Metal Garage Door Installation Made Easy

Garage door installation or replacement is necessary if your current unit has become warped, cracked, misaligned or otherwise dysfunctional. Even metal units can become cracked or dented over time. The installation process concerning a metal door will typically take two individuals at least a full weekend to complete. Though, with a little patience, perseverance and determination, all that hard work can end up resulting in a more functional and attractive garage door. Below, you will learn about the key steps in a garage door installation, and you'll get a few tips and tricks along the way.

Step 1 - Following the instructions found in the owner's manual, attach weather-stripping to the end of the bottom panel using galvanized roofing nails. Cable brackets should be screwed to the door to help secure the stripping. The bottom panel should then be placed in the doorway.

Step 2 - Sixteen penny nails should be driven into the jambs found on each side of the door to ensure that the bottom panel is properly secured. The hinges included in the kit should then be attached to the bottom panel's top edge. Next, mount the brackets included in your kit to the door jambs, and insert rollers to the panel brackets.

Step 3 - Piece together the vertical tracks for the unit based on the instructions found in the owner's manual. Position a track on each side of the door and slip both tracks onto the rollers on the bottom panel. Now you will be able to secure the doorway frame to the track.

Step 4 - The rollers for the second panel can now be installed. Once done, position the panel above the bottom panel and place the rollers in the correct spot on the track. Connect hinges to the second panel and attach the panel to the bottom panel using a power drill and hinge screws.

Step 5 - The third panel should be installed in the same fashion as the second as outlined in Step 4. Inspect the work to make certain that the unit is parallel to the tracks with a level before fastening the top vertical track plates by using a ratchet wrench to tighten the lag screws.

Step 6 - Piece together the door kit's horizontal and curved tracks according to the manufacturer's instructions. The tracks can be connected using the curved corner tracks provided. Once in place, install the top panel as per the directions outlined in Step 4.

Step 7 - Secure the rear track hangers included in your metal garage door kit to a joist in the ceiling on each side of the unit. The hangers should then be mounted to the horizontal tracks. Attach the lift cable and springs, also found within the kit, to the hangers and door as specified in the owner's manual.

Step 8 - Keep in mind that these units are very heavy and dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. Be safe or be sorry. It isn't a successful garage door installation unless everyone finished made it through uninjured.