Installing a garage door might seem like a daunting task, but it can be done by a DIY-er with some basic skills.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of installing a garage door, from start to finish.
We’ll also provide tips and advice for making the installation as easy and stress-free as possible.
So, if you’re thinking about installing a new garage door in your home, read on!
Can You Install a Garage Door by Yourself?
Yes, you can install a garage door by yourself, but it’s not recommended. Garage doors are very heavy and can be difficult to handle if you’re not familiar with the process.
In addition, there are a few safety precautions you need to take into account when installing a garage door like dealing with the torsion springs.
Panel-based garage doors are much easier to install solo DIY than one-piece garage doors as you install each panel one at a time and each panel isn’t that heavy.
If you’re not comfortable with installing a garage door or don’t feel confident enough to do it yourself, it’s best to hire a professional.
The Two Biggest Dangers when Installing a Garage Door
Weight of The Door
The first and most obvious danger when installing a garage door is the weight of the door itself.
Garage doors can weigh up to 350 pounds, depending on the type and material. Some lighter-weight aluminum or panel door alternatives may be less than 100 pounds alone.
Even for a lightweight door, having a partner assist you to install it is usually preferable since garage doors are difficult to handle.
Even if they have to learn everything from Youtube videos and the door’s owner’s handbook, a team of two can easily install them.
Torsion Springs
The second danger when installing a garage door is the torsion springs.
Torsion springs are located on either side of the door and are what help to raise and lower the door.
They are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if they are not handled properly.
For this reason, you must hire a professional to install your garage door if you’re not comfortable with working with torsion springs.
Hiring a Professional to Install Your Garage Door
If you decide to hire a professional to install your garage door, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, make sure that the company you hire is reputable and has experience installing garage doors.
You can ask for referrals from friends or family, or look for online reviews.
In addition, make sure that the company you hire offers a warranty on their workmanship.
This will protect you in case something goes wrong with the installation.
Finally, be sure to get a written estimate from the company before they begin work.
This will help you avoid any surprises down the road.
Are Extension Springs Easier for Solo DIY Install than Torsion Springs?
Neither type of spring is easy for a solo DIY installer, but extension springs can be trickier to install and set up correctly.
This is because extension springs connect to pulleys and both have to be properly set for the door to work correctly.
Torsion springs also last longer and are less prone to rust so they’re more common on newer doors.
Pros and Cons of Installing a Garage Door Solo
Installing a garage door solo has its pros and cons.
On the plus side, you’ll save money by not having to hire a professional. In addition, you’ll be able to put your personal touch on the installation process.
However, there are some dangers associated with installing a garage door solo.
As we mentioned before, garage doors are very heavy and can be difficult to handle if you’re not familiar with the process.
In addition, there are a few safety precautions you need to take into account when installing a garage door like dealing with the torsion springs.
Safety Tips for A Solo Diy Install
If you decide to install your garage door solo, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind.
First, be sure to read the instruction manual carefully before beginning the installation process. In addition, it’s important to have a partner help you lift and position the garage door.
Finally, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when working with the torsion springs.
By following these safety tips, you can minimize the risks associated with installing a garage door solo.
Pros and Cons of Installing a Garage Door with Two People
When it comes to installing a garage door, there are both pros and cons to doing it with two people.
On the plus side, having a partner will help you lift and position the garage door. In addition, they can also help you hold the door in place while you’re working.
However, there are a few downsides to installing a garage door with two people.
For one, it can be more expensive since you’ll have to hire someone to help you. In addition, it’s important to make sure that both you and your partner are comfortable with the installation process before beginning.
You can save a bit of money by enlisting a friend to help you with the installation process.
However, it’s important to make sure that both of you are comfortable with the process before beginning.
While there are pros and cons to installing a garage door solo or with two people, the most important thing is to be safe.
Be sure to follow the safety tips we outlined above regardless of which method you choose.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional to Install Your Garage Door
When it comes to installing a garage door, you have the option of doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
There are both pros and cons to each method.
On the plus side, hiring a professional will ensure that the job is done correctly.
In addition, if you choose a bonded contractor, they will usually provide a warranty on their workmanship.
Finally, by hiring a professional, you can avoid the hassle and stress of doing it yourself.
However, there are a few downsides to hiring a professional.
For one, it can be more expensive than doing it yourself.
In addition, you’ll have to take time out of your schedule to meet with the installer and be home during the installation process.
It might be tough to locate someone who can do the task and it may take a long time to get them scheduled as contractors are notoriously overbooked these days.
You may not even be able to get quotes back for weeks too.
Also, you’ll need to be comfortable with the idea of someone else working on your home especially when you’re away from home at work.
How Much Time Does It Take to Install a Garage Door?
The amount of time it takes to install a garage door depends on several factors.
First, the size of the door will play a role in the installation time.
In addition, the type of door you choose will also affect the amount of time it takes to install it.
Finally, your experience level will also play a role in the installation time.
If you’ve never installed a garage door before, it’s important to factor in some extra time to account for the learning curve.
In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from 4 to 8 hours installing a garage door.
However, if you’re experienced with the installation process, you can probably get it done in less time.
What Tools Do You Need to Install a Garage Door?
There are a few tools you’ll need to install a garage door. Here’s a quick list of things you should have on hand:
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- pliers (locking preferred)
- Drill
- Tape measure
- Level
- Ladder
- Socket wrench set
- Pry bar
- gloves
- safety glasses
- rags
- rope
If you don’t have all of the tools on hand, don’t worry. You can usually rent or borrow them from a friend or neighbor.
In addition, most hardware stores will have everything you need to get the job done.
What Skills or Youtube Training Is Needed to Install a Garage Door?
Installing a garage door isn’t overly difficult, but it does require some basic carpentry skills.
You’ll need to be able to measure accurately, use power tools, and follow directions.
If you don’t have any experience with carpentry, you can find a few helpful tutorial videos on YouTube.
Just be sure to follow the directions carefully and take your time. Rushing through the process could result in a subpar installation.
Watch this video to get a quick overview of what a typical garage door installation requires.
Basic How to Install a Garage Door Step by Step
While each garage door is different here are the basic steps you’ll go through when installing a panel-based garage door (the easiest to do solo):
- Measure the opening of your garage to determine what size door you need to buy.
- Purchase the door and any additional materials or hardware that you might need.
- Read the instructions that come with your door carefully.
- Remove the old door and track and recycle it or dispose of it.
- Assemble the tracks.
- Assemble the bottom panel (add rollers, hinges, weatherstripping, etc.).
- Line up and connect the bottom panel to tracks.
- Prep the next panel (add rollers, hinges, etc.)
- Add the next panel on top of the previous one and connect hinges and tracks.
- Repeat till all panels are in place.
- Attach the track jam brackets to garage framing. This secures the tracks in place.
- Install the curved and horizontal tracks. Use a level to confirm their level.
- Check all hinges, rollers, and hardware connections.
- Install the torsion springs. This might be done after installing the opener on some doors.
- Install the garage door opener (if you’re using one).
- Test your door to make sure everything is working properly.
What to Do with The Old Door
Once you have the new door installed, you’ll need to do something with the old one.
The best option is to recycle it.
Most hardware stores or recycling centers will take it off your hands for free.
Another option is to sell it or give it away.
There are a few online marketplaces that specialize in selling used building materials.
Finally, you could always repurpose it for another project around the house.
For example, you could use it as a shed door or a privacy fence.
Conclusion
Installing a garage door isn’t as difficult as you might think.
With the right tools and some basic carpentry skills, you can get it done in a few hours.
Of course, if you’ve never installed a garage door before, it’s important to factor in some extra time to account for the learning curve.