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10 Step Guide of How to Install a Garage Door

10 Step Guide of How to Install a Garage Door

Oleg Chudnovski

Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski on Nov 21, 2023 | Written by Fix Appliances CA Editorial Contributors

It’s amazing how much a new garage door can spruce up the exterior appearance of your home. It makes it more appealing to visitors and potential buyers — it also makes it safe and secure.
We won’t mislead you and tell you that installing a garage door on your own is easy, but it is possible if you’re extra handy at home improvements to replace one on your own.
If you’re wondering how to install a new garage door, below we’ve included a list of the tools you’ll need for the job and a 10-step guide clarifying in detail how to install an overhead garage door — it will walk you through the entire process.

Preparation For Installing A Garage Door

Before starting your new garage door installation, you’ll want to be fully prepared with the right tools. For safety reasons, it’s never a bad idea to have a helper on hand to assist as well. Also, it may be best to tackle this job on the weekend as it normally takes between 3 and 5 hours to complete. Here are the tools you’ll want to have on hand before you begin:

  • Safety boots and glasses
  • Cordless drill and drill bits
  • A good working level
  • Socket set
  • Pair of adjustable locking pliers
  • A good set of wrenches
  • Phillip’s head screwdriver or drill bit attachment
  • Hammer

This list should be everything you need to install your new garage door. Still, it’s also a good idea to consult any garage door installation instructions provided by the door manufacturer. Next, we’ll go through the steps at each stage of the installation process.

Garage Door Installation Instructions: Step By Step Guide

Now that you know the tools you need and have them all assembled, it’s time to start the installation. Remember, you’ll want to set aside between 3 and 5 hours for this job.

Step #1: Releasing The Tension
Before beginning any garage door installation, safety is always at the forefront of your mind. The first step is to release the tension of the torsion spring so you can continue with the Installation safely. Safety should always be your number one concern when you’re considering how hard it is to install a garage door.
You’ll want to use your locking pliers to secure it on the torsion shaft with the door in the open position. It should then be safe to detach the cables and remove the springs.

Step #2: Disengage The Automatic Garage Door Opener
Before removing your garage door panels, you’ll want to disconnect the automatic door opener from the electric outlet so it can’t be accidentally engaged. Unplug the power and pull down on the red emergency handle. It should now be safe to proceed to the next step.

Step #3: Detach The Old Door Panels
Removing the old sectional door panels is relatively straightforward. First, remove the attached hinges and the bolts from the track. Repeat this step for each panel and remove all old panels.

Step #4: Attach The New Garage Door Panels
Before attaching the new door panels, you may need to use a reinforcing bar if it is a double door. Next, you’ll want to attach hinges to each panel, as well as axle supports on the top and bottom panels.
Now it’s time to attach the first panel to the door opening — it’s usually a good idea to use a nail to hold it in place, or if you have an assistant, they can help. Always ensure each panel is level before moving on to the next one. Continue this process until all new panel sections are installed.

Step #5: Connect All Hinges and The Tracking System For The New Door
After you have the panels attached, ensure all hinges are secured and begin to install the track system. Make sure the wheels are aligned correctly and roll freely on the tracks.

Step #6: Connect The Spring Support System to the Tracking System
Next, you can piece together the spring support system and attach it to the tracks. If you have any doubts at this point, consult the manufacturer’s manual on how to hang a garage door for further guidance.
You can now attach the curved portion of the track to the vertical piece and the ceiling bracket from your old door.

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Step #7: Attach and Install The Tracks and Springs
You can attach the horizontal and vertical tracks and the door at this point. Then, you can proceed with attaching the spring anchors to the springs. After that, attach the spring locking cone.
It’s important to ensure the last step is followed, as the cone needs to be nice and secure to prevent the spring from loosening under the tension.

Step #8: Connect and Secure All Pulleys and Torsion Rod
You’re now ready to install the pulleys and the torsion rod. The torsion rod should fit nicely into the header brackets on either wall and then you can attach the pulleys at either side of the rod.

Step #9: Connect and Secure Cable System
The job isn’t quite finished yet. We still need to connect and secure the cable system. First, you’ll want to attach the cable to the pulley wheel and ensure it’s nice and tight with minimal slack. Then, you’ll want to slide the wheel to the header brackets and tighten it.

Step #10: Tighten All Springs and Inspect All Completed Work
Before tightening the springs, use locking pliers on the rod outside the bracket to prevent it from spinning while you tighten. Now, you can turn the rod to tighten the spring. If you’re unsure how often you need to do this, consult your new door’s instruction manual on assembling a garage door.
Once the spring has achieved the desired tension, tighten all bolts to fasten the spring in the correct position and remove your locking pliers. Check everything over once more to make sure everything’s secure.

How to Install a Garage Door: Professional Installation vs DIY

If you’ve read through a step-by-step ‘how to install a garage door’ guide and have second thoughts about installing your new garage door on your own, you’re not alone. A new door installation can be complicated and time-consuming; garage door installation costs must also be considered. Here are the advantages of installing your door and the disadvantages:

Advantages of DIY Installation

  • It saves money
  • Schedule the installation whenever time permits
  • No need to coordinate your schedule with others

Disadvantages of DIY Installation

  • If you make a mistake, it can be costly
  • Installation can be time-consuming
  • Installing a new garage door can be dangerous without the right tools and proper expertise

Advantages of Hiring a Professional to Install Your Garage Door

  • There’s a better chance your installation will last
  • Installation services come with a guarantee
  • You don’t have to commit your valuable time to the process

Disadvantages of Hiring a Professional to Install Your Garage Door

  • Safety boots and glasses
  • Garage door installation by a professional will be more costly
  • You have to coordinate your schedule with the installation company
  • You won’t have full access to your garage during the installation process

How Hard Is It to Install a Garage Door By Yourself?

Installing a garage door by yourself isn’t for everyone. It can be a dangerous job if you’re not prepared, and it will take up a few hours of your time at a minimum. If you have doubts about your ability to do the work yourself, contact the professionals at Fix Garage Doors CA.
We’ve been one of the garage repair services in Toronto and the GTA’s most trusted garage door installation names. If you’d like to speak with one of our representatives today to set up your installation or to get a price estimate, call 905-247-6699  or send us a service request online.

Date of page creation: July 22, 2021

Page update date: November 21, 2023