Does your garage door make strange noises? Or do you find it difficult to open or close? These may all be signs that it is time to consider a garage door replacement. This article will discuss everything there is to know about garage door replacements.
From answering common questions and listing signs of a worn-out garage door to explaining the process of doing a garage door replacement yourself, this article has you covered!
Can You Replace Your Garage Door Yourself?
Yes, you can replace your own garage door. How well you do this, and whether it is difficult to do, is another question. However, if you are an experienced DIY’er, have the necessary tools, and have knowledge on how to do so, you might just succeed.
You should, however, keep in mind that replacing the door itself because it is worn or because you want a different look and feel is different from troubleshooting a technical problem. Technical problems such as the door not shutting correctly or stopping midway are something you should consult a professional on.
Can You Replace A Garage Door Without Replacing The Tracks?
Yes, you can replace a garage door without replacing the tracks. This will typically occur if you want to give your garage door a facelift and maybe want to change the door from steel to wood or vice versa. However, if your tracks are rusted, bent, or have any other damage, then you will have to replace them.
How Often Should You Replace A Garage Door?
It is expected to replace a garage door at least every ten to twenty years, depending on how often you use it or how well you have maintained your garage door. However, a wooden garage door will degrade faster than a steel or aluminium door, so keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear.
When Is It Time To Replace A Garage Door?
There are a few signs that can indicate that it is time to replace your garage door. If you notice any of the following, it might be time for a replacement:
Recurring Breakdowns
Calling professional garage door repair services over and over again can be costly. If you find yourself frequently needing repairs (more than once in 6 months), it might be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your garage door.
Noticeable Wear-and-Tear
Scrapes, bumps, and dents are bound to occur when one uses a garage door every day. However, if the damage becomes too severe, it might affect the working of your garage door. A banged-up garage door isn’t too easy on the eye either; thus, if you are looking to sell your property, it might bring down its value.
Worrying Noises
The average groan or creek that one hears as a result of a lack of oil is quite normal and nothing to worry about. But, if you hear consistent grinding or scraping every time the garage door opens and closes, it might be time to seek the advice of a professional to see if it is time to replace your garage door.
Irregular Closing Speeds
If your garage door suddenly opens and closes at an irregular pace, it could indicate an internal fault. Internal faults in garage doors usually lead to a replacement because they pose a safety hazard and often require costly repairs.
The Process Of Replacing A Garage Door
If your garage door system is in good condition and you are only planning on replacing the door itself, then there are a few steps that you can follow to do so. It should, however, be said that this will not be simple or possible without the proper know-how and equipment. It is also advisable to have two people replace a garage door as they are heavy.
Measure
When starting the process, it is important to measure your current garage door so that you may order the correct size. Without the correct garage door size, you will not be able to replace your garage door correctly. The last thing you want is to realise you have the wrong size halfway through the replacement and then be without a garage door while you wait for the correct size to be delivered.
Safety
It is important to disconnect your garage door opener. You may then lift your garage door all the way up and lock it in place with locking pliers. You should then remove the tension on your side-mounted springs by tying the springs to the roller track and detaching the cable from the bottom bracket.
You can then lower the door again carefully. Remember that the door has no more tension and will slam down when the pliers are removed, so do this carefully and slowly with a second person. It will place you in danger if you fail to do this correctly.
Remove Screws
You can then start to remove screws and bolts that are holding the door in place. Again, have someone with you when you do this. Once all of the screws and bolts are out, you can carefully remove it from the track. If your garage door consists of panels, you will remove each panel individually.
Install New Door
You will then start to install the new door, ensuring that you carefully slide the door into the track. Make sure that there is no unevenness when you do this. Once in the track, you can secure the new screws and bolts.
Reconnection
At this point, you can reconnect the tension and then the opener.
Testing
It is important to test your garage door once everything has been connected. Be sure to stand somewhere safe when doing this so that you do not get hurt if something goes wrong.
We will once again reiterate that installing a garage door yourself can be very dangerous and that there are many things that can go wrong. It is best to contact a professional garage door company near you, like us at Adams Doors, to handle the installation for you. Contact our team to receive a free assessment and quote today!
