A garage door installation can be a complicated procedure, so it is usually best to have a professional handle it for you. At Doorcare, we are happy to inform our clients on how garage doors are installed, and we always encourage them to enlist professional help to ensure that the installation is done right.
How to Install a Garage Door
Depending on the type of garage door being installed, the opening system, and the home itself, the methods for garage door installation can differ. Because the most common type of garage door in North American homes is an articulating overhead garage door, knowing the procedure involved in installing this type of door can be incredibly beneficial. The steps to install an overhead garage door are as follows:
1. Measure Everything
Before you do anything else, you need to know the dimensions of your opening and how much overhead space you have. Make sure that your concrete is perfectly level.
2. Order the Parts
Once you know your dimensions and needs, you can order the garage door and parts that you need. This will include the tracks, springs, and opening mechanism. Consult a garage door professional, like the ones from Doorcare, to ensure that you get the right door and parts for your home.
3. Set the Garage Door in the Track
Depending on the type of garage door that you purchased, you may need to install the door in the track panel by panel, or you might need to install the entire door all at once. If the door is being installed one panel at a time, lay the track on the ground and begin setting the panels in place and attaching them to one another with hinges. If the door is a single unit already, set the door down and roll the tracks onto either side.
4. Install the Track
Installing the track is one of the most difficult parts of this procedure. It needs to be spaced properly and perfectly level, and it needs to hold the door against the weather stripping around the opening with just enough pressure to avoid having a gap. Make sure that you know the exact size and distance that your particular door needs to be from the front of your garage opening. Use the proper screws to attach the track to the wall and ceiling.
5. Set Up the Torsion Springs and Bars
There are different types of torsion springs and garage door openers. For this step, you will need to ensure that your torsion system is set up as recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, overhead garage doors will use a torsion bar and spring that stretches the width of the door. This spring will need to be wound up using a drill and pliers and attached to the door.
6. Install the Garage Door Opener
The garage door opener will have a specific way of attaching to the door by cables or a chain. Hang the opener from the centre joist in the ceiling, and follow the instructions included with the opener to attach it to your door.
If you would like to learn more about how garage doors are installed, or if you are interested in any of our garage door products or services, please contact Doorcare at 604-535-4123 or fill out a contact form on our website.