If you’re thinking about installing a new garage door opener on your own, there are a few things to consider before you get started. For starters, you need the r
In this article, we’re sharing a few garage door opener installation tips.
Garage Door Opener Installation Tips
Your new garage door opener is an excellent tool, both for opening and closing the garage door and making your home safer. There are several different types of garage door opener out there, so you’ll need to ensure you’re installing properly.
If you want to ensure your garage door opener is installed correctly the first time around, you may be interested in hiring a professional garage door opener installation service.
Here are a few garage door opener installation tips to help you get started.
Choosing The Right Garage Door Opener
You’ll need to choose the garage door opener type that works best for you. There are several different types, so do your research before you buy.
The most common types found in home garages are belt and chain drive openers. These are usually the most cost effective, and give you everything you need. A chain drive is noisier than a belt drive though, so keep that in mind.
There are other types that may be useful for you, too. A screw drive opener uses less moving parts, and so needs less maintenance. A jackshaft opener is mounted on the side of the door, perfect if you don’t have the clearance that you’d need on the ceiling for other types. Do your research and find the one that works for you.
Before You Install
Before working on the new garage door opener, there are some things you need to do to prepare. Firstly, ensure that you’ve removed all of the mechanisms for the old garage door opener. Next, check the balance of your garage door. Does it open and close properly? If not, you’ll need to address this before you go ahead and install the new mechanism.
If this is the first time you’re installing an opener, consider the placement. It needs to be near an electrical outlet so you can plug it in. If there isn’t one nearby, have an electrician install a new outlet nearby.
Installing Your Garage Door Opener
You’ve done all the preparation, so now you’re ready to install that new door opener. Here’s how to do it.
Assemble The Pieces
Check you have everything you need, by comparing the equipment you have with your instructions. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be ready to start putting the carriage tube together. Ensure all pieces are seated together securely, and double check measurements before you move onto the next step.
Mount The Carriage Tube
Now the carriage tube is assembled, you’re ready to mount it onto the power unit. Check the manufacturer’s instructions at this point, as there may be different things you need to do. Firstly, you’ll need to mount the tube to the unit, and then attach the rail clamps, which connect the unit to the wall above the door. At this point, check if there are any switches or wiring to be installed. This varies, depending on the model you’ve chosen. Once that’s done, the carriage will need to be mounted onto the carriage tube. Again, check your directions as to how to do this.
Secure the Header Bracket To The Wall
Now the unit is together, you’ll need to connect it to the wall. This is done with the header bracket. It’s usually connected to the wall above the door, at its center point. This can vary with opener types though, so check the instructions before this step.
Lift up your garage door, and find the point of highest travel. Mark this point with a pencil on the wall, so you have a visual for it. Then, measure two inches below that and make another mark. This is where your bracket will go. Line up the bottom of the bracket with the mark and attach it to the wall.
Once that’s in place, you can attach the carriage tube to it. Lift up the free end of the tube and attach to the bracket, ready for the next step.
Hang The Power Unit Up
Now you’re ready to secure the power unit into position. The set you have should have some metal straps or brackets for the unit to sit in. Attach these to the ceiling with the appropriate fasteners, ensuring that you’re attaching it to the rafters. Once that hardware is in place, attach the power unit to them with the right fasteners.
Next, open and close the door several times. This will ensure that the door clears the power unit. Now, attach the wires as shown in your instructions, and then run them to the control box. This should be attached to the wall where everyone using the door can reach it.
Attach The Opener Bracket
You should have a metal bracket, that allows the system to open and close the door. Check your instruction to see where exactly it should be attached, and do so as shown. You’ll then be shown how to attach the carriage arm to the carriage body, and then the elbow-shaped piece to the door bracket.
Install The Safety Device
If you’ve bought a garage door opener, then it should have come with a safety device. This ensures that the garage door can’t shut on anything that comes into its path. This comes in the form of two light sensors that sit on either side of your garage door. They emit a light beam between them, and if it’s broken it will stop the door mid closing cycle, and open it again.
Place your sensors on either side of the door and align them. This can be done with either a laser level or a piece of string and a spirit level. Run the wires along the wall and up to the roof as directed, and then test the garage door. If something is blocking the path, it shouldn’t shut all the way. Once this is done, your garage door opener is fully installed and ready for use.
Conclusion
Now you have your garage door opener installed, which will make daily life much easier for you. Make the right preparations first, and ensure you read the instructions thoroughly. When you do, you’ll see it’s easier to install the equipment than you’d think.