If you are thinking about installing a brand new garage door and getting rid of the current one, then know that this is not a simple DIY project. Moreover, it is specifically not a smooth ride for beginners. These doors are extremely heavy and wound tightly with extreme torsion, so handling the springs can be extremely dangerous. Garage doors also vary vastly in installation difficulty level. It is always best to consult experts to help you pick out the door and guide you.
However, if you are an expert home handy-person, you can give this project a go. Although, it is suggested to do thorough homework to understand everything before you begin the project. Manufacturers of Garage door manufacturers respond to the DIY domain by creating lighter doors with fewer torsion springs. Ask your nearest homebuilders shop for the most DIY-friendly kits for the garage doors. We aim to bring you some helpful tips that can help with this venture, so let's get to it!
You must ensure that your space is neat and clean with all things set aside to make it a safe working space for you. Evacuate your vehicles while ensuring things mounted on the garage walls are secure. Also, confirm that there are no articles on the floor that can make you trip.
Next comes removing your current door. If your old door features a typical torsion spring, then it is better not to remove it yourself. Its spring is almost like a weapon that can cause severe injury to somebody who is not fully sure of what they are attempting. To execute this part, the best practice is to get a pro.
With the old door gone, you now need to examine your garage doorframe and look for any damage or rot. If you find some, immediately replace it. Thus, you are all set to install your new door and it must be installed in a strong and proper frame. Therefore, take as much time as you need to appropriately inspect the doorframe, utilizing levels and squares.
This is a highly crucial step as you need to ensure you fully grasp what the instruction diagram states before proceeding further with the project. Layout every piece in a simulation of how it will configure once it is assembled fully.
Since a garage door plays a significant role in the house by securing the vehicles and home, you must get all the necessary hardware. You must only purchase the hardware the manufacturer-approved. Each fastener has to be tight but beware of stripping anything. A wholly assembled garage door can weigh more than four hundred pounds, and you certainly cannot have it falling.
This important step needs emphasizing. You need to ensure that you follow the instruction manual in detail and leave nothing out. Be extremely careful and attentive while assembling all the parts.
A garage door is the biggest mechanism in the house; therefore, take all the time you need to ensure this project goes smoothly. Give proper time to leveling the first section, or the next sections could get out of level while you stack them, and this can be very dangerous. After this, weather-strip it.
Spring is by far the most integral part of the door. You need to be particularly mindful while going through the instructions to adjust the door springs. Your door needs to have a perfect balance when you open it halfway, and this will be due to correct spring adjustment.
With all done, lastly, you need to inspect everything. Scan all the sub-assemblies and compare them with the pictures in the manual. Ensure that every component is fitted in and your left nothing out. Your garage door must have a smooth glide and ready for your usage.