Once you’ve considered your options for selecting what type of
garage door best fits your needs, you’ll be ready to install the
new garage door.
Once you’ve considered your options for selecting what type of garage door best fits your needs, you’ll be ready to install the new garage door.
Here are some general tips for installing a garage door. You’ll want to check the manual or consult a service person for the specifics for each door.
Most doors are made up of four or five sections. The movement of the door along the tracks on each side is controlled by springs. These spring come in two styles – a torsion spring that runs along the front and an extension spring that is above the tracks.
Lowes (www.lowes.com) recommends having a professional relieve the tension of the old torsion springs. Because of the extreme tension, these springs can be dangerous.
Extension springs aren’t as tight, and you can remove them yourself. If there are springs on each side, you should remove them at once to keep the proper balance.
After the springs and opener are removed you can lower the door and then remove the hinges and rollers so the door will come out. The door will be heavy, so you should use caution. You’ll probably need two or more people.
Once the door is off, you can remove the rest of the track and mounts. You may be able to keep the track hangers if they are in good condition. But you may have to replace old, worn-out wood where the hinges and fasteners were.
The time it takes to install a garage door depends on the size and type, but it could easily take the good part of a weekend.
For more answers to common installation questions and more suggestions, go to www.fastfacts.com/myhomerepair or www.ehow.com or consult a local repairman.
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