The weight of an ancient double garage door might range from 250 to 450 pounds. Due to its heft and the hardware’s inevitable decline, garage doors are a common site of household mishaps. Yet many of us use the garage door as our primary point of entry and exit rather than the front door.
This article will explain the characteristics that set secure doors apart from those that are not. We’ll also provide you with safety information for installing your new garage door with a torsion spring and doing the tensioning yourself that you probably won’t find in the manufacturer’s instructions.
DIY installation of a double garage door can save hundreds of dollars and take only eight to twelve hours if you’re handy. Even though you can do the majority of the work involved in replacing your garage door on your own, you should get assistance when taking down the old one.
Installing A Garage Door
Have you thought of tackling the installation of your garage door on your own? Garage door installation doesn’t have to be difficult; all you need are some basic tools and this illustrated, step-by-step instruction.
Almost every garage door vendor also provides removal and disposal of your old door, as well as a full installation service.
Most customers who purchase a garage door will take advantage of these services because of the door’s size, weight, and moderate complexity. However, if you are handy around the house, you can save money by installing a sectional garage door on your own.
(The rollers that raise and lower sectional garage doors glide along tracks installed on either side of the opening.)
Adjusting the garage door’s torsion spring system is far less dangerous than with standard torsion springs.
If your garage door uses a normal torsion-spring mechanism, it’s best if you don’t try to make any adjustments or take the door down. The springs are under a great deal of tension and may easily cause injury. If you need help with your garage door, hire a pro.
The steps and advice provided here will get you started on installing a sectional garage door correctly. Always take the manufacturer’s advice at face value.
- To instal a garage door, start by adding weatherstripping to the bottom edge of the first panel. Then, position the panel in the opening and secure it by driving nails into the jambs halfway at an angle. If the hinges aren’t already there, instal them on the top of the door.
- Build the vertical, curved, and horizontal tracks by following the directions provided by the manufacturer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the rollers and brackets on the garage door portion, as well as any wall- or jamb-mounted brackets. Slide the vertical track onto the first door panel’s rollers on one side of the door opening. Flip it over and do it again.
- The second segment requires rollers to be installed. Raise the panel, position it, and insert its rollers onto the vertical tracks on either side of the opening with the aid of a helper.
- Attach the second half’s hinges to the first half’s. For the vast majority of entrances, the use of a power drill fitted with a screwdriver bit or nut driver will greatly expedite and simplify the process.
- Following the same steps, instal the third portion. Verify the vertical track is plumb and the door is level. Both vertical tracks’ top plates should be attached to the wall using fasteners. As the door moves up and down, it will provide significant force; thus, the lag screws must be driven deep into the framing elements.
- Tracks are installed on the framing members, and the jamb brackets are attached to the tracks. It cannot be stressed enough that the lag screws must be used in sturdy framing. Hold off on fully tightening the lag screws until you’ve checked the tracks for alignment.
- Place the curved track in the indicated location after installing the horizontal track. Connect the parts using bolts. In a pinch, the horizontal track can be propped up on a ladder.
- Make sure the horizontal track is straight, and then trim the rear hanger to the correct length. Mount the hanger for the track loosely to the framing (a ceiling joist or blocking) using screws. Use the other horizontal track and carry on. The final door panel must be installed, and then the finishing nails must be taken out.
- The style of garage door displayed offers the necessary lift help via a “torque tube.” Don’t set up the tube just yet if you want to utilise an opener. Any other way, just put the torque tube in as per the manual. Adjust the door’s alignment by rolling it up four feet and looking at the tracks. Once you’ve done that, tighten any and all screws.
Steps:
- Put weather stripping along the garage door’s bottom edge.
- Lock the weather stripping to the door with cable brackets.
- Hang the hinges on the garage door’s bottom panel with the help of an impact driver.
- The garage door’s bottom panel should be placed on the ground.
- To make the door move on rollers, you must first instal brackets on the door.
- Place the track next to the door, add the rollers, and then secure the track to the door frame with screws.
- Lever the second door panel onto the hinges.
- Place the upper panel over the lower one in the entranceway.
- Hinge screws that are driven in place connect the first (bottom) door panel to the second (top) door panel.
- After attaching the roller and hinge to the second door panel, insert the roller into the track.
- First, make sure the track is level with the door, and then screw it into the wall studs.
- You should do the same with the third door panel.
- After making any necessary adjustments to the track, tighten the lag screws using a ratcheting wrench to ensure the door slides smoothly.
- Tracks with curved corners are used to join the vertical and horizontal segments of the system.
- Hinge screws should be used to fasten the upper door panel into position.
- Fasten the top rollers and hinges in place.
- Attach the spring to the door track bracket for the garage door.
- To keep the door open while you lock the pliers onto the track, first open it.
- Steel cable is fed over the pulleys at the track’s end, and the other end is secured to a bracket.
- Clip the hook onto the track and the S-hook onto the bracket.
- The safety cable must be threaded through the middle of each spring before being fastened to the mounting plates.
- Put the door open and shut it to see how much tension there is.
Buying A Steel Door
7 feet in height and 16 feet in width are typical measurements for a standard double garage door. The standard size for a single door is 8 feet wide by 9 feet high, or 7 feet. It is likely that you will need to custom order one of these doors from a garage door or hardware store because of its size.
Wood, fibre glass, and steel are the top three materials used to construct garage doors. Our R-19 rated steel doors are affordable, readily accessible, lightweight, and require no maintenance.
The three most popular varieties of steel doors are (1) completely steel, (2) steel on both sides with 1-3/8 to 2 inches of insulation, and (3) steel on both sides with no insulation at all. The cost also rises because of the addition of thicker insulation and windows, especially insulated windows.
DIY door tensioning methods also raise the price, but not by much. Explicitly state your requirements, so that they may be satisfied.
When you instal a new garage door, you should also replace all the hinges and locks. Unless your current automatic opener has a reversing system that employs a photoelectric eye, you should consider replacing it.
Pictured in Image 4 is the supplemental hardware required for doors with openers, including a support strut (often included in the door kit) and an opener bracket (not included).
Garage door torsion springs are often located above the door, and may be easily de-tensioned by paying a repair technician around $50.
After installing a new door, take off the old stop material and replace it with a rubber weatherstrip gasket (available at home centres). Make sure the door is closed and the gasket is pushed at a 45-degree angle against the door before proceeding with the stop material installation.
Seven Keys To A Safe Door System
Lightweight. To replace a wooden or hardboard door, even the largest insulated double steel door weighs only about 150 to 200 pounds. Weight shouldn’t be an issue if the springs are properly tensioned, however all springs eventually degrade and break. Check out this garage door spring repair instructions if you feel that the spring on your door needs to be fixed.
Resistance to stress. Most persons who are wounded by garage doors have their fingers crushed or even amputated when they get trapped between the panels. Accidents like these can be avoided by installing doors with pinch-proof section designs.
Cables for confining a dangerous situation. The combination of a broken extension spring and its cable acts like heavy whips, capable of causing significant damage to a car and potentially catastrophic injury to the driver or passengers if the spring cracks. To solve the whipping issue, producers now include containment wires that run down the centre of the side-mounted extension springs. If you don’t want to replace your door, you should instal these containment cables on the extension springs or have an expert do it.
Safe and reliable automatic door openers. A new regulation dictates that all door openers integrate photoelectric eyes into their design, and that these eyes be located low to the ground on each side of the door.
If the beam between the eyes is disrupted as a consequence of the door shutting, the door will automatically reverse. If the eyes aren’t in the right place, you may forget about opening the door. The specifics of installing a new garage door opener can be found in How to Install a Garage Door Opener.
Installing hardware and handrails is done securely. The bracket for the door’s torsion spring has to be attached to the door’s wooden header. It’s important to mount the opener and roller track brackets firmly to the ceiling.
Maintenance once a year. It is recommended that once a year, you go through and double-check all of the fasteners on the rails and rollers to ensure they are secure. Check the cables to make sure they are not damaged or torn in any way. Lubricating the rollers and springs of a garage door can help it operate more smoothly (see How to Fix a Noisy Garage Door for maintenance and problem-solving tips).
Both the mechanism and the equilibrium of the door must function perfectly. Any imbalances should be visible after disconnecting the opener and partially lowering the door. If it doesn’t, either change the spring tension or replace the springs.
Press the button that opens the door. Kids love automatic door openers. To avoid being tripped over, opener switches should be mounted at least 5 feet off the ground.
FAQs About Garage Renovation
How Difficult Is Installing A Garage Door?
Installing a garage door isn’t as simple as installing a regular door. Not only can it be difficult, but it can also be dangerous. Installing a manual door is much easier than installing an automatic one because a manual one is so much lighter and doesn’t require a motor or cables.
Can You Install A Garage Door Yourself?
Although you can receive full-service garage door installation from most garage door retailers — which includes disassembling and disposing of your old door and delivering and installing your new door — doing it yourself can save you money on garage door installation costs especially if you have the necessary skill.
How Much Time Does It Take To Install A Garage Door?
Some details that can impact the installation time include:
Type of installation – It can take roughly 4-6 hours to replace most garage door systems. On the other hand, a garage door replacement compatible with the existing structure will generally be a much simpler install.
Should Garage Door Tracks Be Plumb?
The vertical section of the garage door tracks should be exactly plumb. If they are not plumb, unscrew the track support bracket bolts to move the track to the right or left.
Can I Use My Old Garage Door Tracks?
You can reuse the tracks if the same type of door is installed. For instance, if replacing a wood door with a metal door, the track is a different thickness and will not work. Also, insulated doors are normally thicker, and they can also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Required Tools For This Garage Door Installation Project
Have the necessary garage door tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Rags
- Safety glasses
- Sawhorses
- Socket/ratchet set
- Stepladder
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Cordless drill
- Level
- Locking pliers
Required Materials For This Garage Door Installation Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
- A garage door stop with a rubber gasket
- Masking tape
- Operator bracket
- Shims
- Cord or rope
- Easy tensioning system
- Garage door kit
- Garage door lubricant
7 Tips For Choosing The Right Garage Door Company
You may be researching various garage door businesses to find the best fit for you if the time has come to replace or repair your garage door. It’s important to complete your research before settling on a garage door company.
Despite its insignificance, the garage door contributes significantly to the kerb appeal of your property. Yours must be sturdy against the elements and still make you pleased each time you return home.
It’s also important to hire a company with knowledge of the complex mechanisms that make garage doors work.
This manual can help you find a garage door business that provides excellent service and products.
Read Reviews And Testimonials
The online standing of any business is crucial. Reviews from neighbours can tell you a lot about the quality of a business. Check online review sites for garage door dealers and prioritise those with good average ratings. Examine specific customer feedback to learn more about the service’s quality and reliability.
If you see a company has a few unfavourable ratings, that’s not necessarily a red flag. Even if the majority of feedback is good, there is something to be gleaned from any criticism.
Watch how the organisation reacts to these suggestions. Do you dismiss complaints from unhappy consumers or do you take steps to make things right? Most reputable businesses are willing to stand behind their products and attempt to resolve client complaints.
Consider The Local Service Range
It’s important to know if a firm even operates in your area before committing to doing business with them. As a general rule, it’s preferable to work with a firm whose offerings are neither extremely niche nor incredibly broad.
You should hire a reputable firm that is based in your area, preferably one with a limited service area so that you can receive the individual attention you deserve. If your garage door ever stops operating, you need a company that can get there immediately to fix the problem.
Look At Certifications
Certifications and memberships provide third-party validation of a business’s commitment to providing excellent service. A reputable garage door dealer will be a member of multiple trade groups and carry relevant qualifications.
Ask For Proof Of Insurance
Garage door repair services and other contractor organisations should always carry insurance before setting foot in your home. In the highly improbable event that something goes wrong, you will be protected by the law.
Even if you’re confident in the knowledge and experience of a local garage door dealer, knowing they’re insured will put your mind at ease. A reliable garage door service provider should have no problem giving you this data.
Compare Quotes
When it comes to installation, repair, and maintenance services, every home has a unique budget and set of requirements. You can gain valuable insight into the pricing and business practises of several organisations by requesting estimates from them.
When you request a price, does the provider get back to you soon and enquire as to your specific requirements? Do they provide you free estimates and let you compare quotes for all the cars you’re thinking about buying? Do they tell you how each model stacks up in terms of quality, or do they try to steer you towards the alternatives with the biggest price cuts? You can better estimate the cost and value of your purchase after soliciting quotations from a few different firms.
Evaluate Services Offered
You shouldn’t assume that any garage door provider will provide what you need. A home’s requirements are specific to particular home, thus it’s important to locate a provider who can accommodate those requirements.
- Help in an emergency: A malfunctioning garage door can disrupt your day and put you in danger. If a malfunctioning garage door or opener prevents you from driving your vehicle, you’ll need assistance from a provider that can get there immediately. Blankenship Garage Doors takes great pride in being available for emergency repairs at all hours of the day and night.
- Repairs for your prototype:
- Finding a repair shop that specialises in your make and model is essential. Service for all major door manufacturers is available from a wide variety of companies. A Clopay dealer is the best option for maintenance and repairs on your Clopay product.
- Every garage door provider out there will offer options for you in terms of quality and cost. Think about whether a corporation is trying to get their products out the door at the cheapest price feasible, or whether they put quality first. In addition to being well-made, a high-quality door will also look great from the outside, adding to the home’s overall aesthetic value. Find a business that can provide you advice on affordable door options.
Look For Guarantees And Manufacturer Warranty
The greatest construction firms and home improvement service providers will guarantee their services. If you want to take advantage of a manufacturer’s warranty on the equipment you instal, it’s important to work with a dealer who has been authorised to do so by the manufacturer.
The greatest businesses will stand behind their products much longer than that and guarantee your happiness. We at Blankenship Garage Doors want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, installation, and ongoing care of your garage door. Every job will be finished to your satisfaction, and we’ll stand behind that promise.
Conclusion
DIY installation of a double garage door can save hundreds of dollars and take only eight to twelve hours if you’re handy. Almost every garage door vendor also provides removal and disposal of your old door, as well as a full installation service. If you need help with your garage door, hire a pro. To instal a garage door, start by adding weatherstripping to the bottom edge of the first panel. Slide the vertical track onto the first door panel’s rollers on one side of the door opening and do it again.
Mount the hanger for the track loosely to the framing (a ceiling joist or blocking) using screws. Use the other horizontal track and carry on.
Content Summary
- The weight of an ancient double garage door might range from 250 to 450 pounds.
- Due to its heft and the hardware’s inevitable decline, garage doors are a common site of household mishaps.
- Yet many of us use the garage door as our primary point of entry and exit rather than the front door.
- This article will explain the characteristics that set secure doors apart from those that are not.
- We’ll also provide you with safety information for installing your new garage door with a torsion spring and doing the tensioning yourself that you probably won’t find in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- DIY installation of a double garage door can save hundreds of dollars and take only eight to twelve hours if you’re handy.
- Even though you can do the majority of the work involved in replacing your garage door on your own, you should get assistance when taking down the old one.
- Installing A Garage DoorHave you thought of tackling the installation of your garage door on your own?
- Garage door installation doesn’t have to be difficult; all you need are some basic tools and this illustrated, step-by-step instruction.
- Almost every garage door vendor also provides removal and disposal of your old door, as well as a full installation service.
- Most customers who purchase a garage door will take advantage of these services because of the door’s size, weight, and moderate complexity.
- However, if you are handy around the house, you can save money by installing a sectional garage door on your own.(The rollers that raise and lower sectional garage doors glide along tracks installed on either side of the opening.)Adjusting the garage door’s torsion spring system is far less dangerous than with standard torsion springs.
- If your garage door uses a normal torsion-spring mechanism, it’s best if you don’t try to make any adjustments or take the door down.
- The springs are under a great deal of tension and may easily cause injury.
- If you need help with your garage door, hire a pro.
- The steps and advice provided here will get you started on installing a sectional garage door correctly.
- Always take the manufacturer’s advice at face value.
- To instal a garage door, start by adding weatherstripping to the bottom edge of the first panel.
- Then, position the panel in the opening and secure it by driving nails into the jambs halfway at an angle.
- If the hinges aren’t already there, instal them on the top of the door.
- Build the vertical, curved, and horizontal tracks by following the directions provided by the manufacturer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the rollers and brackets on the garage door portion, as well as any wall- or jamb-mounted brackets.
- Slide the vertical track onto the first door panel’s rollers on one side of the door opening.
- Flip it over and do it again.
- The second segment requires rollers to be installed.
- Raise the panel, position it, and insert its rollers onto the vertical tracks on either side of the opening with the aid of a helper.
- Attach the second half’s hinges to the first half’s.
- For the vast majority of entrances, the use of a power drill fitted with a screwdriver bit or nut driver will greatly expedite and simplify the process.
- Following the same steps, instal the third portion.
- Verify the vertical track is plumb and the door is level.
- Both vertical tracks’ top plates should be attached to the wall using fasteners.
- As the door moves up and down, it will provide significant force; thus, the lag screws must be driven deep into the framing elements.
- Tracks are installed on the framing members, and the jamb brackets are attached to the tracks.
- It cannot be stressed enough that the lag screws must be used in sturdy framing.
- Hold off on fully tightening the lag screws until you’ve checked the tracks for alignment.
- Place the curved track in the indicated location after installing the horizontal track.
- Connect the parts using bolts.
- In a pinch, the horizontal track can be propped up on a ladder.
- Make sure the horizontal track is straight, and then trim the rear hanger to the correct length.
- Mount the hanger for the track loosely to the framing (a ceiling joist or blocking) using screws.