How to install your garage door: A step by step guide
Many garage door manufacturers offer the full service. They will deliver
your garage door and even install and test it for you.This is often the
option homeowners tend to go for, given how heavy garage doors usually are.
However, if you are an adept DIY fan, you may want to consider installing
your own garage door. Not only will you get the satisfaction of having done
it on your own, you will also save some pennies in the process.
Installing your garage doors should not be a daunting task. However, you
need to be extremely careful. If your old garage door uses a torsion
spring, it may be best to call a professional garage door repair installer to
remove it for you. Torsion spring garage doors work under high pressure
which makes them extremely dangerous.
Here are the steps to follow when installing your own garage doors
1. Attach the weather stripping
Weather stripping is usually found at the bottom of the garage door. You
will have to attach the weather stripping first and then screw cable
brackets into the panel to ensure the stripping stays in place. You can
then go ahead to fix in that door panel by driving nails into it partway.
Most new doors come with holes drilled in by the manufacturer. If yours
doesn’t, you can drill them yourself. These holes are used when attaching
the hinges. Insert the rollers into the brackets attached to the door.
2. Insert the tracks
For this step, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Assemble the various parts needed for the tracks and insert the rollers
into the track. Screw the track into the door frame. You will then need to
install the vertical tracks on the first door section. Do so for both
sides.
3. Attach the second door panel
Attach hinges to the second panel and set it on top of the first panel.
Drive in screws to join the two panels and ensure you have fastened the
hinges. A power drill with a screwdriver tip will make this easier for you.
Insert the hinge and roller and attach to the second panel. You can then
attach the third panel in the same way.
4. Adjust the track
Once all three panels have been attached, you can adjust the track to
ensure the door fits without rubbing. Using a ratchet wrench, tighten the
lag screws and make sure they go into the sound framing.
5. Connect the vertical sections to the horizontal ones.
For this, you will use the curved corner tracks. You can bolt the pieces
together if necessary. Cut the rear track to the length necessary to
support the track (check with the horizontal track). Screw the track hanger
onto the ceiling and loosely mount the track. Secure the last door section
in place and remove any temporary nails.
Once the garage door is in place, you can test the tension by opening and
closing it. You will also have to check the alignment of the tracks. Make
sure all hinges and screws are fastened. Installing your own garage door
can be pretty fun. Just ensure you have a helper for some of the above
steps.
