Garage Door Installation for Your Home

While garage door installation is a simple process if you follow the instruction manual in your handbook, there are a few little things you may overlook that are key to smooth operation of that door for a long lasting installation.

Garage doors used in homes are often constructed of metal that is very thin. This metal has been formed in such a way to make sure that the metal is as stiff as possible. Since the metal is light in weight, most doors will require a garage door stiffener for use with a garage door opener. This is a piece of at least fourteen gauge steel angle iron. It is installed at the top of the door. Some doors will have this built in but many do not. In fact, some require that you purchase the steel separately from the garage door. Without this stiffener, the opener may place enough force on the top panel of the door to bend the panel. If this happens the garage door mechanism may become stuck and require repair.

You also need to avoid installing the garage door motor anywhere other than at the center of the garage door. When installed somewhere other than the center of the door, undue stress is placed on one side of the door that can cause the mechanism to jam.

An insulated garage door may be a good option for you. These panels are often stiffer than other panels that do not have the insulation and help when you are trying to heat or cool your garage. If the rest of the garage is insulated, adding an insulated garage door can cut heating or cooling costs for the rest of your home even though the garage is not heated or cooled. Additionally, insulated garage doors help to keep noise in or out. If you have a band that is practicing in your garage, the insulated doors may keep the neighbors form complaining about the noise.

Both chain and screw type garage door openers have proven to be effective and reliable. For an eight foot door many people prefer a motor that is at least one-third HP. Doors that are ten to twelve feet in length need a motor that is at least one-half horsepower.

Make sure that the lights, power outlets as well as smoke detectors have been installed in such a was as to be out of the way of the garage door opener.

Always use lag screws to attach garage doors and accessories. Never use nails. Nails do not have the strength and may pull out under the stress of the weight of a garage door.

At the bottom of the garage door is a rubber gasket. It should be pressed to the floor of the garage about one half inch in order to keep the moisture from the rain outside of the garage.

Garage doors have a counter balance system that is made of springs. This system keeps the door from slamming shut if disconnected from the garage door opener. The door should stop and stat at about one foot intervals from the ground up. Adjustment of these springs should not be done unless you are sure of what you are doing.

When installing a garage door, be sure that you follow the directions that are printed in the installation manual. They will have more specifics on garage door installation. If you just don't want to tackle installing your own garage doors you can have it done professionally. There are a number of advantages to going this route, one not being cost. The trade off really comes down to whether you want to pay for it or not.