Installing Garage Doors

Installing garage doors as a do it yourself project can save you money if you are fairly skilled do-it-yourselfer. However, it is not an easy task and unless you are confident dealing with electrical wiring, motors and torsion springs, it is probably better to hire a pro.

When contemplating the task of installing a garage door, take into consideration that garage doors are very heavy. They weigh hundreds of pounds. You should never attempt to install a garage door alone, because you will need help lifting and moving the door panels. Since they are so heavy, garage doors work on torsion springs which work by twisting. They store mechanical energy and the amount of force is proportional to the amount they are twisted.

To test whether or not a garage doors' springs are adjusted properly, pull the door down part way. When you release it, it should remain in that position. If you lower it almost all the way, it should close completely when you release. A door that is not properly adjusted can be dangerous. It can drop quickly, injuring anyone nearby.

Likewise, garage door opener motors are also very heavy. They need to be attached to a stud in the garage ceiling and then reinforced with brackets.

Garage doors are installed on tracks. These tracks usually come in sections. They need to be installed by carefully following the manufacturer's instructions. The carriage of the garage door slips into the track and moves back and forth along the track when the garage door opener motor is operated.

As mentioned before, the garage door opener motor must be installed directly to the ceiling because it is so heavy. Use a stud locater to find a safe place to attach it. If you do not want to see wires, you will need to run the electrical wires for the motor through the ceiling and wall. Use a coat hanger to pull the wires through. Secure the motor with one or more ceiling brackets.

Consider installing an infra red sensor with the garage door opener. This sensor will prevent anyone from being trapped should the garage door close unexpectedly. The sensors send out a red beam that, if broken, will stop the door and force it to reverse direction.

To actually, install the doors, start by attaching weather stripping to the bottom edge of the first door panel. Set the panel in the doorframe and fix it in partway at an angel with mails. Then attach hinges to the top of the door. Fasten the first door panel to the second with hinges. Ease the panels onto the tracks until they are all the way in. Make sure the screws are in place securely before you try lowering the door. Next test the torsion spring to make sure the door is installed properly

• Hammer
• Nails
• Power Drill
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Oil
• Wrench
• Electronic stud finder
• Coat hanger
• Second set of hands for maneuvering the door panels

Remember, garage doors can be dangerous of they are not installed properly. If you are not an expert, consider hiring one.

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