Before you purchase a new garage door, consider whether or not you’re able to handle the new garage door installation process. This is an extensive process that requires experience. If you decide early that you would rather have a professional install your new garage door, you can ask your professional if they offer garage door installation.
As always, we recommend turning to a professional for new garage door installation because it involves heavy equipment that, if not handled properly, can cause serious injury.
In this article, we’re sharing a few new garage door installation tips so you’re prepared.
New Garage Door Installation Tips
Is your garage door starting to show its age? If it’s over 20 years old or has suffered damage, then you’ll want to look into replacing it. If you want new garage door installation tips, you’re in the right place. Here’s how to replace the door easily, and get the most life out of your new door.
Here are some common questions all about the installation process as well as new garage door installation tips to help you get started.
Why Replace Your Garage Door?
Do you think your garage door needs replacing? There will be some signs that you need to look into a new one. For example, most doors will need to be changed out after a certain time. If the door is over 20 years old, it’ll be time to replace it. Newer doors are lighter and have seen lots of technological advances. When you install a new door, you’re going to see the benefit right away.
You may also need to replace the door if it’s seen a lot of damage. If the door has been dented and broken by storms or even by a car, then in some cases you’ll be able to repair it and get it working again. If the damage is severe enough though, the door will need to be replaced.
If you’re ever unsure, the best thing to do is call on a garage door repair expert, who can let you know what to do.
1. Safety First
When you start getting ready to replace your door, you’ll need to remove the old one first. Before you do this, you need to release the tension in the springs. If you don’t, they are capable of flying away with a lot of pressure behind them, which can lead to damage or injury.
To release that tension, you’ll need to use steel rods to loosen the springs. Do it one-quarter turn at a time, to ensure safety. Once they have been loosened, you’re ready for the next step.
2. Remove Existing Hardware
The existing garage door and garage door opener now need to be removed. Disconnect the opener from the door, and then start by removing garage door panels. Begin by removing the top panels first.
When they’re all removed, take the door frame off the wall. If you’re replacing the garage door opener, you’re now ready to remove the old one ready for the new one to be installed.
3. Install The Panels
Now you’re ready for the new door to go in. You’ll start as you did when removing the old door, with the panels. If you’re installing a two-car garage door, then you’ll want to use a reinforcing bar on the top panel to stop the door from bowing as you work.
You’ll find that many manufacturers drill pilot holes into door panels, so it’ll be very easy to install the new panels. Start with the top panels, and install the hinges at the top of each panel as you go. Attach axle supports to the top and bottom panels.
To install the panels into the door opening, place the bottom ones in first, holding them in place with a nail in the door opening. Then, you can start attaching the panels on top of these ones. When you’re done, the top panel should extend about one inch past the top of the door opening.
4. Install The Garage Door Track
Now the door’s in place, you can start installing the garage door track. This is done by attaching the correct brackets to the vertical track pieces. Place those brackets against the wall, ensuring the wheels are sitting in the correct position. Attach the door cable to the bottom axle support, and then attach the bottom bracket to the wall.
Once this is all in place, you can assemble the spring assembly. Put it together according to the instructions, and then attach it to the track. Now, attach your curved piece of track to the ceiling bracket, resting the other end against the vertical track you installed earlier.
Now everything is in place, you can start to bolt the tracks together. Don’t do this until you’re sure that everything lines up correctly.
5. Install Your Springs
Once the track is in place, you’re ready to install the springs. Find the center of the door and mark it, as this is where the spring support will go.
Attach the springs to the anchors, and then attach the spring locking cone. This is an important step, as the cone will keep the spring from popping away under high pressure. Then, these springs need to be attached to the main header bracket.
6. Installing The Final Pieces
To finish the door, you need to install the torsion rod, pulleys, and cable. Slide the torsion rod into the holes on the side header brackets, and then attach the pulleys to each end of the rod.
Next, attach the cable to the pulley wheel. Turn the wheel to tighten it securely. Before you move onto the next step, use locking pliers to stop this assembly from moving.
7. Tighten The Springs
The final step is to tighten the springs, to give them the tension needed to open and close the door. Draw a chalk line across the springs, as this will show you how often you’ve turned them. Check your owner’s manual, as this will show you how often you need to turn the springs to get the right tension.
Once you’re at the right tension, tighten the bolts to lock it into place, and then remove the locking pliers.
8. Test Your Door
Now everything is in place, you’ll want to test the door to ensure everything is in place. You should find that the door is working as it should. If not, your manual should have some troubleshooting tips to see what you need to do next.
If everything is working as it should, you can reattach the garage door opener, or install the new one you bought along with your new door.
With these tips, you’ll be able to install your brand new garage door in no time at all. Soon you’ll have a new door that’s easy to use and ready for years of service.