Installing a new garage door can be quite a challenge, especially if you have no technical knowhow. Since garage doors can be huge, heavy and a bit complicated, most homeowners prefer to hire professional to do the installation for them. However, if you are considering a DIY task, you can save some dollars and get the satisfaction of knowing that you completed the job by yourself.
If you are considering a DIY garage door installation, there are several tips that you can use to ensure that the process goes on smoothly. These instructions will guide you through the general steps of installing the garage door. Here are some tips on new garage door installation:
Door measurements
One thing that you should realize when taking measurements is that you should not base your measurements on the size of the current door rather than the size of the door opening. You will need a rear clearance for your garage door of 28’’ for the door’s height. There should also be a minimum space of 6” between the wall and door jamb.
Preparing the opening
You should ensure that the size of the opening is of equal size to that of the door. For instance, if you are installing a door that measures 9 by 7, you will need an opening of 9’’ wide and 7’’ high. You will need to ensure that the header and the back jambs are in the right position. Also ensure that the back jambs are plumb, square and perpendicular. Check the clearance of the door’s rear and headroom to ensure that there is enough room that will enable the door to work in the right manner. Before you start the installation process, you may need to consult the manual for garage door installation that usually comes with the product.
Attach handles and hinges
Now that you already have the proper measurements, you will need to attach some temporal stops on both side of the opening to ensure that these are flush with the door jambs inside edge. Using a sawhorse create a layout for your new door. Where necessary, you will need to attach weather stripping. You will also need to attach lift handles and hinges to the door.
Ensure bottom piece is in position
You should install the bottom piece in the frame of the door and set the piece in place using a lever. When the piece is placed in the right place, hit nails into every jamb. Ensure that the nails are slightly bent or slanted so that they are secured in place. Ensure that you follow the instruction of the manufacturer when it comes to assembling the horizontal, vertical and curved pieces of track.
Install the other panels
Ensure that the second panel is installed on top of first one. Hammer nails into side jambs to ensure that it is held in place. Install hinges before repeating the process for the other panels needed. Ensure that each piece is anchored into the door jamb.
Install rollers
After securing the sections, you should install rollers in assembling track and ensure that the brackets of the track are secured. Ensure that the rollers aren’t pressed tightly against the track as friction can damage the door.
Attach springs
Once the vertical tracks are secured against jambs, install the horizontal and curved pieces. Assemble springs as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Attach springs to a pulley system.
With these tips on garage door installation the installation process can be simplified to a great deal.