Garage Door Installation Tips

Installations should be carried out by two people, sometimes maybe even three, and if there is no other means of exit or entry into the garage ensure that someone else is close by to ensure you don't get trapped inside the garage. Maybe keep your mobile phone close to hand.

Double check the dimensions of your new garage door before removing the old door and sub frame and commencing as no one is perfect.

Take extra care when removing the old garage door especially if it is a double width up and over door as springs and cables will be under a lot of tension. Wear suitable gloves & safety goggles and maybe even a pair of sturdy boots in case you do drop the door panel on your feet!

Ordering garage doors with factory fitted fixing sub frames always makes the installation quicker and easier if you have left the correct tolerances.

The number 1 rule when installing any garage door is to make sure your door is totally level and square in the structural opening. This will make the whole installation faster as you progress and also avoid undue wear and tear on moving parts in the future.

Selection of suitable fixings for the structure you are installing to. i.e. brick, stone, blockwork, etc

Silicone based lubricant for the operating mechanism and other moving parts

Upvc trims to trim edges where required or a suitable coloured sealant

Packers to level the door in the opening - pieces of Upvc or slate tiling is often used if required.

Clear working area of at least 6 feet inside the garage as garage doors are fitted from the inside

Extension cable for automatic operator (if plug socket is too far away)

 

Tools required for DIY Garage Door Installation

Good strong Step Ladder

Safety gear - safety goggles, hard hat, gloves and safety boots

Screwdrivers - hand or power drill and preferably both.

A torch or task lighting if the garage does not have good lighting inside

Voltage/metal (lead pipe) detector

Hack saw

Spirit level - Use it!!

Tape measure

Hammer

Pencil or marker pen

Drill - hammer action

Drill bits - for timber, steel and masonry

Many garage doors and operators have a small selection of installation components supplied with the door, including dexion hanging steel pieces. It is worth asking if you think your ceiling is higher than normal, as some doors can be ordered with this in mind to reduce installation time but also increase the practicality of the door. For example a roller door can be higher than the opening inside if the ceiling is higher to take the roll, endplates and box (if ordered) right up to the ceiling inside. A sectional door with front mounted torsion springs can be ordered with 'High Lift' gear if required to take the tracks up higher to nearer your ceiling if it is high and therefore provide more internal space.
 

If in doubt, please don't hesitate to ask, and we can always generally recommend an independent installer if you require someone else to carry out the work.