The truth is if your garage door is over 20 years it may be time to consider replacing it. The good news is a new garage door installation has one of the highest return on investments for all home improvements — nearly 97%, virtually dollar for dollar. The reason for this is because of curb appeal and what a new garage door does for your property value.
If you decide to install a new garage door, we recommend hiring a professional to do the installation. This is the best way to get the most out of your investment — you ensure it’s installed properly and safely. It’s also worth noting you may indeed void the warranty of a new garage door if you decide to install it yourself. That’s because things can go wrong if you don’t have the tools and the expertise to install the door properly.
But if you decide to install a new garage door yourself, here are a few things you should know to do the job correctly.
Spring Safety
Before you replace your garage door, you’ll naturally need to remove the old one first. You’ll need to release the tension in the springs. Otherwise the springs are capable of snapping with incredible pressure — potentially causing serious bodily injury. To release the tension, you’ll need steel rods, turned one quarter turn at a time. Once the springs are properly loosened, you can move onto the next step.
Remove Existing Hardware
You’ll need to remove the garage door opener and existing garage door. Disconnect the garage door opener. Remove each panel of the garage door, piece by piece. Start from the top and work your way down.
Once the panels have been removed, take the door frame off the wall. Next, remove the old garage door opener if you plan on replacing it.
Installing New Garage Door Panels
Now it’s time to install your new garage door. Most garage doors have pilot holes drilled into the panels for easier installation. Start with the top panels — installing the hinges at the top of each panel as you go. You’ll need to attach axle supports to the top and bottom panels.
Install the Garage Door Track
Once you’ve got the panels in place, it’s time to install the track. Attach the correct brackets to the vertical track pieces. Place the brackets against the wall so the wheels are in the correct position. Attach the door cable to the bottom axle support, and then attach the bottom bracket to the wall.
Installing Garage Door Springs
Once the track is in place, it’s time to install the springs. Mark the center of the door. This is where you’ll put your spring support. The springs attach to the anchors and the spring locking cone. The cone will keep the spring from popping away under high pressure. Attach the springs to the main header bracket.
Installing Other Garage Door Parts
Finally, you’ll need to install the torsion rod, pulleys, and cable. Next, tighten the springs. This gives your door the tension it needs to open and close.
Comments are closed.