Buzz
For those who enjoy DIY projects, installing stylish and functional garage doors can be a rewarding weekend task.
iStockphoto.com/Steven MiricIf you've already replaced a door or two in your home, it might seem simple—just tighten a few screws and you're good to go. However, installing the largest door in your house is a different story. Whether manual or automatic, garage door installation can be tricky and even dangerous. Manual installations are easier compared to automatic ones, but the choice typically depends on the type of door you own.
Manual garage doors are designed for easy lifting with a handle. These doors are lighter than automatic ones, making them simpler to install. However, their light weight limits the range of doors you can choose from. If you're considering a heavy solid wood door for your garage, you'll likely need to opt for an automatic model.
Automatic doors not only require the installation of a heavy door but also the motor and cables. These doors have become more common due to their convenience, though in the case of heavy wood doors, they are a necessity. A powerful motor is needed to lift a hefty door. That said, automatic doors have their drawbacks—they become manual doors during a power outage.
Regardless of the type of door you're installing, safety is paramount. The instructions provided here are just general guidelines. Be sure to thoroughly read your garage door manufacturer's manual and instructions before starting the installation. If you're a DIY novice, consider hiring a professional. Though it might cost more, installing a garage door ranks high on the scale of DIY difficulty.
If you're familiar with a few DIY projects, continue reading to learn how to install a manual garage door.
Manual Garage Door Installation
Forget the high-tech automatic door—you want a manual garage door. While you may be the only one on your block with a manual door, there are several reasons why it's a solid choice, and why this less-convenient option has persisted. The primary reason for their continued popularity is security. They're also simpler to install and repair, as there are fewer parts to deal with compared to automatic doors.
If you have a basic, un-insulated steel garage door, you're an ideal candidate for installing a manual garage door. To set it up, all you need to do is secure the door using a torsion spring system. This process typically requires just a drill, its bits, a hex wrench, and an open-end wrench.
While your specific installation instructions may differ, the general steps usually follow this pattern:
- Attach the flag bracket and horizontal angle, then fasten them to the jamb.
- Connect the torsion tubes and springs, then place them into the brackets.
- Measure the spring release length, then tighten the screws to the torsion tube.
- Secure the left drum first, followed by the right drum.
- Attach the tube retainer and wind the spring [source: Clopaydoor].
These are the fundamental steps, giving you a sense of the process needed to install a manual garage door. If you're interested in the ease of a motorized system, keep reading to learn how to install an automatic garage door.
Manual garage doors offer several advantages when it comes to security. Radio-controlled motors, like those found in automatic doors, are vulnerable to hacking. For under $50, you can purchase a device that detects the frequency used by radio-controlled garage door motors [source: Doors 4 Garages]! Automatic doors feature a safety mechanism that reverses the door's motion when it detects an obstruction, which is beneficial if, for example, a child plays with the opener while you're backing out of the garage. However, if someone with ill intentions places an object in the door's path, it will trigger the automatic opening, leaving your garage vulnerable to intrusion. While this is hard to pull off unnoticed, it's still possible. Additionally, manual doors usually require a key to open, making unauthorized access much more difficult.
Installing an Automatic Garage Door
Whether you're installing an automatic garage door for convenience or necessity (such as with heavier doors that require an automatic opener), ensure that you have some DIY experience and at least one helper for the task.
To install an automatic garage door, follow these key steps:
- Attach the track to the drive unit, which houses the motor responsible for opening the door.
- Connect the other sections of the track together.
- Mount a bracket at the track's end, then secure it to the beam above the garage door opening.
- Install the motor according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It should be fixed to the ceiling beam due to its weight.
- Run the wires from the motor to the wall switch.
- Install the infrared sensors designed to detect obstructions in the door’s path.
- Finally, connect the garage door to the opener [source: Hazelton].
Although these basic steps may seem straightforward, there are many small but important mountings involved. Additionally, you will be working with electricity, which can be hazardous.
If you're confident with the steps outlined above, head over to your garage and get started. If you're not, don't hesitate to call a professional for assistance.
If you've ever had to manually lift your automatic garage door during a power outage, it might not seem too bad. However, that's because the door is still connected to its springs and is rolling along a track. Installing the door from scratch is an entirely different challenge -- that wooden door you're setting up could weigh as much as 1,000 pounds (450 kg) [source: Hazelton]!
