Most people who require a complicated home project completed call a professional in to do it- it requires a certain skill set and a very patient disposition to complete such tasks on your own. Installing a garage door, for all that it may seem relatively simple, is one of the most dangerous do-it-yourself projects, not the least because it deals with one of the largest objects in your home: a garage door.
But here is a three-part, step-by-step guide for those who are comfortable with tools and the basics of physics who wish to make a go of it themselves.
Step One: Measure Your Door Size
Of course you need to take measurements of how large the new garage door you must purchase will be- but be sure to begin measurements from that actual structural edge of garage wall, not the trim piece or insulation. Don't forget to measure for head room so that your new door has enough space in which to unfurl and operate. Check to make sure there are no obstructing objects in the way.
Step Two: Take Down the Old Door
Doors with tension springs should be removed while they are in the up position, not blocking the entrance, so make sure there is no tension being applied to the door while you are trying to remove the spring. Don't forget that once you do, there is nothing holding it up. Garage doors can weigh more the n two hundred pounds, and this isn't to be taken lightly. If you don't have anyone to help bear the weight, clamp down the back track to keep it in place.
Next, you have to take out each door panel by removing the pins in each of the braces in turn- each brace should loosen and pop right out. Be sure to do this slowly, as the panels are heavy and unwieldy.
Step Three: Take Apart the Operator
The next thing you have to do it take down the tracks from the old door, which will be screwed or bolted down with brackets, and remove the technology that prevents the door from shutting when there is an object obstructing its path. Don't forget, while removing the track- you have to support that long, awkward shape once it has been loosened.
Next, get rid of the old header trim and the two-by-fours so you're re-framing the actual opening, allowing for new equipment for the new door. Attach the new two-by-fours with nails, and you're ready to go.
Preparing the new door for installation will be covered in Part Two.