Have you noticed your garage door has been making strange noises? Perhaps it has been stopping midway while opening and closing or maybe you just don’t like your garage door anymore and would like to give it a face-lift. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about garage door replacement.
Can You Replace a 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 is 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 would 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. If the tracks are damaged, they could cause issues such as difficulty while opening and closing, an unbalanced garage door, and possibly even be dangerous to you and your family.
How to Do a Simple Garage Door Replacement
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 size garage door 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 your 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 does go 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 that will be able to assist you with this in an efficient and safe manner. This will also allow the installers to diagnose any problems should they come up and resolve those issues for you.
At Adams Doors we specialise in installing and repairing garage doors, and will be more than happy to assist you in your installation. Contact our team to receive a free assessment and quote.
