Changing a Garage Door for New Curb Appeal

It is possible to perform a DIY project at home to replace your garage door. These pointers and techniques will help you succeed and keep you secure.

Garage Door: Install a new garage door to give the outside of your house a new look. A new garage door can improve the look of your home, add curb appeal, and even increase security, although a damaged door is undoubtedly a reason for replacement. Additionally, the project has a strong return on investment: When selling their home, homeowners can anticipate recovering 94% of the cost of replacing a garage door, according to data from Zonda Media’s 2021 Cost vs. Value report.

Although many door retailers and showrooms offer installation services, homeowners can also complete this home improvement project themselves with a little bit of know-how, the proper tools, and attention to safety.

How to Prepare for a Garage Door Installation

New door panel installation is labor-intensive, necessitating extreme caution, and a partner or two to help carry the load and assemble all the parts.

According to Morrow, “even lighter garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds, with an older garage door weighing as much as 450 pounds.” “Additionally, garage door spring systems are under a great deal of tension, making it risky to remove them without the right training and tools. We advise speaking with a reputable, skilled garage door installer for these safety reasons.”

A professional installer can remove and install a door in a few hours, according to Justin Evans, director of residential products for Clopay, while do-it-yourselfers should budget 8 to 10 hours for the task.

How to Measure a Garage Door Properly

Start by taking accurate measurements, which should include measuring more than just the opening itself, for homeowners doing this project themselves. Evans advises paying close attention to these four areas.

Opening of doors

To determine the appropriate garage door size, measure the width and height of the door opening in feet and inches.

Side Space

Take a measurement of the side space to the door’s left and right. For the installation of the vertical track, various types of doors call for a minimum amount of space on either side of the door. To find out how much space you’ll need, refer to the specifications that came with your door.

The space between the top of the door opening and the garage ceiling is known as the headroom, and it should measure. The spring installation requires ten to twelve inches. According to Evans, special hardware is available if you have a small amount of headroom, but it must order with the door and is sold separately.

Backroom

Measure the backroom, which is the distance between the garage’s back wall and the garage door opening. It must be 18 inches taller than the door.

Replacing a Garage Door

Depending on how your current door install and the mechanical design of your new door, each circumstance will be unique. However, according to Morrow, experienced installers typically adhere to these procedures when changing a door.

What you require

Depending on the type of door you are installing, a different set of tools will require for the installation. Installation of the spring may require the use of additional tools. For any additional items required, consult the information provided by the manufacturer of your garage door.

• working gloves
• security glasses
• locking pliers or “C” clamps
• Hammer
• Philips screwdriver
• Measurement tape
• Set of Level Sockets
• toolset
• Bits and drills
• A stapler
• Sawzallrotating bars
• portable impact weapon

StepladderTo supports the door sections while attaching hardware, use sawhorses.

1. Lower the old garage door and take out the panels one at a time after carefully releasing the tension from the springs. This procedure will vary slightly depending on whether the door uses extension springs or torsion springs, which are mounted on the header above the door (above the upper roller track).
2. The garage door operator should then disassemble, along with the tracks, laser sensor, and all brackets holding the system in place.
3. The rough opening frame should replace and ready.
   
4. Level the door and trim the bottom of the panel so that it is as flush with the concrete floor as you can to ensure a good fit.
5. To finish the bottom panel and create a weather-tight seal that shields the interior of the house from the elements, install weatherstripping.
6. Attach the hardware, such as the corner brackets and hinges, once the lower panel is complete. To avoid scratches. Evan advises covering sawhorses with thick towels or non-abrasive carpets.
7. Now that the rollers have place in the tracks and the tracks have secure to the new garage door frame, the rollers and tracks prepare for installation.
8. The tension rod assembly and panel attachment come next. The panels should now move effortlessly via the rollers down the track.
9. Screw the tracks together once you satisfie with how the rollers are moving along the track.
10. Fasten all of the hinges, position and install the end bearing to hold the tension rod, and then attach the cable and springs.
11. Finally, assemble the operator support by mounting the motor and mounting the operator rail to the bracket.

Advice and Techniques to Bear in Mind

Brickner advises that you take your time and pay close attention to the directions throughout the process. He also advises ordering the garage door to deliver to your house rather than attempting to transport it in a pickup to save you the trouble of transportation. Evans advises DIYers to watch videos produced by businesses and experts. These videos will help you understand the project and any nuances unique to the system of your door.

Above all, prioritize your safety. “A door is an extremely difficult project for an inexperienced DIYer,” says Morrow. “There are lots of moving parts, heavy equipment, and dangerous circumstances.” Only qualified professionals should attempt this project because maintaining proper safety precautions is one of the most frequent challenges for garage door installation.

FAQ

Can a garage door’s section be replaced?

Sections that are damaged can replace. The top or bottom section typically sustains the most damage or subject to the greatest force during an impact. However. Each section can change separately or all at once.

Can a garage door be wrapped?

A new vinyl wrap is a quick and simple way to update your garage door while also giving it long-lasting protection. The greatest benefit of a vinyl door wrap is that it allows you to create any style you can imagine.

What is the price of Garageskins?

Our panels are easy to install and sufficiently lightweight to ensure that your garage door opener and springs can support the added weight. Additionally, at $1199 for a 2-car garage system, it’s a cost-effective addition to your lovely home.

Can you change just one panel on a garage door?

A garage door can indeed have just one panel replaced. Make sure the garage door’s other components are in good shape. It might be wise to replace the entire door if it has not been maintained properly.

Can a garage door’s bottom panel be replaced alone?

The bottom panels of garage doors typically sustain damage. Which is easily repaired by replacing the panels. You can get assistance with those repairs from an expert door panel replacement service.

Related: For a manageable space, here are 27 ingenious garage organizer ideas and products.