Whether you’re building a new house or replacing an old garage door, you may be interested in the steps required for garage door assembly.
Assembling a garage door is a big project and can be dangerous if you’re not comfortable working with heavy materials. If you’re not experienced with advanced DIY projects, it might be best to contact a garage door installation service for help.
In this article, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide to the garage door assembly.
Garage Door Assembly: Step By Step
Is your garage door starting to show its age? The average garage door lasts around 20 years when well cared for, but it will still eventually break down. This leads to the door possibly getting stuck in place when it can’t open. You may also see home security issues when your door is older, and of course, an older door is more dangerous to you and your family. Here’s how to replace the door and eliminate all these problems.
Step One: Remove The Old Door
Before you can do anything else, that old door needs to be removed. Start by removing the springs. These hold a lot of tension, so you need to take great care with this step. Lift the door and lock it in place. Next, release the tension in the springs by using a winding bar. This is potentially dangerous, so you may want to call in an expert for this step.
Lower the door once you’re done, and remove all the hardware. This will allow you to lift the door section out of place, one by one. If you have windows, tape them up so the shards will be held in place if they break.
Step Two: Install The First Section
You’re ready now to put the first section of your new garage door in. This section needs to be level, even if the floor of your garage isn’t. As you install it, use shims to make it level if need be. The rubber gasket you place on the bottom of the door will seal it against the elements, so don’t worry about an un-level floor.
Hold the bottom section in place by lightly toenailing a nail into the frame and bending it over. This will hold the bottom piece in place and help you when you come to install the rest of the door. Add the next pieces as you go, attaching the hardware and using more nails to hold it all in place.
Step Three: Install The Strut
Now, install the strut on the top section of your garage door. You’ll then need to install the center bracket between the top two sections. Use carpet scraps on a sawhorse, to ensure the door isn’t scratched during this process.
Step Four: Install The Roller Tracks
The roller tracks are what needs to go in first. Install the vertical tracks next, by wrapping the curved lip of them around the rollers and installing them in place. Once this is done, then the upper track can go in place.
The vertical tracks need to be at least 1/8 of an inch off the floor, and they need to be level with each other. Once you’re sure they are, go ahead with the upper track installation. These need to be aligned, so carefully lift the garage door halfway and lock it with locking pliers. Now, you can install the supporting brackets on rails, and put them in place.
Step Five: Set The Spring And Bar In Place
Now all the basics are in place, you can set the spring in place to give the door the tension it needs to open. If you’ve been attaching all the right hardware as you go, you’ll already have the brackets in place. Simply place the spring and bar in the brackets, as the manufacturer’s instructions tell you to do.
Now they’re in place, you’ll need to wind the springs to give them the tension they need. The way you do this will depend on the types of springs you’re using. A torsion spring, for example, will need to be tightened using a drill. If you have extension springs, this will need to be done with a winding bar. There is usually a painted line on the spring, to show you how tightly it needs to be wound. Always ensure you’ve got the right safety equipment when doing this, such as gloves and goggles. Once this is done, add lubricant to the spring.
Step Six: Install Your Garage Door Opener
You may have bought a new garage door opener, to go along with your new garage door. Now the door is in place, you can install your garage door opener. All models are slightly different, so make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions as you do this.
This should include safety measures, such as photo eyes that sit low to the ground, either side of the garage door. You need to ensure these are working properly before you complete installation. All you need to do is place a block of wood on the ground between them, and attempt to shut the door with the opener. If they’re working properly, then the door should auto-reverse. If it doesn’t, check the limit switch, or realign the eyes so they’re level and the beam between them isn’t broken.
Step Seven: Test Your Garage Door
Now everything is in place, you’re ready to test it all out. Try opening and closing your garage door, to see if it moves smoothly. If you’ve followed these instructions, you shouldn’t have a problem. You’ll also want to test your garage door opener if you’ve installed one. If it works correctly, you’re done. Enjoy your new garage door and the peace of mind it brings you.
Should You Call The Experts?
While many can install their own garage door, there are questions about whether it should be done by a professional. This all comes down to experience. If you’re well versed in caring for your garage door, then you may well be able to do it. However, if you’re at all unsure, it’s always best to call a professional in. Garage doors are dangerous if mishandled, and you want to ensure your own safety.
Follow this guide, and you’ll be able to install your own garage door with relative ease. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and have someone on hand to help you. When you do this, you’ll have a brand new garage door ready in no time at all.