage door, we encourage you to contact a professional as this ensures your garage door is installed and functioning properly the first time around.
Caring for Your New Door
Once you’ve installed a new garage door, you’ll no doubt want to care for it in the best way possible in order to prolong its life. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering garage door care and maintenance:
- Keep all parts of the door secure: there are quite a few screws, bolts, and other pieces of hardware that go into making a garage door move safely, securely, and smoothly. Take the time to regularly check these pieces of hardware to make sure they’re still attached well and haven’t shaken loose with the repeated movement of the door.
- Maintain the weather stripping: the weather stripping at the bottom of the door is there to keep the bottom dry and protected, and also to keep wind, water, and debris out of your garage. This is an easy and inexpensive fix to make if your current weather stripping is looking worn out.
- Make sure your rollers are working well: the garage door rollers are what keep the door moving smoothly and safely along the tracks. If these become worn out or cracked, they can not only pose a safety hazard but will also make your door perform poorly. Try to check their condition at least annually, and remember that they should be replaced every few years.
- Ensure clear, straight tracks: the garage door tracks will direct the door where it needs to go. If these are full of debris or misaligned, you’ll likely have problems that could damage the entire door. Clean them of any debris, dust, and cobwebs regularly, and if you notice that the tracks are not aligned properly, consult with a garage door professional to have the appropriately adjusted.
- Lubricate the springs and screws: springs that are rusty or dirty will have a greater risk of damage or snapping. Lubricate the springs regularly; spray applications can be easily obtained at a hardware store. This will ensure that the spring has the flexibility and right amount of lubrication it needs to move smoothly and easily.
Conclusion
Garage door installation has a number of steps and precautions, but in actuality, all one needs is a helper and the willingness to take the time to do the job right. In order to install a garage door, begin by removing the old door and building the new one from the ground up. You’ll then install the tracks and attach the pulley system and spring(s). Once you’ve installed your new garage door, you’ll want to keep tabs on the door’s maintenance to ensure the best result for your new investment.
Most garage door maintenance has to do with ensuring the door is able to move smoothly and freely. Thus, make sure the tracks are cleared and straight. Regularly check the security of the hardware around the door and tighten any screws or bolts if necessary. Replacing weather stripping, also, is an easy way to keep your door well-maintained and the interior of your garage clean and dry. Doing so will ensure your new garage door has a long, productive, safe life.