How to Install a Garage Door

Get step-by-step instructions on how to install a garage door. It's not as complicated as you might think.

INTRODUCTION

Remove the Old Door

Use the manufacturers' instructions to remove the old door. It mainly consists of carefully unlatching the door from the pulley system, then taking apart the panels of the door and unscrewing the tracks. Make sure to remove one panel at a time, or they could all fall in on you.

STEP 1

Measure, Attach Hinges and Handles

Measure the various areas where the door will be installed: door-opening height and width, headroom (from top of opening to ceiling), and back room (length of garage). For the headroom, you should have about 10" to 12" of space, depending on the spring system you're installing. For the back room, you should have the door height, plus another 18" or more of space.

With the proper measurements in hand, temporarily attach stops to both sides of the opening and make sure they are flush with the inside edge of the door jamb. Using the sawhorses, lay out the bottom piece of the new door, and attach any weather stripping (if necessary). Additionally, attach any hinges and lift handles to the piece.

STEP 2

Set the Bottom Piece Into Position

Insert the bottom piece into the door frame, and use a level to properly set the piece. Once the piece is in place, tap nails partway into each jamb. Slant or slightly bend the nails to secure them in place. Use the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the vertical, curved and horizontal pieces of the track and set aside.

STEP 3

Install the Remaining Panels

Install the second panel on top of the first one, hammering nails into the side jambs to hold it place. Install the hinges and repeat the process for however many panels are necessary. You will need to anchor each piece into the door jamb.

Read more: How to Install a Garage Door

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