SUPPLIES
- Garage door assembly
- Rear track hangers
- Shims
- Nails
- Sawhorses
- Hammer
- Level
- Utility knife
- Wrenches
- Tape measure
- Locking pliers
- Drill
Overview
Garage doors can be made from a variety of materials: wood, fiberglass and metal. Springs are used to lift the doors and to prevent them from closing. Typically the garage door is a series of horizontal panels that are set in the garage door opening, one panel at a time. Installation instructions may vary according to the type of garage door you are installing.
Step 1
Lay the garage door panels across the sawhorses. This will make it easier for you to work on the panels.
Step 2
Insert the weather stripping into the channel on the panels and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to screw it into place.
Step 3
Set the first door panel into the garage door opening. This is the panel that runs along the floor of the garage. Keep it in place by hammering nails into the door frame (not the door), and allow the exposed end of the nail to bend over, holding the door in place. Level and shim the door.
Step 4
Stack the next door panel onto the first panel, and keep in place using a bent over nail, that is hammered into the door frame, not the door. Do this after you attach the hinges to the first panel, and then connect the hinge to the second panel.
Step 5
Attach the roller to the end of the panels. Insert the roller shaft into the hinge following the manufacturer's instructions. Stack the remainder of the panels, and attach the hinges and rollers.
Step 6
Install the tracks around the assembled door panels. Start by inserting the straight tracks over the wheels at the bottom of the door. As you place the mounting brackets next to the door frame, leave approximately a 6/8 space between the track and door. Bolt in place temporarily.
Step 7
Assemble the curved track that goes on each side of the top of the door. Do this on the floor and then slip over the door rollers. A track on each side of the door will bolt to two angle irons, joined at a 90 degree angle. Level and plumb the track.
Step 8
Install the rear track hangers that support the weight of the door. Attach to the rafter or joist. Then attach the track to the hanger.
Step 9
Attach the pulley wheel and adjust the top roller. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the proper horizontal angle to attach the front pulley wheel. Remove the nails that you've used to hold the door panels in place.
Step 10
Lift the door four feet and hold it in place with an object and note the spacing between the track and door. Adjust the spacing between the track and door so that it is between 5/8 and 7/8 inches. You will need to lower the door to do this. Permanently fasten the tracks and hangers when the door is properly aligned.
Step 11
Raise the door so that it is open. Keep the door open by attaching a set of locking pliers.
Step 12
Affix the garage door spring to the hook in the rear hanging bracket. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 13
Thread the cable so it moves around the front pulley, spring pulley and attaches to the end of a S-hook. The S-hook should be attached to the horizontal track support. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the amount of slack to leave.
Step 14
Test the door by releasing it. The door should gently close on the garage floor. Adjust the tension if it closes too hard or too slowly.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- WARNING : Do not attempt to install a garage door if it has torsion springs, leave the job to a professional, as loosing controls of the springs can cause serious injury.
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