How to Replace a Garage Door
A. Tools and Materials Needed
Replacing a garage door requires some basic tools and materials. These include a drill, flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, a level, a handsaw, a utility knife, wood screws, shims, construction adhesive, weatherstripping, and new panels for the door.
B. Removing the Old Door
Begin by disconnecting the power to the door opener. Then, open the door and wedge a stick between the floor and the bottom of the door to keep it in place. Next, remove the hinges and bolts that secure the sections of the door together. Finally, remove the old door panels and set them aside.
C. Installing the New Door
Place the new door in the opening and secure it with screws and washers. Make sure to level the door and adjust the screws accordingly. For extra stability, use wood shims and construction adhesive. Once the door is level, use screws to attach the hinges and tracks.
D. Assembling the Tracks
Install the horizontal tracks to the header and the vertical tracks to the jambs. Connect the tracks using the track fasteners provided. Make sure the tracks are level and secure them with screws. Finally, attach the trolley to the vertical tracks and attach the chain to the trolley.
E. Installing the Rollers
Next, install the rollers into the door sections. Secure them with nuts and washers. To ensure the rollers move smoothly, lubricate them with a silicone lubricant.
F. Reinforcing the Door Sections
Attach the door reinforcement struts to the door sections. Secure the struts with screws and washers.
G. Installing the Springs
Attach the springs to the spring anchor bracket and then attach the bracket to the header. Make sure to attach the spring to the correct side of the door.
H. Connecting the Opener
Attach the opener to the header and secure it with screws. Connect the opener to the door sections using the chain. Finally, connect the opener to the power source.
I. Installing Weatherstripping
For proper insulation, install weatherstripping along the sides of the door and where the door meets the floor. Make sure to use heavy-duty weatherstripping for maximum insulation.
J. Troubleshooting
If the door isn’t working properly, check the tracks and the springs. Make sure the tracks are level and the springs are properly secured. If the opener isn’t working, make sure it is connected to the power source and the chain is properly connected to the door sections.
K. Conclusion
Replacing a garage door is a simple and straightforward project. With the right tools and materials, you can replace your garage door in no time.
FAQs
Q. How much does it cost to replace a garage door?
A. The cost to replace a garage door varies depending on the size, type, and material of the door. Generally, a standard single-car garage door costs between $400 and $600, while a double-car garage door costs between $600 and $1,200.
Q. How long will it take to replace a garage door?
A. On average, it takes about four to six hours to replace a garage door.
Q. What kind of tools do I need to replace a garage door?
A. You will need a drill, flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, a level, a handsaw, a utility knife, wood screws, shims, construction adhesive, weatherstripping, and new panels for the door.
Q. How do I remove the old door?
A. Begin by disconnecting the power to the door opener. Then, open the door and wedge a stick between the floor and the bottom of the door to keep it in place. Next, remove the hinges and bolts that secure the sections of the door together. Finally, remove the old door panels and set them aside.
Q. How do I install the new door?
A. Place the new door in the opening and secure it with screws and washers. Make sure to level the door and adjust the screws accordingly. For extra stability, use wood shims and construction adhesive. Once the door is level, use screws to attach the hinges and tracks.
Q. How do I assemble the tracks?
A. Install the horizontal tracks to the header and the vertical tracks to the jambs. Connect the tracks using the track fasteners provided. Make sure the tracks are level and secure them with screws. Finally, attach the trolley to the vertical tracks and attach the chain to the trolley.
Q. How do I install the rollers?
A. Install the rollers into the door sections and secure them with nuts and washers. To ensure the rollers move smoothly, lubricate them with a silicone lubricant.
Q. How do I reinforce the door sections?
A. Attach the door reinforcement struts to the door sections and secure them with screws and washers.
Q. How do I install the springs?
A. Attach the springs to the spring anchor bracket and then attach the bracket to the header. Make sure to attach the spring to the correct side of the door.
Q. How do I connect the opener?
A. Attach the opener to the header and secure it with screws. Connect the opener to the door sections using the chain. Finally, connect the opener to the power source.
Q. How do I install weatherstripping?
A. Install weatherstripping along the sides of the door and where the door meets the floor. Make sure to use heavy-duty weatherstripping for maximum insulation.
Q. What should I do if the door isn’t working properly?
A. Check the tracks and the springs. Make sure the tracks are level and the springs are properly secured. If the opener isn’t working, make sure it is connected to the power source and the chain is properly connected to the door sections.
