Replacing a Garage Door

garage door kit
cordless drill with battery and magnetic screw tip
socket adapters for cordless drill
socket set
hack saw
level
tape measure
pencil
safety glasses

Important: These are general guidelines applicable to installation of most brands of garage doors. However, there may be variations depending on style or mode. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Start by temporarily pinning the old door to the frame and removing the track. Then carefully remove the garage door one section at a time, being especially careful when removing the springs.

Installing the New Door

Note: In most cases, you may be able to use the old door's angle iron that's still mounted in the ceiling for installing the new track.

Steps:

1. Install hardware for the door panel. Bolt all the hardware to the door panels according to the manufacturer's instructions (figures A and B).

Tip: It will be easiest to do this on a flat surface or laying flat on a set of sawhorses.

2. Set the panels in place. Maneuver the panels in place, stacking vertically them and pinning them temporarily to the frame using long nails (figure C).

Tip: Since the nails are only temporary, leave the heads of the nails sticking out slightly so they are easy to pull later.

3. Install the brackets and hinges. The brackets and hinges will tie all of the door panels together.

4. Install the vertical tracks. Push the rollers into the hinge barrels, then clip the track to the rollers. After that, lag the track thru the brackets into the frame.

5. Install the top tracks. Bolt the curve of the top track to the top of the vertical track (figure D), then attach it to the angle iron in the ceiling. If the old angle iron doesn't fit, move it, or hang new.

6. Install the cables and springs. The springs of the garage door are the dangerous part. If you have extension springs (the type that run along the top track of the door) simply raise the door and clip the springs in. When you lower the door, the springs stretch, and contract to help you raise it. If you're using a torsion spring, this will bolt to the header over the front of the door. These may a little tricky to adjust, but just follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and be especially mindful of any manufacturer's safety precautions.

7. Install the hardware. Once the door operates properly, add the hardware, and the installation is done.