If you’re having a garage door installed on a brand new property, you can expect the job to take only two to three hours. This is the simplest installation type, as there are no existing doors to remove and few items stored in the garage for installers to work around.
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Installation of the Door
A garage door comes with panel sections, hinges that connect the sections together, rollers for each section to roll in, and a track that allows the sections to move up and down. It also contains a motor unit that will power the opener and struts (depending on the type of door, the number of struts can vary from one to three or more).
Each of these components must be installed in a specific order. It is important that the installer follow the detailed manufacturer’s instructions, and he or she should consult with local building code enforcement to make sure the installation conforms to local codes.
Start by placing the first door section in the rough opening with its exterior side down. Install the metal brackets on both long edges of this first panel. Next, place the second panel on top of the first. Install the hinges on the second panel, being careful to match up the numbered ones with their corresponding doors.
Installation of the Tracks
If you’re doing a like-for-like replacement with an identical door, the installation process should be quick and easy. There’s no old door to remove, few items in the garage to work around, and few framing problems. A professional can usually get the job done in three hours or less.
Before reinstalling the tracks, make sure that the springs, rollers and cables are in good condition. If they’re showing signs of wear or need to be replaced, this will take more time.
Start by securing the top guide wheel to the new vertical track section with fasteners. Next, add 3/8″ to the horizontal distance recorded earlier and adjust the lower track brackets to align with this new measurement.
Installation of the Hardware
Once the doors are installed, it’s time to install the hardware. This process should take about two to three hours. This is a simpler job than installing an entire garage door, as there’s no old door to remove, and the installer has less to work around in terms of stored items or signs of stress on the back jambs and surrounding wood.
The first step involves marking the location where the door studs should go on each panel. Then, drill holes into the studs, using the screws provided with the kit. It is important to use the correct bit size for each hole to prevent damage to the wood or screw head.
It is also a good idea to add a little Loctite adhesive-exterior grade to the locations where the screws will be placed. This will help to prevent the screws from loosening over time.
Installation of the Opener
In most cases, the garage door opener’s motor unit mounts to a bracket that is secured to ceiling joists. A separate bracket holds the end of the rail that extends across the door opening. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for positioning these brackets.
Generally, you should install photo sensors that emit and detect beams of light to ensure the door doesn’t run into something or someone. Also, you should include a pressure-sensitive device called a door edge sensor that will prevent the door from closing onto someone or something that’s in its path.
Before you connect the power to the opener, make sure the garage door system is ready for it by running a test. Start with the garage door in its open position to observe how it moves, then close it to check that the opening and closing forces are set correctly. Adjust the settings if necessary. Be sure to properly install the wires from the opener to the safety sensors and wall button, too.